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
AllowedWith 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
Coconut Oil
AllowedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin (unrefined) | 892kcal | 0g | 99.1g | 0g | 0g |
| MCT Oil | 862kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
MCT Oil
AllowedAt 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
Olive Oil
AllowedOlive 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
| Light/Refined | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
Sesame Oil
AllowedAt 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
Limited Fats & Oils (12)
Canola Oil
LimitedAt 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
Cooking Spray
LimitedCooking 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
Flaxseed Oil
LimitedWith 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
Ghee
LimitedGhee 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
Grapeseed Oil
LimitedWith 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
Margarine
LimitedWith 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
Palm Oil
LimitedAt 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
Peanut Oil
LimitedWith 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
Safflower Oil
LimitedSafflower 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
Sunflower Oil
LimitedSunflower 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
Vegetable Oil
LimitedAt 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
Walnut Oil
LimitedWalnut 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
Not Allowed Fats & Oils (6)
Beef Tallow
Not AllowedBeef 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
Butter
Not AllowedButter 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
| Unsalted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
Duck Fat
Not AllowedDuck 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
Heavy Cream
Not AllowedHeavy 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 340kcal | 2.8g | 36.1g | 2.8g | 0g |
| Light Cream | 195kcal | 3g | 19.1g | 3.7g | 0g |
Lard
Not AllowedWith 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
Shortening
Not AllowedShortening 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