Non-Hydrogenated Fat

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Non-hydrogenated fat refers to any edible fat or vegetable oil that has not undergone the industrial hydrogenation process used to harden liquid oils, and therefore contains negligible levels of artificially produced trans fatty acids. It is widely used in food manufacturing as a healthier alternative to partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in baked goods, margarine, spreads, and frying applications.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Non-hydrogenated fats are broadly recognised as safe for the general adult population and are endorsed by major regulatory bodies as the preferred alternative to trans fat-generating partially hydrogenated oils. Clinical evidence indicates that replacing PHOs with non-hydrogenated vegetable oils improves cardiovascular risk factors, including reductions in atherogenic lipids. Some non-hydrogenated fats (e.g. palm oil, coconut oil) are high in saturated fatty acids, and dietary guidelines generally recommend choosing those rich in unsaturated fatty acids for optimal cardiovascular health.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia)	Approved	Non-hydrogenated fats are approved for use in food. FSANZ encourages limiting saturated and trans fats; non-hydrogenated fats are recognised as lower in trans fatty acids and broadly preferred over PHOs.source
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	EU Regulation 2019/649 limits industrial trans fats in food to 2g per 100g of fat from April 2, 2021, driving food manufacturers toward non-hydrogenated fat alternatives. Non-hydrogenated fats themselves are approved without an ADI restriction. EFSA has assessed unsaturated fat-rich vegetable oils positively for cardiovascular health.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	FSSAI mandates that industrial trans fatty acids must not exceed 2% by mass of total oils/fats in any food product from January 1, 2022, incentivising use of non-hydrogenated fats. Partially hydrogenated oils are explicitly prohibited in infant follow-up formula. Labelling of trans fat and saturated fat content is mandatory for all fat-containing packaged foods.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Non-hydrogenated fats are GRAS-compliant alternatives to partially hydrogenated oils. FDA's 2015 final determination that PHOs are no longer GRAS, with compliance effective June 18, 2018, effectively mandated the industry shift to non-hydrogenated fats. No specific ADI is set; general dietary fat guidance applies.

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Heart Disease — Some non-hydrogenated fats (e.g. palm oil, coconut oil) are high in saturated fatty acids; individuals with established cardiovascular disease should choose non-hydrogenated fats rich in unsaturated fatty acids and consult dietary guidelines.

Diabetes — High total fat intake from any source, including non-hydrogenated fats, may contribute to caloric excess and insulin resistance; diabetic individuals should monitor total fat intake in consultation with a clinician.

Infants — FSSAI explicitly prohibits partially hydrogenated fats in infant follow-up formula; while non-hydrogenated fats are permitted, the specific type and quantity of fat in infant nutrition should be guided by paediatric standards and a healthcare provider.

Obesity — Non-hydrogenated fats are calorie-dense; individuals managing weight or metabolic syndrome should limit overall fat intake regardless of hydrogenation status.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FSSAI. Regulation of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) in Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (PHVOs). fssai.gov.in
2PubMed. Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat, 2024. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3FSSAI. FSSAI slashes limit for trans fat levels in foods (Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Amendment Regulations), 2022. fssai.gov.in
4PubMed. Limiting trans Fats in Foods: Use of Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils in Prepacked Foods in Slovenia, 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5FDA. Final Determination Regarding Partially Hydrogenated Oils (Removing Trans Fat), 2015. fda.gov

Independently researched5 citations