Vegetable Shortening Palm

Vegetable shortening made from palm oil. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees. The oil is then processed and hydrogenated to create a solid fat with a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Manufacturers use vegetable shortening made from palm oil for its ability to create flaky textures in baked goods and its stability at high temperatures. It is commonly found in crackers, cookies, biscuits, and other baked items where a solid fat is needed.

Vegetable shortening made from palm oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Like other fats, it is calorie-dense. While palm oil contains saturated fat, its health effects are debated, with some research suggesting it may raise LDL cholesterol while others indicate it may not have as significant an impact as other saturated fats. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated palm oil and its derivatives.