The Top 10 Products That Contain Palm Oil!

Did you know that palm oil is in a lot of the products you use every day? This vegetable oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree, and it’s used in everything from cosmetics to processed foods. In fact, palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world.

While palm oil is a versatile and affordable ingredient, it has come under fire in recent years due to its environmental impact. The production of palm oil is a leading cause of deforestation in tropical countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where most of the world’s palm oil is grown.

So, should you avoid palm oil altogether? Not necessarily. Here’s a look at some of the most popular products that contain palm oil, and what you can do to make more sustainable choices.

The Truth About Palm Oil

Palm oil production has skyrocketed over the past three decades, sneaking its way into our kitchens, cars, and supermarkets without much fanfare. This omnipresent good, however, is an industry built on stolen land and slave labor, and it has wreaked havoc on communities and ecosystems throughout the Global South.

The oil palm tree is native to Africa but is now grown in many tropical countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The expansion of palm oil plantations has led to the destruction of rainforests and the displacement of indigenous peoples.

Threatened species include the orangutan, and the carbon emissions from fires set to make room for plantations are on par with those from industrialized countries.

Even if you have never heard of palm oil before, chances are good that you already have at least fifteen of the products on this list stashed away in your kitchen, bathroom, or medicine cabinet. It’s not always referred to as “palm oil,” but you’ve probably seen it sold under one of these other names:

Palmitic Acid, Palm Stearine, Palmitoyl Oxostearamide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Kern Palmityl Alcohol, Etyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Hyrated Palm Glycerides, Vegetable Oil, Vegetable Fat, Palm Kernel, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Fruit Oil, Palmate, Palmitate, Palmolein, Glyceryl, Stearate, Stearic Acid, etc,.

Products That Contain Palm Oil

Did you know that palm oil is in over 50% of the packaged products in your grocery store?

It is a highly versatile ingredient that is used in many different products due to its properties. For instance, palm oil is semi-solid at room temperature, which makes it ideal for use in margarine and lipstick. It is also resistant to oxidation, meaning it has a longer shelf life than other oils.

As the demand for palm oil continues to grow, it is important to be aware of the products that contain it and the potential impact of their purchase. Here are 10 of the most popular products that contain palm oil.

1. Chocolate

One of the most surprising products on this list is chocolate. Palm oil is often used as a vegetable fat in chocolate production. It helps to create a smooth texture and prevents the chocolate from melting. Due to its high saturated fat content of 80%, palm kernel oil is frequently utilized by chocolate and candy manufacturers for its firm texture and other desirable characteristics.

2. Potato chips

Palm oil has been linked to environmental damage and human health concerns. It is a common ingredient in food products, including potato chips. The oil is used to fry the potatoes and gives them a crispy texture. This process releases harmful chemicals, including carbon dioxide, into the air. Palm oil also contains high levels of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

3. Margarine

Palm oil is a controversial ingredient because of the environmental and animal welfare concerns. It is used to create a semi-solid texture and helps to prevent the margarine from going rancid.

4. Soap

Palm oil is a popular ingredient in soap because it helps to create a dense lather. It is also used in laundry detergents and cleaning products. Some people are concerned about the impact of palm oil on the environment, as the oil is often extracted from the rainforest.

5. Shampoo

Palm oil is frequently used in shampoo and other hair care products because it creates a thick, creamy texture. The oil is also used in conditioners and other hair care products to help keep hair moisturized and protected from the elements.

6. Lipstick

Lipstick is another cosmetic that uses palm oil. The oil helps to create a smooth texture and prevents the lipstick from melting. Lipstick is also a popular choice for people who are looking for a long-lasting makeup application. However, the use of palm oil in lipstick has raised some concerns among consumers.

7. Bread

Bread is another common product that contains palm oil. The oil is used to shorten the dough and gives the bread a softer texture. Since palm oil and its derivatives are solid at room temperature, simple to bake with, and inexpensive, they are the perfect choice for extending the shelf life of bread sold in grocery stores.

8. Peanut Butter

Palm oil is used by peanut butter manufacturers like Skippy and Jif to achieve the perfect spread and creaminess in their products. Peanut butter is a traditional component of American lunchboxes. Because it is so inexpensive, it is also utilized as a filler; in fact, it is even less expensive than peanuts.

9. Ice cream

Palm oil is a common ingredient in many foods, including ice cream. The oil helps to create a smooth, creamy texture. Palm oil is also used in many other foods, including cookies, cakes, and pastries. Many common household ice cream brands use palm oil as an ingredient for making ice cream.

10. Cookies

Cookies are another food that uses palm oil. The oil helps to create a crispy texture. Palm oil, which is semisolid at room temperature, has emerged as the ideal replacement for partially hydrogenated oils, which were formerly utilized to improve the texture and extend the shelf life of products like cookies and crackers but are now prohibited in many countries. Palm oil has emerged as the ideal swap-in for these oils because it has emerged as the ideal replacement for partially hydrogenated oils.

These are just some of the many products that contain palm oil. As the demand for palm oil continues to grow, it is important to be aware of its environmental impact. When possible, choose products that do not contain palm oil or that are certified sustainable.

Final Thoughts

The production of palm oil has had a negative impact on the environment. The clearing of rainforests to make way for palm oil plantations has resulted in the loss of habitat for many animals, including endangered species such as the orangutan. The use of palm oil has also been linked to climate change, as the burning of oil palm trees releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

There are also health concerns associated with the consumption of palm oil. Palm oil is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. The harvesting of palm oil can also lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Despite the negative impacts of palm oil production, it is still widely used in many products. To help protect the environment and our health, we should avoid using products that contain palm oil.