Palm oil is a ubiquitous ingredient in the food industry, prized for its versatility, stability, and affordability. However, its widespread use raises concerns about deforestation and sustainability. Understanding What Food Has Palm Oil is the first step in making informed choices as a consumer. This guide provides a detailed list of common food products that often contain palm oil, helping you navigate your grocery shopping with awareness.
Baked Goods
Palm oil is frequently used in baked goods due to its ability to create desirable textures and extend shelf life.
Biscuits/Cookies
Palm oil acts as a shortening agent in biscuits and cookies, resulting in a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also avoids trans fatty acids (TFAs), making these treats a healthier option than those with other vegetable oils.
Bread
The affordability and solid consistency at room temperature make palm oil a common ingredient in bread. It improves loaf volume and keeps bread soft.
Cake
The high oxidative stability of palm oil extends the shelf life of cakes. It also enhances texture, making cakes softer, airier, and more moist.
Breakfast Foods
Palm oil is found in several breakfast staples, contributing to their taste and preservation.
Breakfast Bars
Palm oil prevents breakfast bars from melting during transport and offers a healthier alternative to hydrogenated oils.
Cereal
Palm oil helps maintain the crunchiness and freshness of breakfast cereals.
Dairy & Alternatives
Palm oil plays a role in the consistency and stability of both dairy and non-dairy products.
Butter/Margarine
Palm oil prevents butter and margarine from oxidation, preserving their quality and flavor. It provides consistency, texture, and structure, remaining solid at room temperature without trans fats.
Ice Cream
Palm oil increases the melting point of ice cream and serves as a suitable replacement for dairy fats, providing a thicker, smoother consistency.
Non-Dairy Creamer
Palm oil contributes to the creamy flavor and texture of non-dairy creamers.
Whipping Cream
Palm oil is used in whipping cream for its stability, particularly in warmer temperatures.
Confectionery
Palm oil is vital to many confectionery products.
Chocolate/Chocolate Spread
Palm oil lends a smooth, shiny appearance to chocolate and chocolate spreads. It also helps prevent melting in warmer temperatures.
Savory Snacks & Meals
Palm oil appears in a wide range of savory items.
Crackers
Palm oil gives crackers a creamy texture and flavor.
Crisps
Often used as a cheaper alternative to other vegetable oils, palm oil is commonly used to fry potato chips/crisps.
Dried Nuts
Palm oil is regularly used to roast nuts because it is the cheapest vegetable oil.
Dry/Canned Soup
Palm oil serves as a natural preservative in processed meals like dry and canned soups.
Fast Food
Palm oil enhances the taste of processed food and is used for frying due to its high melting point. It also reduces greasiness in fast food.
Frozen Meals
Palm oil is added to frozen meals to prevent sticking and act as a natural preservative.
Frozen Waffles and Pancakes
Palm oil is used in frozen waffles and pancakes because it is cheaper than other vegetable oils.
Gravy Granules
Palm oil gives gravy a thick consistency when hot water is added to the granules.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are often fried in palm oil, with the average pack containing about 20% palm oil.
Microwave Popcorn
Palm oil provides a buttery taste to microwave popcorn and aids in popping the kernels.
Pizza Bases
Palm oil prevents dough from sticking, enhances texture, and adds crispiness to pizza bases.
Salad Dressing
Palm oil’s high content of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, makes it a very stable oil for salad dressings.
Other Products
Dog Food / Cat Food
Palm oil acts as a filler in pet food. It is edible, heat-resistant, and serves as a natural preservative, giving pet food a longer shelf life.
Infant Formula
Palm oil is used in infant formula to replicate a fatty acid present in human breast milk, making it the primary fat in instant formula. It also contributes to a creamy texture.
Peanut Butter
Palm oil prevents the nut oil from separating in peanut butter, resulting in a product that doesn’t require stirring and spreads more evenly.
Stock Cubes
Palm oil contains nutrients like carotenoids and vitamin E, which contribute to the health benefits of stock cubes.
Vegetable Shortening
Palm oil is used in producing vegetable shortening because it is solid at room temperature and provides a thick texture suitable for cooking and baking.
Vitamins
The nutrients in palm oil make it a suitable choice for use in vitamins.
Conclusion
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a comprehensive overview of the types of food products where palm oil is commonly found. By understanding what food has palm oil, consumers can make more informed purchasing decisions and support companies committed to sustainable palm oil production. Look for certifications like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to ensure that the palm oil used in your food is sourced responsibly.
