Tag: Shea butter

Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient prized for its unique fatty acid profile, including high lauric acid content. However, finding a suitable replacement depends on the specific application. The answer to what oil is most like coconut oil is not a single one, but rather a few key contenders depending on whether you're baking, cooking, or using it topically.

Scientific research has confirmed that shea butter does contain polyphenols, with studies identifying a variety of these antioxidant compounds, including catechins. This presence of polyphenols, alongside vitamins A and E, is a key reason for the butter's powerful healing and anti-aging properties.

According to the Food Allergy Research and Resource Programme (FARRP), refined shea nut butter does not pose a known allergy risk to consumers, despite its confusing classification. This clarification is crucial for understanding whether the shea nut is actually a nut in the same way as almonds or pecans, a common source of confusion for consumers and food manufacturers alike.

A 2009 study on shea butter leaves found a relatively low oxalate content of just 0.80 ± 0.1%, a factor that is significantly reduced further when processed into butter. While oxalates are a natural compound found in many plants, the concentration in shea butter is not a primary concern for most individuals.

In 2021, MAC revamped its classic Lustre Lipstick line, including the popular shade Spice It Up, with an upgraded formula called Lustreglass Sheer-Shine. The new version features a luscious blend of plant-derived oils and hydrating agents to create a buildable, glossy brown berry shade.

Over 1.7 million tonnes of raw shea nuts are produced in Africa annually, and they come from a single, specific fruit. So, what fruit produces shea butter? It originates from the nut contained within the fruit of the African shea tree, a natural, multi-purpose resource native to the region.

According to a 2019 Global Market report, the demand for cocoa butter was anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. Because of its unique properties and fluctuating cost, many seek to know what is the same as cocoa butter and what alternatives exist for confectionery, cosmetics, and cooking.

While the raw, unrefined shea nut is not commonly consumed, its oil, known as shea butter, has a rich history in food. In fact, approximately 90% of the world's exported shea butter is used in the food industry. This versatile ingredient is most often found in packaged goods as a cocoa butter alternative, as well as in traditional African dishes.

While many plant oils contain some stearic acid, hard butters like cocoa butter and shea butter boast some of the highest concentrations. This guide explains exactly which oil has stearic acid, details its common applications, and breaks down the fatty acid profiles of several popular oils.

Over a dozen countries in Africa produce shea butter, a valuable fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree. Despite its creamy, 'butter-like' texture and name, many people ask: **is shea butter considered dairy?** The answer is unequivocally no, as it is a 100% plant-based product with no milk or animal-derived components.