Palm And Palm Kernel Oil With Sorbitan Tristearate

This ingredient is a blend of palm oil, palm kernel oil, and sorbitan tristearate. Palm and palm kernel oils are derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. Sorbitan tristearate is a synthetic emulsifier made from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) and stearic acid (a fatty acid).

This blend functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food products. It helps to keep oil and water-based ingredients from separating, creating a smoother texture. It is often found in processed foods like snack bars, baked goods, and confectionery.

Palm and palm kernel oil are fats, and their health effects are similar to other saturated fats. Sorbitan tristearate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an emulsifier. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sorbitan tristearate and set acceptable daily intake levels. Evidence on the health effects of palm oil consumption is mixed, with some studies linking high intake of saturated fats to increased risk of heart disease, while others suggest a more complex picture.