The Difference of Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil

 

Palm, Source: Malaysia Palm Oil

    Palm oil and palm kernel oil are very different, even though they both come from the same oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). Palm oil, which is made by steaming and pressing the fleshy part of the fruit, contains the most nutrients. This is similar to the process of making olive oil. Palm oil contains a 50/50 ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which is good for your heart. However, palm kernel oil, which is extracted from the fruit's seed, is high in saturated fatty acids and is thought to raise cholesterol levels.

    Both palm oil and palm kernel oil are versatile oils derived from various parts of the oil palm fruit. The flesh or pulp of the fruit (the outer part) is used to extract palm oil, while the soft part of the seed is used to extract palm kernel oil (the inner part). Despite the fact that both oils come from the same fruit, palm oil and palm kernel oil are chemically and nutritionally distinct.

So, what is the actual difference between palm oil and palm kernel oil?

    First, we can see the difference from its sources. Palm oil is extracted from the flesh or pulp of the fruit, which means at the outer part, while palm kernel oil is extracted from the soft part of the seed, which means it's at the inner part.

    Second, the difference is from the uses for each product.  Palm oil is traditionally used for edible purposes such as cooking, frying, and as a food ingredient. We can say that palm oil is used for something that can be consumable by humans. It's different from palm kernel oil which is generally used for non-edible purposes such as the formulation of soaps, cosmetics, and detergents.

    Third, from its contents and its characteristics. Palm oil is a rich source of carotenoids and vitamin E, while palm kernel oil remains stable at high cooking temperatures. Palm kernel oil is lower in cost and allows for a longer shelf life than other vegetable oils. That's why it's popularly used in commercial cooking and frying.

    And last but not least, Palm oil, which is free of trans fats and cholesterol, has a balanced ratio of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. It contains 40% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid), 10% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acid), 45 percent palmitic acid, and 5% stearic acid on average (saturated fatty acids). This mixture produces an edible oil that can be used in a variety of food applications.  Palm kernel oil can be fractionated into palm kernel olein and palm kernel stearin, similar to how palm oil can be fractionated into palm olein and palm stearin. Palm kernel oil is more saturated than palm oil and comparable to coconut oil, as it is semi-solid at room temperature. 

(left) Palm Kernel Oil, Source: Tradeasia; (right) Palm Oil, Source: Tradeasia

    From the description above, we know that palm oil and palm kernel are made of the same source but a different parts. They have different usage, contents, and characteristics. They are similar, but not quite the same.

    To find out more about palm oil and palm kernel oil, you can check this to find out more about palm oil specifications and this to find out more about palm kernel oil.

    If you need palm oil or palm kernel oil for any purpose, you can order it from a chemical supplier specifically for manufacturing purposes. Tradeasia International provides a wide range of chemical raw materials and is ready to make deliveries globally.