On average, Americans consume 4 to 5 times as much saturated fat as trans fat in their diet.
Identifying saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol on the Nutrition Facts Label on the food you buy gives you information to make heart-healthy food choices that help you reduce your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
What is Trans Fat?
Unlike other fats, the majority of trans fat is formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. A small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in some animal-based foods. Trans fat is made when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil - a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.
What Foods Contains Trans Fat?
Trans fat can often be found in processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils such as:
- Vegetable shortenings
- Some margarines - especially margarines that are harder
- Crackers
- Candies
- Cookies
- Snack foods
- Fried foods
- Baked goods
- Foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils