Palm Oil Myths Busted: What You Should Really Know
23rd May 2025
Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world. It’s found in thousands of everyday products, from snacks and cosmetics to cleaning agents and biofuels. Yet, despite its ubiquity, palm oil often finds itself at the center of heated debates and misconceptions, especially among consumers in the UK and beyond.
In this article, we’re setting the record straight by busting common palm oil myths. We’ll also explore the palm oil facts, highlight the palm oil benefits, and explain its role in everyday use — including palm oil for cooking and why it’s in products from brands like palm oil Tesco. So, whether you’re a curious consumer or a conscious shopper, this guide will give you the clear, balanced insight you need.
What Is Palm Oil?
Before diving into myths and facts, let’s clarify what palm oil actually is. Palm oil is a natural edible vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). It’s native to West Africa but is now widely grown in tropical regions such as Indonesia and Malaysia — the world’s leading producers.
The oil is highly versatile and prized for its unique properties: it remains semi-solid at room temperature, has a high smoke point, and is relatively inexpensive to produce. These qualities make palm oil ideal for cooking, frying, and use in processed foods, cosmetics, and household products.
Myth 1: Palm Oil Is Unhealthy and Bad for You
One of the most widespread myths about palm oil is that it is unhealthy and should be avoided at all costs. This idea stems from palm oil’s saturated fat content, which is higher than many other vegetable oils.
The Truth: Palm Oil Has Health Benefits When Consumed in Moderation
Yes, palm oil contains saturated fat — roughly 50% of its total fat content — but it also has beneficial nutrients such as vitamin E (in the form of tocotrienols and tocopherols) and carotenoids, which are antioxidants. Research suggests these antioxidants may help protect cells and reduce inflammation.
Palm oil’s balance of saturated and unsaturated fats makes it a stable cooking oil, especially for frying. Unlike some highly processed oils, palm oil does not easily oxidize or produce harmful free radicals during cooking, which can be better for heart health when used appropriately.
In the UK, palm oil is commonly used for cooking and baking because of these qualities, offering a practical option for households.
Myth 2: Palm Oil Is Always Linked to Deforestation and Environmental Damage
Many people associate palm oil production with massive deforestation, habitat loss, and environmental harm — and unfortunately, there is some truth to past unsustainable practices. However, the story isn’t black and white.
The Truth: Sustainable Palm Oil Exists and Is Growing
Palm oil has been a driver of deforestation in some parts of the world, particularly where regulations are lax and illegal clearing occurs. However, there are global efforts to produce palm oil sustainably.
Initiatives like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) have established standards for environmentally responsible palm oil cultivation, focusing on protecting forests, peatlands, and wildlife, and improving social conditions for workers and local communities.
Many retailers in the UK, including palm oil Tesco and other major supermarkets, have committed to sourcing 100% certified sustainable palm oil in their own-brand products. This means that not all palm oil on the market contributes to deforestation, and consumers can look for RSPO or other sustainability certifications to make eco-friendly choices.
Myth 3: Palm Oil Is Not Necessary — We Can Use Alternatives
Some critics claim that palm oil is unnecessary and could be replaced by other oils like sunflower, rapeseed, or coconut oil.
The Truth: Palm Oil’s High Yield and Unique Properties Make It Hard to Replace
Palm oil is the most efficient oil crop in terms of land use. It produces significantly more oil per hectare than alternatives, which means it requires less farmland to produce the same amount of oil. Switching entirely to other oils could increase land use, potentially leading to more environmental strain.
Palm oil also has unique cooking qualities — its high smoke point and semi-solid texture make it ideal for frying, baking, and processed foods, which other oils may not replicate as efficiently or cost-effectively.
In the UK and globally, palm oil remains a vital ingredient in food manufacturing and cooking, especially because of its stability and long shelf life.
Myth 4: Palm Oil for Cooking Is Inferior to Other Oils
Some consumers believe palm oil is greasy, smelly, or inferior compared to olive oil, sunflower oil, or other cooking oils.
The Truth: Palm Oil Is a Versatile and Neutral Oil for Cooking
Refined palm oil used in cooking has a neutral taste and aroma, making it ideal for various dishes without overpowering flavors. It’s also favored in many cuisines worldwide, including Asian, African, and Latin American, for stir-frying, deep-frying, and baking.
Because of its stability at high temperatures, palm oil for cooking is often preferred for frying snacks and fast foods. In fact, palm oil is commonly used in products available at major UK supermarkets, including palm oil Tesco branded goods.
Palm Oil Facts You Should Know
To understand palm oil better, here are some key palm oil facts that can help you see the bigger picture:
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Palm oil is found in about 50% of all packaged products in supermarkets. From cookies and bread to shampoo and toothpaste, it’s incredibly widespread.
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It is the highest-yielding oil crop globally. Oil palms produce up to 10 times more oil per hectare than other oil crops.
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Palm oil plantations support millions of farmers and workers worldwide. The industry provides vital income and employment opportunities, especially in developing countries.
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There is a growing market for certified sustainable palm oil, with many UK retailers and manufacturers pledging to use only RSPO-certified palm oil in the coming years.
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Palm oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which can offer health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Palm Oil Benefits: Why It Matters
Beyond dispelling myths, it’s important to highlight the real benefits of palm oil:
1. Economic Importance
Palm oil cultivation supports millions of livelihoods in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The global demand for palm oil drives rural development, infrastructure improvements, and poverty alleviation in producing regions.
2. Nutritional Benefits
As mentioned, palm oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E. It is also free from trans fats, which are considered harmful. In moderate amounts, palm oil can be part of a balanced diet.
3. Cooking Advantages
Because of its high smoke point (around 230°C), palm oil is excellent for frying, roasting, and baking. It’s stable under heat, which prevents the formation of harmful compounds that can occur with some other oils.
4. Versatility in Products
Palm oil’s semi-solid nature at room temperature makes it useful in processed foods, baked goods, and spreads. It also helps improve texture and shelf life, reducing food waste.
5. Environmental Potential
While palm oil production has environmental challenges, sustainable palm oil cultivation can offer a path to balance agricultural needs with conservation efforts. Supporting certified sustainable palm oil encourages responsible practices and forest protection.
How to Choose Palm Oil Responsibly in the UK
If you want to make informed choices about palm oil, here are some tips for UK consumers:
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Look for RSPO-certified products. Many UK supermarkets, including palm oil Tesco, are increasing their supply of sustainable palm oil.
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Check product labels. Palm oil or its derivatives (like palm kernel oil or palm stearin) are often listed among ingredients.
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Support brands with transparent sourcing policies. Some companies go beyond certification by supporting conservation projects and fair labor practices.
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Use palm oil in moderation. Like all oils, palm oil should be part of a varied and balanced diet.
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Advocate for sustainable palm oil. As consumers, you can influence brands by requesting responsible sourcing and transparency.
Conclusion: What You Should Really Know About Palm Oil
Palm oil is a complex ingredient with both challenges and benefits. The myths surrounding it often oversimplify the reality, which includes nutritional benefits, economic importance, and potential for sustainable production.
In the UK, palm oil is a common and practical ingredient found in many everyday products, including those from palm oil Tesco and other retailers. Understanding the palm oil facts and supporting sustainable palm oil use can help consumers make balanced, informed choices.
Rather than dismissing palm oil outright, it’s more constructive to promote responsible production, support certification programs, and recognize the role palm oil plays in global agriculture and food supply.
By busting these myths and embracing the full story, you’ll be empowered to navigate the palm oil conversation with confidence and clarity.