What is Fractionated Oil?

Question: What is Fractionated Oil?

Answer: Fractionated oils are are heated, then cooled. This process separates the oil into different fractions, which is where the name comes from. The fractions with the higher melting points are thicker at room temperature and are sometimes used as an ingredient in chocolate coatings to keep them from melting at room temperature.

Tropical oils like coconut, palm, and palm kernel oil can be fractionated. These oils are high in saturated fats. Fractionating doesn't remove them.

More About Fats and Oils

Ever look at a food label and wonder why the total fats and the different types of fat don't always look right? I can tell you why the fat math doesn't always add up. I'll explain how trans-fat free labels aren't always true and I can also tell you if fully hydrogenated oil is any better than partially hydrogenated oil.