Palm And Shea Oil

Palm and shea oil is a blend of fats derived from the fruit of oil palm trees and the nuts of shea trees. These oils are extracted through processes involving crushing and refining. The blend is often used as a substitute for cocoa butter in confectionery.

This blend functions as a fat or oil in food products, providing texture and mouthfeel. Manufacturers use it in baked goods like cookies and biscuits, as well as in confectionery and chocolate products, often as a less expensive alternative to cocoa butter.

Palm and shea oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of saturated and unsaturated fats. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated fats and oils, but specific evaluations for this blend may vary. Research on the health effects of dietary fats, including saturated fats, is ongoing, with varying conclusions on their impact on heart health.