Alkaline Fats & Oils Guide

23 items classified under standard Alkaline guidelines.

How do fats & oils fare on the Alkaline diet? The answer depends on PRAL score (potential renal acid load). This guide breaks down all 23 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.

Quick Reference

Food Status Calories (per 100g)
Avocado Oil Allowed 884kcal
Coconut Oil Allowed 895kcal
MCT Oil Allowed 884kcal
Olive Oil Allowed 900kcal
Sesame Oil Allowed 884kcal
Canola Oil Limited 900kcal
Cooking Spray Limited 792kcal
Flaxseed Oil Limited 884kcal
Ghee Limited 876kcal
Grapeseed Oil Limited 884kcal
Margarine Limited 579kcal
Palm Oil Limited 134kcal
Peanut Oil Limited 900kcal
Safflower Oil Limited 900kcal
Sunflower Oil Limited 900kcal
Vegetable Oil Limited 862kcal
Walnut Oil Limited 884kcal
Beef Tallow Not Allowed 198kcal
Butter Not Allowed 717kcal
Duck Fat Not Allowed 136kcal
Heavy Cream Not Allowed 340kcal
Lard Not Allowed 902kcal
Shortening Not Allowed 884kcal

Classification Breakdown

5 Allowed — These fats & oils are alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. 12 Limited — These items have roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. 6 Not Allowed — These are acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain.

Blood pH does not change with food, but the eating pattern — produce-forward, low in processed food — is defensible on its own merits.

Allowed Fats & Oils (5)

Avocado Oil

Allowed

With 884kcal calories per 100g, Avocado Oil earns a Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. Beyond the primary classification, avocado oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Ghee and MCT Oil for calories, ranking 10 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Avocado Oil across all diets

Coconut Oil

Allowed

With 895kcal calories per 100g, Coconut Oil earns a Allowed classification on Alkaline. It is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. Beyond the primary classification, coconut oil also provides 99.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Shortening and Olive Oil for calories, ranking 17 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Virgin (unrefined)892kcal0g99.1g0g0g
MCT Oil862kcal0g100g0g0g

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MCT Oil

Allowed

At 884kcal calories per 100g, MCT Oil falls into the Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. It is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. Beyond the primary classification, mct oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Avocado Oil and Sesame Oil for calories, ranking 11 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare MCT Oil across all diets

Olive Oil

Allowed

Olive Oil is classified as Allowed on Alkaline, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Coconut Oil at 895kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Extra Virgin884kcal0g100g0g0g
Light/Refined884kcal0g100g0g0g

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Sesame Oil

Allowed

At 884kcal calories per 100g, Sesame Oil falls into the Allowed category under Alkaline guidelines. The classification reflects that it is alkaline-forming after metabolism — typically vegetables, fruit, or potassium-rich plants. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between MCT Oil and Flaxseed Oil for calories, ranking 12 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Sesame Oil across all diets

Limited Fats & Oils (12)

Canola Oil

Limited

At 900kcal calories per 100g, Canola Oil falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, canola oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Olive Oil at 900kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Canola Oil across all diets

Cooking Spray

Limited

Cooking Spray is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 792kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 78.7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Butter and Vegetable Oil for calories, ranking 7 of 23. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

792kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
78.7gFat
20.7gCarbs
0gFiber

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Flaxseed Oil

Limited

With 884kcal calories per 100g, Flaxseed Oil earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sesame Oil and Grapeseed Oil for calories, ranking 13 of 23. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Flaxseed Oil across all diets

Ghee

Limited

Ghee is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 876kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 99.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Vegetable Oil and Avocado Oil for calories, ranking 9 of 23. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

876kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
99.5gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Ghee across all diets

Grapeseed Oil

Limited

With 884kcal calories per 100g, Grapeseed Oil earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, grapeseed oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Flaxseed Oil and Walnut Oil for calories, ranking 14 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Grapeseed Oil across all diets

Margarine

Limited

With 579kcal calories per 100g, Margarine earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 65g fat and 694mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 23 items in this category, margarine sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Butter at 717kcal. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

579kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
65gFat
0.8gCarbs
0gFiber

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Palm Oil

Limited

At 134kcal calories per 100g, Palm Oil falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Among the 23 items in this category, palm oil sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Duck Fat at 136kcal. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

134kcalCalories
2.6gProtein
2.7gFat
24.8gCarbs
1.5gFiber

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Peanut Oil

Limited

With 900kcal calories per 100g, Peanut Oil earns a Limited classification on Alkaline. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, peanut oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Canola Oil at 900kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Peanut Oil across all diets

Safflower Oil

Limited

Safflower Oil is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Peanut Oil at 900kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Safflower Oil across all diets

Sunflower Oil

Limited

Sunflower Oil is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Safflower Oil at 900kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Sunflower Oil across all diets

Vegetable Oil

Limited

At 862kcal calories per 100g, Vegetable Oil falls into the Limited category under Alkaline guidelines. It is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Beyond the primary classification, vegetable oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Cooking Spray and Ghee for calories, ranking 8 of 23. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

862kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Vegetable Oil across all diets

Walnut Oil

Limited

Walnut Oil is classified as Limited on Alkaline, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is roughly neutral PRAL or fits at small portions. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Grapeseed Oil and Shortening for calories, ranking 15 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Walnut Oil across all diets

Not Allowed Fats & Oils (6)

Beef Tallow

Not Allowed

Beef Tallow is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 198kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 14.7g protein and 14.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 23 items in this category, beef tallow sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Heavy Cream at 340kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

198kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
14.9gFat
0.1gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Beef Tallow across all diets

Butter

Not Allowed

Butter is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 717kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 81.1g fat and 643mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Margarine and Cooking Spray for calories, ranking 6 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Salted717kcal0.9g81.1g0.1g0g
Unsalted717kcal0.9g81.1g0.1g0g

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Duck Fat

Not Allowed

Duck Fat is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 136kcal calories per 100g. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 18.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 23 items in this category, duck fat sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Beef Tallow at 198kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

136kcalCalories
18.7gProtein
4.6gFat
3.5gCarbs
0gFiber

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Heavy Cream

Not Allowed

Heavy Cream is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 340kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 36.1g fat per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, heavy cream sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Margarine at 579kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Heavy Cream340kcal2.8g36.1g2.8g0g
Light Cream195kcal3g19.1g3.7g0g

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Lard

Not Allowed

With 902kcal calories per 100g, Lard earns a Not Allowed classification on Alkaline. This means it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Sunflower Oil at 900kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

902kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Lard across all diets

Shortening

Not Allowed

Shortening is classified as Not Allowed on Alkaline, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is acid-forming after metabolism — typically animal protein, hard cheese, or refined grain. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Walnut Oil and Coconut Oil for calories, ranking 16 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Shortening across all diets