What Foods Have the Most Saturated Fat?

While your body needs some dietary fat to promote overall good health, not all fats are created equal. Saturated fat contributes to weight gain, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to less than seven percent of your daily calories. This can be done by avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat.

Fatty Meats

• Most meats contain saturated fat but some contain more than others. Fatty meats such as beef, veal, lamb and pork can all be high in saturated fats. Additionally, processed meats such as bologna, hot dogs, bacon, sausage and lunch meats are also high in saturated fat. Eat lean cuts of meat to avoid saturated fat.

Dairy Products

• Dairy products are high in saturated fat.

  Dairy products such as butter, cream, milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese made from whole and two-percent milk contain high amounts of saturated fat. Choose fat-free dairy products, which contain no saturated fat.

Plant Oils

• Some plant oils such as palm oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil are also high in saturated fat. When it comes to oils, stay away from these and also any that are refined. Choose olive, canola and safflower oils instead.

Baked Goods & Fried Foods

• French fries should be avoided.

  Baked goods and fried foods can also contain high levels of saturated fat. Fast-food French fries can contain more saturated fat than their hamburger counterparts, so opt for a healthier side item instead. Baked goods are often made with oils or dairy products rich in saturated fat, so read labels carefully.