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

Commonly found in

CosmeticsLip balmsBody oilsBody buttersChocolateSupplementsBaked goodsPiesAnti-aging oilsInstant noodlesInfant formulaBodybuilding supplements

All fat & oil ingredients (44)

Apricot Kernel Oil

Vegan

A gentle, lightweight nut oil.

Arachidonic Acid

Not Vegan

An omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for inflammatory responses and muscle growth.

Baobab Seed Oil

Vegan

A nutrient-rich oil from the African baobab tree.

Black Cumin Seed Oil

Vegan

A potent antibacterial oil.

Borage Seed Oil

Vegan

The highest natural source of GLA.

Butyrospermum Parkii

Vegan

The scientific/INCI name for Shea Butter, an incredibly rich fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree.

Caesar Dressing

Not Vegan

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

Vegan

A traditional Asian hair and skin oil.

Caprylic Acid

Check the Label

A medium-chain fatty acid known for its antibacterial properties, used in supplements and cosmetics.

Castor Oil

Vegan

A thick, pale-yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant.

Cocoa Butter

Vegan

The pale-yellow fat extracted from the cocoa bean, used to make chocolate.

Coconut Oil

Vegan

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

Vegan

A vegan alternative to lanolin from the Amazon.

E570 (Stearic acid)

Check the Label

A fatty acid used as a binder in supplements and chewing gum.

E913 (Lanolin)

Not Vegan

A waxy substance used in cosmetics and as a source of Vitamin D3.

Emu Oil

Not Vegan

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

Vegan

An oil used to balance skin moisture.

Grapeseed Oil

Vegan

A non-comedogenic oil.

Hazelnut Seed Oil

Vegan

An astringent nut oil.

Hoof Oil

Not Vegan

An oil produced from the hooves of cattle.

Kokum Seed Butter

Vegan

A non-greasy hard plant butter.

Krill Oil

Not Vegan

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

Vegan

A Hawaiian nut oil for skin healing.

Lard

Not Vegan

A semi-solid white fat product used in baking and frying.

Marula Seed Oil

Vegan

A luxury facial oil from Africa.

Mink Oil

Not Vegan

An oil extracted from the fat of minks, traditionally used to condition and waterproof leather, and sometimes in cosmetics.

Moringa Seed Oil

Vegan

A lightweight oil known as 'Behen Oil'.

Murumuru Butter

Vegan

A moisture-locking plant butter.

Neatsfoot Oil

Not Vegan

A yellow oil rendered and purified from the shin bones and feet (but not the hooves) of cattle.

Neem Seed Oil

Vegan

A bitter oil used for problematic skin.

Oleic Acid

Check the Label

A naturally occurring fatty acid used in the food and cosmetic industries as an emulsifier and emollient.

Omega-3 EPA/DHA (Fish Oil)

Not Vegan

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

Vegan

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

Vegan

A regenerative fruit seed oil.

Refined Palm Oil

Vegan

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

Vegan

A Vitamin A-rich oil for scar repair.

Squalene

Check the Label

A moisturizing ingredient used in cosmetics and some supplements.

Suet

Not Vegan

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

Vegan

A classic emollient oil.

Tallow

Not Vegan

A rendered form of beef or mutton fat used in cooking and soap making.

Tamanu Oil

Vegan

A powerful healing oil from the South Pacific.

Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter

Vegan

The scientific name for Cocoa Butter, the pale-yellow fat extracted from the cocoa bean.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Check the Label

A common vitamin added to cereals, juices, and supplements.

Walnut Seed Oil

Vegan

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.