A Clear Answer on Imperial Margarine
For consumers concerned about the health implications of processed fats, the good news is that modern Imperial margarine, in both tubs and sticks, does not contain partially hydrogenated oils. This represents a significant change from past product formulas and aligns with widespread industry reformulations driven by consumer demand and health research. This means you won't find "partially hydrogenated oil" on the ingredient list of current Imperial products, and the nutrition facts panel will reflect 0g trans fat per serving.
The Shift Away from Hydrogenated Oils
Why Were Hydrogenated Oils Used?
For many years, the process of hydrogenation was key to manufacturing shelf-stable margarine. Hydrogenation is a chemical process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils, solidifying them at room temperature. This was a cost-effective way to create a spreadable product that mimicked the texture of butter. The main drawback, however, was the creation of trans fat, which numerous health studies have linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
The Historical Reformulation
Following decades of accumulating research and increasing public awareness, the food industry, including the manufacturer of Imperial margarine, Upfield, began to phase out partially hydrogenated oils. While some older, third-party ingredient listings may still show partially hydrogenated oils for historical products, this is no longer the case for current merchandise. The ingredient change was in step with regulations and the industry-wide move towards healthier, trans fat-free alternatives.
Modern Imperial Margarine: Ingredients and Health Profile
Instead of hydrogenated oils, modern Imperial products are made with a blend of non-hydrogenated vegetable oils. The specific blend can vary slightly between product formats, such as the tubs and sticks, but generally includes soybean oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil. To achieve a solid, spreadable consistency, manufacturers now rely on different techniques, such as interesterification or blending different types of vegetable oils with varying melting points, which do not create trans fats.
Ingredients in Imperial Sticks (Example)
- Vegetable oil blend (soybean oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil)
- Water
- Salt
- Whey (milk)
- Distilled monoglycerides
- Soy lecithin
- Preservatives (potassium sorbate, calcium disodium EDTA)
- Citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Vitamins (Vitamin A palmitate)
- Color (beta carotene)
Comparison Table: Modern Imperial vs. Older Margarine
| Feature | Modern Imperial Margarine | Traditional Hydrogenated Margarine |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogenated Oils | No partially hydrogenated oils. | Contained partially hydrogenated oils. |
| Trans Fat | 0g per serving. | Significant source of trans fat. |
| Primary Fats | Blend of vegetable oils like soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil. | Historically included partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. |
| Health Focus | Trans fat-free, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free. | Associated with increased heart disease risk due to trans fats. |
| Emulsification | Uses soy lecithin and distilled monoglycerides. | Often used mono- and diglycerides derived from hydrogenated oils. |
What to Look for on the Label
With the shift in ingredients, reading the product label is more important than ever. If a product contains any partially hydrogenated oils, it must be listed explicitly in the ingredients. However, as confirmed by current product information, Imperial has removed this from its formulations. Furthermore, the nutrition label showing “0g Trans Fat” per serving is a strong indicator that the product is free from these fats, though it’s essential to remember that products can contain less than 0.5g of trans fat per serving and still claim zero. In Imperial's case, however, the ingredient list provides further reassurance that these oils are no longer used.
Conclusion
Today's Imperial margarine has successfully transitioned away from using hydrogenated oils, reflecting broader health concerns regarding trans fats. The current product uses a blend of liquid vegetable oils like soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil, allowing it to maintain its buttery consistency without the associated health risks of its older formulations. For consumers seeking a trans fat-free butter alternative, modern Imperial margarine is a suitable choice, though reading the label is always the best practice. This commitment to reformulation provides a healthier product for everyday use, aligning with modern dietary recommendations and consumer expectations for transparency in ingredients.
Learn more about modern margarine formulations and the manufacturer's commitment to healthier products at the official Upfield website.
