The prevalence and distribution of palm, soy and coconut oils in Australian food: implications for planetary and human health
Abstract
Palm, soy and coconut oil production is associated with significant environmental harms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, distribution and characteristics of Australian packaged food products containing these oils. In a sample of 26,831 products, approximately one in 10 products contained one or more of the oils, with the highest prevalence observed in bread and bakery products (25% of products), followed by snack foods (16%). Products that were ultra-processed, nutritionally poor and made using imported ingredients had significantly greater prevalence of the oils (all p < 0.001). Few products with the oils were certified as sustainable (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Coconut Research and Applications
Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Oil Palm Production and Sustainability
Publication details
- Journal / source
- International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 77
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 126–135
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN