Rainforest Alliance Certified Palm Oil

Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees, which are native to West Africa but grown widely in tropical regions. It is extracted from both the flesh of the fruit (mesocarp) and the kernel. Rainforest Alliance Certified means the palm oil was produced according to standards that aim to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient used in many processed foods. Its semi-solid state at room temperature makes it useful for providing texture and structure, while its neutral flavor makes it a good base for other ingredients. It's often found in baked goods like cookies and crackers, as well as in margarine, chocolate, and ice cream.

Palm oil is a source of saturated fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. The FDA has not set specific upper intake limits for palm oil itself. JECFA has evaluated palm oil and its components. Research on palm oil's health effects is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others raising concerns, particularly regarding its saturated fat content.