Is it vegan? Ingredients

Is palm oil vegan?

Vegan

Quick answer: Yes. Palm oil is made from the fruit of the oil palm and contains no animal products, but its production has been linked to deforestation, so some vegans choose certified or palm-free products.

Also called: palm fat, palm kernel oil, vegetable oil (palm), palmitate, sodium palm kernelate

Why it’s vegan

Palm oil is a plant oil, so it is vegan by definition. The debate is environmental: Our World in Data reports that oil palm plantations were the largest single driver of deforestation in Indonesia between 2001 and 2016 (23%), although that share has fallen since its peak around 2008–2009.

Palm is also very land-efficient: in 2017 it produced 36% of the world’s vegetable oil on 8.6% of the land used for oil crops, and replacing it with other oils could require more land. Certification schemes such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) aim to reduce harm; their effectiveness is debated.

What to look for on the label

  • palm oil, palm fat, palm kernel oil
  • “vegetable oil” (may include palm)
  • RSPO trademark (certified sustainable palm)

Where it’s found

  • Biscuits, chocolate spreads and pastry
  • Margarine and vegan butters
  • Soap and cosmetics
  • Crisps and instant noodles

Vegan alternatives

  • RSPO-certified palm
  • Products made with rapeseed, sunflower or olive oil

Frequently asked questions

Is palm oil vegan?

Yes. Palm oil is made from the fruit of the oil palm and contains no animal products, but its production has been linked to deforestation, so some vegans choose certified or palm-free products.

Do vegans avoid palm oil?

Some do, for environmental reasons; it is still vegan. Many choose certified sustainable palm oil instead.

Sources

  1. Palm oil (Hannah Ritchie, 2021, updated 2024) — Our World in Data
  2. Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil — RSPO

Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.

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