Palm oil
Palm oil is a vegetable fat used in biscuits, spreads, chocolate and snacks. It is high in saturated fat. EU labels must show where a vegetable oil comes from.
What it is
About half of its fat is saturated. Palm kernel oil, from the seed, holds even more. The label shows palm oil, palm fat or vegetable oil (palm).
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food |
|---|---|
| Adult | Medium |
| Child | Medium |
| Infant | Medium |
| Dog | Low |
| Cat | Low |
For people, the app relies on the WHO advice to keep saturated fat under 10 % of energy, to lower the risk of heart disease. For dogs and cats the concern is small: fatty food can upset the stomach.
Basis of the ratings: published studies; limited or mixed data, errs on safety.
Possible concerns: Cardiovascular.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (food), Child (food), Infant (food): Palm oil and palm kernel oil are about 50% and 80% saturated fat. WHO advises under 10% of energy from saturated fat to lower heart-disease risk.
- Dog (food), Cat (food): Palm oil and palm kernel oil are about 50% and 80% saturated fat. Fatty foods can upset the stomach. A link to pancreatitis is suspected but not firmly shown, so the rating stays Low.
Rules and use
Palm oil is an ordinary food ingredient, not an additive. Since December 2014, EU labels must say which plant a vegetable oil comes from, for example "palm oil" or "vegetable oil (palm)".
Read the guide: How to read an ingredient label
Sources
- WHO 2023: guideline on saturated and trans-fatty acid intake
- AHA 2017: dietary fats and cardiovascular disease (presidential advisory)
- Dietary fat and pancreatitis in dogs: evidence review (JAVMA, 2026)
- ACVIM consensus statement on pancreatitis in cats (2021)
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.