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Foods High in Hydrogenated Oils

The chemical process of hydrogenation transforms a liquid into a solid or semi-solid state at room temperature. A fat that has undergone hydrogenation retains its natural saturated fats, but its mono- and polyunsaturated fats transform to a solid state. These are called trans fats and, when consumed, raise blood cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends keeping trans fat consumption to less than 1 percent of total calories.

  1. Margarine and Shortening

    • The more rigid and solid the margarine or shortening, the more trans fats present. If you use margarine or shortening in stick form, you are consuming more trans fats than if you were to use the tub form, which is less solid.

    Commercially Baked Goods

    • Commercial bakeries use margarine and shortening as a staple ingredient when making cookies, cakes, pies and more, making these items high in trans fats. But sweets are not the only foods made by commercial bakeries. Some breads and pizza doughs also contain high amounts of trans fats.

    Homemade Baked Goods

    • You might think you're creating healthy versions of store-bought cakes and cookies, but the truth is, if you're using margarine or shortening, those homemade goodies also contain trans fats.

    Processed Foods

    • Food manufacturers began adding trans fats to the food they made to prolong its shelf life. In addition to serving as a preservative of sorts, trans fats can be the main ingredient in some processed foods. For example, hydrogenated oil is a main ingredient in many canned frostings.

    Commercially Fried Foods

    • Despite the push to eliminate trans fat use, the fat used in many non-chain restaurant fryers is hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. In 2008 McDonald's changed its fryer oils to a non-hydrogenated type. Before then, a large order of McDonald's french fries packed a walloping six grams of trans fats. Now, according to the McDonald's website, although that same large order of fries contains 25 grams of fat, none of it is of the trans fat variety.

    Snack Foods

    • Potato chips, microwave popcorn, crackers and granola bars all contain hydrogenated oils. For example, one Quaker Chewy granola bar contains two grams of trans fats. That's twice the recommended allowance for an adult.

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