Saturated fats are abundant in animal fats such as butter and lard, whilst unsaturated fats are mostly found in vegetable oils such as corn oil, peanut oil and soybean oil. There are exceptions like coconut oil and palm oil, which are mainly made up of saturated fat. On the other hand, hydrogenated margarine and shortening contain high levels of trans fat.
Figure 2: Comparison of Fats and Oils
Trans fatty acids
Saturated fatty acids
Unsaturated fatty acids
Healthier Choice
Canola oil
0
8
92
Corn oil
0
14
86
Olive oil
0
14
86
Soybean oil
0
16
84
Peanut oil
0
18
82
Less Healthy Choice
Palm oil
0
51
49
Coconut oil
0
92
8
Margarine (Soft)
7
17
76
Shortening
34
24
42
Butter
4
66
30
Lard
0
41
59
Source: Centre for Food Safety, Government of HKSAR, Trade Guidelines on Reducing Trans Fats in Food
Saturated fats are abundant in animal fats such as butter and lard, whilst unsaturated fats are mostly found in vegetable oils such as corn oil, peanut oil and soybean oil. There are exceptions like coconut oil and palm oil, which are mainly made up of saturated fat. On the other hand, hydrogenated margarine and shortening contain high levels of trans fat.
