Palm oil
Learn what Palm oil (Palm oil) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Palm oil?
Palm oil contains saturated fats, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to health problems such as elevated cholesterol levels. Like all vegetable oils, palm oil does not contain cholesterol, although the intake of saturated fats raises both LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Why is Palm oil added to food?
Palm oil (Palm oil) is a fat commonly found in: Pastry products, bakery products, confectionery products.
Permitted quantity: In medicine, it is used in small amounts of 7-12 grams per day for up to 6 months.
Is Palm oil safe?
Moderate concern
Contains fats that may increase cholesterol levels.
Is Palm oil banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Palm oil okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Palm oil
- Pastry products
- bakery products
- confectionery products
How to spot Palm oil on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- Palm oil
- Palm oil
Common misspellings to watch for:
- palm oll
- dalm oil
- palm oil
- pdlm oil
Better alternatives
• Excessive consumption of palm oil can contribute to increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. • It may promote the development of obesity and metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes if consumed in large quantities. • Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or high cholesterol should avoid excessive consumption of palm oil. • May cause inflammation and irritation of the intestinal mucosa, leading to digestive discomfort. • Long-term excessive consumption can affect liver health, negatively impacting liver function.
Also known as
- palm oll
- dalm oil
- palm oil
- pdlm oil
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Palm oil? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including Palm oil — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Palm oil
- Is Palm oil safe to eat?
- Contains fats that may increase cholesterol levels.
- Is Palm oil banned anywhere?
- Palm oil is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Palm oil safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Palm oil on a food label?
- Look for Palm oil, Palm oil in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: palm oll, dalm oil, palm oil.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.