Palm Kernel Oil/and Or Palm Oil

Palm oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree, while palm kernel oil is extracted from the kernel (seed) of the same fruit. Both are distinct oils with different fatty acid compositions, though both are high in saturated fats.

These oils are widely used in processed foods due to their stability, texture, and resistance to oxidation. They are found in products like baked goods, snacks, confectionery, and frying oils, contributing to mouthfeel and shelf life.

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for their intended uses in food. Both oils are high in saturated fat, and the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated dietary fats and oils, including palm oil, as part of a normal diet, and their safety as food ingredients is generally recognized.