Calories in Palm Oil: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes

Palm oil is one of the most widely consumed vegetable oils in the world, used extensively in processed foods, cooking, and food manufacturing. One tablespoon contains about 120 calories, all from fat, with a high proportion of saturated fat — roughly 50% of its total fatty acid profile. Unrefined red palm oil is also one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene and vitamin E (tocotrienols).

Calories by serving size:

Unrefined red palm oil contains significant amounts of beta-carotene (provitamin A), tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E), and coenzyme Q10. Refined palm oil, which is the form most commonly found in processed foods, has had these beneficial compounds largely removed during processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a tablespoon of palm oil?

One tablespoon of palm oil (about 13.6 grams) contains approximately 120 calories. All of those calories come from fat, with 13.6 grams of total fat, of which about 6.7 grams are saturated, 5.0 grams are monounsaturated, and 1.2 grams are polyunsaturated.

What is the difference between red palm oil and refined palm oil?

Red palm oil is the unrefined, minimally processed form that retains its natural deep orange-red color from beta-carotene, along with tocotrienols and other antioxidants. Refined palm oil has been bleached and deodorized, which strips away these beneficial compounds and results in a neutral-colored, flavorless fat. Nutritionally, red palm oil is significantly more nutrient-dense, while refined palm oil provides only calories and fat.

Is palm oil high in saturated fat?

Yes, palm oil is one of the higher-saturated-fat vegetable oils, with about 49% of its fatty acids being saturated — primarily palmitic acid. This is considerably higher than olive oil (14% saturated) or canola oil (7% saturated), but lower than coconut oil (82% saturated). Some research suggests that palmitic acid may raise LDL cholesterol more than other saturated fatty acids.

Are there environmental concerns about palm oil?

Palm oil production has been linked to significant deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss — particularly in Southeast Asia, where large areas of tropical rainforest have been cleared for palm plantations. Organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certify sustainably produced palm oil. Consumers concerned about environmental impact can look for RSPO-certified products.

How does palm oil compare to other cooking oils?

Palm oil sits between highly saturated fats like coconut oil and unsaturated options like olive oil. It has a moderate smoke point of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for refined palm oil, making it suitable for frying. While it is more affordable and shelf-stable than many alternatives, its high saturated fat content and environmental footprint lead many health and sustainability experts to recommend unsaturated oils like olive or avocado oil as healthier everyday choices.