What brands are made with palm oil?

According to the World Wildlife Fund, palm oil is used in roughly 50% of the packaged products found in supermarkets. A vast number of multinational corporations incorporate this oil and its derivatives into their products, raising both consumer awareness and ethical sourcing concerns. This guide lists several major brands and the types of products where you might find palm oil.

Quick Summary

Major multinational companies, including Unilever, Nestlé, and Colgate-Palmolive, use palm oil in various food, cosmetic, and household products. The ingredient is valued for its low cost and versatility, but its use has sparked concerns over sustainability and environmental impact.

Key Points

• Prevalence: Palm oil is in roughly 50% of supermarket products, including food, cosmetics, and household items.

• Major Users: Corporations like Unilever, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, and Mars are among the most significant users of palm oil.

• Functionality: Its low cost, stability, and versatility make it a popular ingredient for enhancing texture, extending shelf life, and acting as an emulsifier.

• Labeling Challenge: In non-food items, palm oil is often disguised under alternative names like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, making identification difficult for consumers.

• Sustainability Efforts: Some companies have committed to sourcing certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) through organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to mitigate environmental impact.

• Consumer Action: Consumers can support brands with strong sustainability commitments or choose certified palm-oil-free products to align with their ethical and environmental values.

Prominent Food Brands Using Palm Oil

Palm oil is a common ingredient in many processed foods due to its texture-enhancing and preservative qualities. It is often found in baked goods, snack foods, and spreads.

Snack and Confectionery Brands

Many popular snack and confectionery brands rely on palm oil. Its stability and texture make it ideal for items that require a longer shelf life.

• Mars Inc.: The maker of M&M's, Snickers, and Twix uses palm oil in many of its products.
• Mondelez International: Brands like Oreo and Cadbury are under this umbrella and frequently use palm oil.
• PepsiCo: Doritos and Walkers crisps, part of PepsiCo, often contain palm oil.
• Nestlé: This company uses palm oil across many of its product lines, including KitKat and other confectionery.
• Kellogg's: Many of its cereals and granola bars, including Special K and Rice Krispies, contain palm oil.

Spreads and Frozen Foods

Palm oil's properties as an emulsifier and thickener make it suitable for a variety of other food items.

• Nutella (Ferrero Group): This hazelnut spread is notoriously known for its high palm oil content.
• Unilever: The parent company for ice cream brands like Breyer's often uses palm oil to achieve a creamy texture.
• Kraft Heinz: Brands like Philadelphia cream cheese and various macaroni and cheese products contain palm oil.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Brands with Palm Oil

Beyond the pantry, palm oil and its derivatives are widespread in cosmetic and personal care products, where they function as moisturizers, foaming agents, and emulsifiers. However, identifying these derivatives can be challenging as they often appear under different names on ingredient lists.

Skincare and Haircare Products

• L'Oréal: The parent company for brands like Garnier and The Body Shop uses palm oil derivatives in many cosmetic products.
• Colgate-Palmolive: This company confirms its use of palm oil derivatives in soaps, toothpastes, and other personal care items.
• Unilever: Brands like Dove and Vaseline heavily incorporate palm oil and its derivatives in their soap, body wash, and lotion formulas.

Makeup

• Estée Lauder Companies: This large beauty corporation, which includes brands like Clinique and MAC, uses palm oil derivatives in many of its products.
• L'Occitane: This brand uses sustainable palm oil in its formulations.
• Avon: A prominent brand that is listed among those that use palm oil and its derivatives in their products.

Household Products and Cleaning Agents

Palm oil is also a key component in many household products, especially cleaning agents, where its derivatives serve as surfactants and emulsifiers.

Cleaning Supplies

• Procter & Gamble (P&G): Brands like Fairy and Oral-B fall under P&G's ownership and utilize palm oil.
• Reckitt Benckiser: This multinational, which produces various cleaning agents, is also a significant user of palm oil.

Other Household Items

• Johnson & Johnson: The company, known for its healthcare and household goods, uses palm oil in some of its items.
• Kimberly-Clark: A major producer of paper-based consumer products, this corporation also uses palm oil.

Certified Sustainable vs. Non-Certified Palm Oil

When examining what brands are made with palm oil, it's crucial to differentiate between those that source sustainably and those that do not. Organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certify companies committed to responsible sourcing.

Comparing Brands: Sustainability Commitments

Brand	Product Examples	Sourcing Commitment	Certified Status	Sources
Dr. Bronner's	Soaps	100% small-scale, organic, and fair trade	RSPO Certified
Kellogg's	Cereals, snacks	100% traceability commitment	RSPO Certified
Hershey's	Chocolate	95-100% traceable from sustainable sources	RSPO Certified
Unilever	Ice cream, soap	Aims to use 100% sustainable palm oil	RSPO Certified
Ferrero	Nutella	Uses 100% segregated sustainable palm oil	RSPO Certified
Colgate-Palmolive	Toothpaste, soap	Committed to 100% sustainable palm oil	RSPO Member

Conclusion

Palm oil's versatility and low cost have made it a ubiquitous ingredient across the consumer product landscape, appearing in everything from snack foods to cosmetics and cleaning supplies. Major corporations like Unilever, Nestlé, and Colgate-Palmolive are among the most prominent users. While the widespread use of palm oil has been associated with environmental issues, increased consumer awareness has pushed many companies towards greater transparency and sustainable sourcing certified by organizations like the RSPO. By educating themselves on which brands are made with palm oil and understanding their sourcing commitments, consumers can make more informed choices that align with their values regarding sustainability and ethical production. For further research, refer to reputable sources like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

What is the difference between sustainable and unsustainable palm oil?

Sustainable palm oil production involves adhering to strict environmental and social criteria, ensuring no new deforestation or peatland development occurs and respecting the rights of workers and communities. Unsustainable palm oil production, in contrast, is linked to environmental damage and social issues.

How can I tell if a product contains palm oil?

Reading labels is the primary method, though it can be difficult. While some food products explicitly list "palm oil," many cosmetics and household goods use derivatives with different names, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cetyl Palmitate, or Elaeis Guineensis.

Are there any palm-oil-free brands?

Yes, some brands have committed to being completely palm-oil-free. Examples include certain peanut butter brands like Meridian and chocolate makers like Tony's Chocolonely. Some skincare brands, like Amaranthine Beauty, are also certified palm oil-free.

Why don't companies simply switch to an alternative oil?

Replacing palm oil with alternatives like coconut or soybean oil is not straightforward. Palm oil boasts the highest yield per land area, meaning more land would be needed to produce the same volume of alternative oils, potentially shifting the environmental problem elsewhere.

What does the RSPO certification mean?

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification signifies that a company adheres to the organization's set of environmental and social standards for palm oil production. This helps ensure more responsible and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

How does the cosmetic industry use palm oil?

In cosmetics, palm oil serves multiple functions, acting as an emulsifier, a foaming agent in soaps, and a moisturizing ingredient in creams and lotions. Its lack of a strong scent also makes it a versatile base for many beauty products.

Can products containing palm oil be healthy?

While some derivatives are present in certain supplements like Vitamin E, palm oil in processed foods often contributes to higher levels of saturated fat. The health implications can vary, and consumption should be considered within the context of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is palm oil used for in processed foods?

Palm oil is used in processed foods primarily for its low cost, ability to provide a smooth and creamy texture (as in ice cream and peanut butter), and to extend a product's shelf life.

Which cosmetic brands are known to use palm oil?

Cosmetic brands like L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, and brands under Unilever (such as Dove) use palm oil derivatives in products like makeup, soaps, and lotions for their moisturizing and emulsifying properties.

How can I avoid palm oil in products?

To avoid palm oil, you can look for brands that are certified palm-oil-free, research a company's sourcing policies, or check ingredient lists for derivatives like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Palmitate, and Elaeis Guineensis.

Why is palm oil production controversial?

Palm oil production is controversial due to its association with unsustainable farming practices that contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans, and human rights issues.

Which household cleaning brands use palm oil?

Brands from major corporations like Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, and Reckitt Benckiser use palm oil derivatives in their soaps, detergents, and other cleaning products.

Are all snack brands made with palm oil?

No, not all snack brands use palm oil, but many of the major snack manufacturers do, including those under PepsiCo and Mars Inc. Some smaller or more transparent brands may use alternative oils or sustainable palm oil.

What is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)?

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a non-profit organization that has established a set of criteria for sustainably produced palm oil. Companies that meet these standards can receive RSPO certification, indicating a more responsible sourcing practice.