Palm kernel oil

Definition

Palm kernel oil is a vegetable oil derived from tropical oil palm trees’ seeds. It is more saturated than palm oil. Palm kernel oil is distinct from palm oil and red palm oil. See: Palm oil, Red palm oil.

Health considerations

Palm kernel oil is 48% lauric acid, 16% myristic acid, 8% palmitic acid (all saturated fats), and 15% monounsaturated oleic acid, with small amounts of other saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Palm kernel oil intake leads to higher cholesterol levels in rats compared to intake of corn oil. See: Lauric acid, Myristic acid.

May be found in

Peanut butter, nut butters, baked goods, spreads, donuts, bread, peanut butter, cookies, cakes, chocolate, confectionery, crackers, chocolate hazelnut spread, margarine

References

The Journal of Nutrition

Nutrition Research

Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society