Ingredient
Fractionated Palm Kernel and Palm Oil
What is Fractionated Palm Kernel and Palm Oil?
Fractionated palm kernel and palm oil are derived from the palm fruit kernel and the palm oil itself, which are separated into components based on melting points. This process, known as fractionation, creates oils with different properties for various uses.
These oils are often used in food products for their stability and shelf life, providing a texture that is desirable in baked goods and confections. The health implications of palm oil are a subject of ongoing debate, with some studies linking its consumption to increased cardiovascular risk due to its saturated fat content, while its effects can vary depending on diet and overall health.
On labels, fractionated palm oils might imply a preference for specific oil fractions to cater to specific functionalities in product formulations such as texture or melting point.
Commonly found in: baked goods, confections, margarines, non-dairy creamers, snack foods
What to watch
- Palm oil production is linked to deforestation and habitat destruction.
- High saturated fat content may increase heart disease risk in some individuals.
Fractionated palm kernel and palm oil are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products.
Research shows mixed results, with concerns about saturated fats versus potential benefits of carotenoids and tocotrienols present in unrefined forms.
While plant-derived, some vegans avoid palm oil due to environmental and ethical concerns around its cultivation.
Sources: Food Additive Status · Palm Oil and Health: A Review
Scout's take
Industrially processed tropical oils high in saturated fat.
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