Vegetable Oil Shortening Palm Oil

Vegetable oil shortening made from palm oil is a type of fat that is solid at room temperature. It is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree. Palm oil is naturally semi-solid, making it suitable for use as a shortening without extensive processing.

Manufacturers add palm oil shortening to foods to provide texture, improve mouthfeel, and extend shelf life. It is commonly used in baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and snack cakes, as well as in savory items such as pizza and frozen appetizers.

Palm oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. 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 (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated palm oil.