Palm Oil Palm Kernel Oil

Palm oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the reddish pulp of the fruit of the oil palm tree. Palm kernel oil is also a vegetable oil, but it is extracted from the kernel (seed) of the same fruit. Both are obtained through mechanical pressing.

These oils are widely used in processed foods due to their stability, smooth texture, and semi-solid state at room temperature. They contribute to the desired consistency and mouthfeel in products like baked goods, candies, and snack cakes, and are often used for frying.

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Both oils are high in saturated fat. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. JECFA has evaluated fats and oils as food ingredients, but typically does not set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for primary food components like these.