Sustainably Sourced Palm Kernel And Palm Oil

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are vegetable oils derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. The oil comes from the flesh of the fruit (palm oil) and the kernel inside the fruit (palm kernel oil). Both are refined before being used in food products.

Palm oils are used in many processed foods due to their versatility and texture. They function as a stable fat source, improving mouthfeel and shelf life in products like cookies, baked goods, snacks, and cereals. They can also act as emulsifiers and contribute to the texture of chocolate and confectionery.

Palm oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a source of saturated fat, and dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat intake. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated palm oil. Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of palm oil production, including deforestation and habitat loss, which are separate from its nutritional profile.