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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Shea nut oil is used as a fat or oil in food products, particularly …
What it is
Shea nut is the seed of the shea tree, native to West Africa. The nuts are typically roasted, shelled, and then pressed to extract the oil, which is then refined for use in food.
Why it's used
Shea nut oil is used as a fat or oil in food products, particularly in confectionery like chocolates. It can help improve texture and mouthfeel. It is also sometimes used in baked goods.
Health notes
Shea nut oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is primarily a source of fat and contains fatty acids. JECFA has evaluated shea nut oil and has not specified a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI). There are no widespread controversies regarding its use at typical consumption levels.
Allergen info
Shea nuts are botanically related to tree nuts, but are not considered a major allergen by the FDA. Shea nut oil is not derived from any of the nine major allergens.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.