Fat & Oil Ingredients
We've indexed 44 fat & oil ingredients. Of those, 27 confirmed vegan, 12 non-vegan, 5 that depend on the source. Use this hub to look up any fat & oil on a label and find vegan alternatives where needed.
What are fat & oil ingredients?
Fats and oils give food richness, mouthfeel, and energy. Plant oils (olive, coconut, sunflower, palm) are vegan; animal fats (lard, tallow, butter, ghee, fish oil) are not. Some shortenings and margarines blend both — always check the label.
Fat & Oil at a glance
Vegan fat & oil ingredients
Non-vegan fat & oil ingredients to avoid
Common E-numbers in this category
Commonly found in
All fat & oil ingredients (44)
Apricot Kernel Oil
A gentle, lightweight nut oil.
Arachidonic Acid
An omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for inflammatory responses and muscle growth.
Baobab Seed Oil
A nutrient-rich oil from the African baobab tree.
Black Cumin Seed Oil
A potent antibacterial oil.
Borage Seed Oil
The highest natural source of GLA.
Butyrospermum Parkii
The scientific/INCI name for Shea Butter, an incredibly rich fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree.
Caesar Dressing
A creamy, tangy salad dressing traditionally served with romaine lettuce and croutons. Its distinct flavor comes from a blend of oil, egg, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and anchovies.
Camellia Seed Oil
A traditional Asian hair and skin oil.
Caprylic Acid
A medium-chain fatty acid known for its antibacterial properties, used in supplements and cosmetics.
Castor Oil
A thick, pale-yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant.
Cocoa Butter
The pale-yellow fat extracted from the cocoa bean, used to make chocolate.
Coconut Oil
An edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. It is a saturated fat that is solid at room temperature and used widely in cooking, baking, and personal care products.
Cupuacu Butter
A vegan alternative to lanolin from the Amazon.
E570 (Stearic acid)
A fatty acid used as a binder in supplements and chewing gum.
E913 (Lanolin)
A waxy substance used in cosmetics and as a source of Vitamin D3.
Emu Oil
An oil extracted from the fat of the emu, a flightless bird native to Australia. It is marketed for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Evening Primrose Oil
An oil used to balance skin moisture.
Grapeseed Oil
A non-comedogenic oil.
Hazelnut Seed Oil
An astringent nut oil.
Hoof Oil
An oil produced from the hooves of cattle.
Kokum Seed Butter
A non-greasy hard plant butter.
Krill Oil
An oil extracted from krill, which are small shrimp-like crustaceans. It's sold as a dietary supplement for its omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and astaxanthin content.
Kukui Nut Oil
A Hawaiian nut oil for skin healing.
Lard
A semi-solid white fat product used in baking and frying.
Marula Seed Oil
A luxury facial oil from Africa.
Mink Oil
An oil extracted from the fat of minks, traditionally used to condition and waterproof leather, and sometimes in cosmetics.
Moringa Seed Oil
A lightweight oil known as 'Behen Oil'.
Murumuru Butter
A moisture-locking plant butter.
Neatsfoot Oil
A yellow oil rendered and purified from the shin bones and feet (but not the hooves) of cattle.
Neem Seed Oil
A bitter oil used for problematic skin.
Oleic Acid
A naturally occurring fatty acid used in the food and cosmetic industries as an emulsifier and emollient.
Omega-3 EPA/DHA (Fish Oil)
A dietary supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is sourced from the tissues of oily fish and used for its purported health benefits.
Palm Oil
An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms. It's a highly versatile and widely used ingredient in a vast range of consumer products from food to cosmetics.
Pomegranate Seed Oil
A regenerative fruit seed oil.
Refined Palm Oil
An edible vegetable oil derived from the pulp of the fruit of oil palms. The refining process neutralizes its color and flavor, making it a stable and versatile ingredient in food manufacturing.
Rosehip Fruit Oil
A Vitamin A-rich oil for scar repair.
Squalene
A moisturizing ingredient used in cosmetics and some supplements.
Suet
The hard, raw fat from beef or mutton found around the kidneys, prized in traditional British baking for its high melting point.
Sweet Almond Oil
A classic emollient oil.
Tallow
A rendered form of beef or mutton fat used in cooking and soap making.
Tamanu Oil
A powerful healing oil from the South Pacific.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
The scientific name for Cocoa Butter, the pale-yellow fat extracted from the cocoa bean.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
A common vitamin added to cereals, juices, and supplements.
Walnut Seed Oil
A flavorful nut oil.
Frequently asked about fat & oil
Are all fat & oil ingredients vegan?
Not all. Of 44 fat & oil ingredients indexed, 27 are vegan, 12 are non-vegan, and 5 can go either way depending on the manufacturer.
Which fat & oil ingredients should vegans avoid?
The most common non-vegan fat & oil ingredients are Arachidonic Acid, Caesar Dressing, E913 (Lanolin). See the list below for the full breakdown and vegan alternatives for each.
What are vegan alternatives to fat & oil ingredients?
Popular plant-based replacements include Jojoba oil, Vegetable shortening, Flaxseed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil. Each non-vegan entry below lists specific alternatives suited to its function.
How do I spot fat & oil ingredients on a food label?
Look for the substance name or its E-number. Common fat & oil E-numbers include E-476, E570, E913. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's vegan certification or contact them directly.
Why are some fat & oil ingredients listed as "check label"?
5 fat & oil ingredients we've indexed can be derived from either plant or animal sources depending on the manufacturer. The vegan status only becomes clear when you check the brand or look for vegan certification.