Does Kellogg's Use Palm Oil? The Full Breakdown

December 16, 2025 •

2 min read

Since 2009, Kellogg's has been a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and has made public commitments regarding its sourcing practices. However, the simple answer is yes, Kellogg's still uses palm oil in many products, though its ethical sourcing has been a topic of debate for years.

Quick Summary

Kellogg's and its parent company Kellanova confirm they use palm oil, but aim to source 100% physically certified oil by 2025. This commitment and its implementation have faced significant criticism from environmental and human rights groups.

Key Points

Yes, Kellogg's Uses Palm Oil: The company and its parent Kellanova utilize palm oil in many products, despite public campaigns and controversies.
Sourcing Commitments: Kellogg's has a goal to use 100% physically certified sustainable palm oil by 2025, moving away from less transparent "credit" purchases.
Ongoing Controversies: The company has faced criticism from groups like Greenpeace and Amnesty International regarding alleged deforestation, human rights abuses, and lack of enforcement in its supply chain.
Regional Differences: Sourcing practices vary by region; European products, for instance, are more likely to use segregated, certified palm oil than those in other markets.
Not All Products Are the Same: Some product lines, such as the W.K. Kellogg range in certain regions, explicitly state they contain no palm oil.
Kellanova is the Key Player: After a corporate split, Kellanova handles international brands and continues the palm oil commitments inherited from the Kellogg Company.

The Simple Answer: Yes, But It's Complicated

Yes, Kellogg's, through its new parent company Kellanova (which handles international brands) and its North American arm WK Kellogg Co, continues to use palm oil in many of its products. The company has faced pressure from consumers and environmental groups regarding its sourcing practices. A 2018 campaign driven by two young sisters notably influenced Kellogg's sustainability approach.

The Shift to "Physically Certified" Palm Oil

In 2020, Kellogg's committed to responsibly sourcing 100% physically certified palm oil by the end of 2025. This commitment aims to move away from relying solely on RSPO credits towards physically-backed supply chains, using segregated or mass balance systems. However, critics point out that traceability remains a challenge even with this approach.

The Palm Oil Controversy: Accusations of Deforestation and Abuse

Kellogg's palm oil sourcing is linked to broader controversies surrounding deforestation, habitat loss, and human rights issues in palm-producing regions.

History of Ethical Concerns

A 2014 commitment aimed for deforestation-free palm oil sourcing.
Reports by Amnesty International and Global Witness have connected Kellogg's suppliers to child labor and land grabbing allegations.
Kellanova has received low ratings from watchdog groups like The Good Shopping Guide for its palm oil practices.
In some instances, Kellogg's has taken action, such as suspending a supplier in 2023 following allegations.

"Greenwashing" and Enforcement Issues

Critics, including Palm Oil Detectives, have raised concerns about "greenwashing," arguing that Kellogg's commitments lack sufficient enforcement and traceability to the plantation level. The continued use of "mass balance" certification in some areas, where certified and non-certified palm oil are mixed, further fuels these concerns.

Regional Variations and Finding Palm Oil in Products

Kellogg's sourcing policies can differ by region and product. Some lines, like W.K. Kellogg in the UK and Ireland, are advertised as palm oil-free. The European supply chain reportedly uses 100% segregated certified palm oil.

To check for palm oil, look for these ingredients:

Palm Oil
Palm Kernel Oil
Vegetable Oil (if palm is specified)
Shortening (may contain palm oil)
Derivatives like emulsifier INS 476

Comparison of Palm Oil Certification Methods


Certification Method	Description	Kellogg's Usage & Implication
Segregated	Certified oil kept separate throughout the supply chain.	Used in European markets for higher sustainability assurance.
Mass Balance	Certified and non-certified oil mixed, volumes tracked administratively.	Used globally/North America; criticized for potentially masking irresponsible sourcing.
Credits	Purchasing credits without physical supply chain tracking.	Previously used, being phased out due to greenwashing concerns.

Conclusion: Navigating Kellogg's Palm Oil Use

Kellogg's does use palm oil, and while it's pursuing physical certification by 2025, its supply chain remains controversial. The company split also impacts the supply chain landscape. Consumers should note regional differences and check labels. Ongoing scrutiny suggests voluntary commitments require strong enforcement. Both companies and consumers play a role in demanding sustainable practices.

For more information on corporate accountability, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre provides documentation on Kellogg's commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kellanova is the international entity formed after The Kellogg Company split in 2023. It now oversees Kellogg's brands outside of North America and is responsible for fulfilling the company's palm oil sourcing commitments.

Palm oil is linked to widespread rainforest deforestation, habitat loss for endangered species like orangutans, significant greenhouse gas emissions (especially when cultivated on peatlands), and exploitation of labor and indigenous communities.

The sustainability of Kellogg's palm oil is highly debated. While the company is an RSPO member and commits to physical certification, critics argue that the certification standards are weak and enforcement is lacking, leading to claims of greenwashing.

Check the ingredient list on the product packaging. Look for "palm oil," "palm kernel oil," or, more broadly, "vegetable oil." If uncertain, you can also check the company's website or dedicated sourcing resources like Kellanova's Better Days Promise site.

No. The company's sourcing methods and level of certification can vary significantly by region. For instance, European products often use segregated certified palm oil, while products in other markets may use mass balance or have different sourcing policies.

The main types include Segregated (oil from certified sources kept separate), Mass Balance (certified oil mixed with uncertified), and Credits (purchasing certificates without physical supply chain tracking). Segregated offers the highest level of assurance.

Kellogg's committed to sourcing certified sustainable palm oil but never fully halted the use of palm oil. The company's strategy involves transitioning its supply to physically certified sources, but it has faced continued criticism over the effectiveness of its actions.