Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateNow that many restaurants are taking trans fat out of their foods, what are they using for a replacement? —D.R., East Walpole, Mass.
It depends.Restaurants have several alternatives to chose from to replace partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which supplies trans fat. The less-attractive options include several oils high in unhealthy saturated fat, such as palm and cottonseed oil. Healthier options include oils derived from canola, corn, and soybeans—likelier choices since restaurants would ostensibly want to replace trans fat with something healthier. Since the viable alternatives will vary by food and some oils cost more than others, the only way to find out is to ask which oil the restaurant uses in the specific item you order, particularly with fried foods or, to a lesser extent, baked desserts (which can harbor trans from shortening). With supermarket items, check the nutrition label.
To learn more about trans fats, see our guide to fats in food and find out how too much of it can lead to high cholesterol.
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
