Ingredient

Palm Oil Shortening

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use palm oil shortening to provide structure, tenderness, and flakiness in baked goods …

What it is

Palm oil shortening is a solid fat made from palm oil. It is processed to have a specific texture and melting point, making it suitable for baking and frying. Palm oil comes from the fruit of the oil palm tree.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use palm oil shortening to provide structure, tenderness, and flakiness in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pastries. It also helps extend shelf life and provides a smooth texture in many processed foods.

Health notes

Palm oil shortening is considered a food ingredient and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is high in saturated fat. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. JECFA has not set an acceptable daily intake for palm oil shortening, as it is considered a food ingredient rather than a food additive.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Palm Oil Shortening

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.