Palm Vegetable Shortening

Palm vegetable shortening is a solid fat made from palm oil. Palm oil comes from the fruit of oil palm trees. The oil is typically refined, bleached, and deodorized, and then often hydrogenated or interesterified to make it solid at room temperature.

Manufacturers use palm shortening for its ability to create flaky textures and tender baked goods. It provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel. It is commonly found in cookies, pastries, croissants, muffins, and crackers.

Palm shortening is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Like other fats, it is calorie-dense. Some studies suggest that the saturated fat content in palm oil may affect cholesterol levels, while others indicate a more neutral effect compared to other saturated fats. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated palm oil and its derivatives.