Fat

Macronutrient

Fat at a glance

Category: Macronutrient
Also called: Lipids, Triglycerides
Commonly found in: Butter, Olive oil, Avocado, Cheese
Diets reviewed: 26 diets

What is Fat?

Fat is one of the three macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and proteins, essential for numerous bodily functions including energy provision, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. Fats can be derived from animal sources such as butter and lard, plant sources like olive oil and avocados, or can be synthetically produced. Different types of fats include saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats, each varying in their health impacts.

Also known as:

LipidsTriglycerides

Diet Compatibility

VeganCaution

Fat can come from animal, plant, or synthetic sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

PescatarianCaution

Fat can come from animal, plant, or synthetic sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

VegetarianCaution

Fat can come from animal, plant, or synthetic sources. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

Alpha-Gal FriendlyCaution

Fat can come from animal, plant, or synthetic sources and may contain alpha-gal when derived from mammals. If the label does not provide a source, we recommend calling the manufacturer.

Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Fat

People may avoid fats for various reasons, including dietary restrictions, health concerns, or ethical considerations. Vegans, for instance, avoid animal-derived fats due to ethical reasons related to animal welfare. Others might avoid certain types of fats, like saturated and trans fats, due to their association with heart disease and high cholesterol levels. Some individuals may also follow a low-fat diet for weight management or medical conditions.

Potential Reactions

Gastrointestinal distress
Weight gain
Increased cholesterol levels

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Fat

Butter Olive oil Avocado Cheese Nuts Meat

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Related to Fat

Other ingredients people often check alongside Fat.

ButterAvoid LardAvoid

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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