Palm And Palm Kernel Oil For Freshness

Palm oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree, while palm kernel oil comes from the kernel (seed) of the same fruit. Both are widely used plant-based fats.

These oils are used in packaged foods like cakes, cupcakes, and snack cakes to provide texture, mouthfeel, and stability. Their semi-solid nature at room temperature helps maintain product structure and can contribute to a longer shelf life by slowing down spoilage.

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are sources of dietary fat, and both contain saturated fats, with palm kernel oil being particularly high in saturated fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories.