Is Palm oil vegan?
Vegan
Yes, palm oil is vegan — but deforestation kills orangutans and other wildlife.
Why
Palm oil contains no animal ingredients. Its problem is habitat destruction: expansion in Indonesia and Malaysia drives orangutan, elephant and tiger decline, which conflicts with vegan ethics even though the oil itself qualifies.
What to check on the label
- RSPO or segregated certification
- "Vegetable oil" that may be palm
- Brands with no-deforestation policies
Swap it for
Sunflower oilRapeseed oilShea or cocoa butter
Questions people ask
Should vegans boycott palm oil?
Opinions differ. Palm yields more per hectare than alternatives, so certified deforestation-free palm may beat a switch to soy or coconut.
Where is palm oil hidden?
Roughly half of packaged supermarket products, plus soap, detergent and cosmetics.