DASH Fats & Oils Guide

23 items classified under standard DASH guidelines.

How do fats & oils fare on the DASH diet? The answer depends on sodium content and DASH serving targets. 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 Sodium (per 100g)
Avocado Oil Limited 0mg
Butter Limited 643mg
Canola Oil Limited 0mg
Coconut Oil Limited 0mg
Cooking Spray Limited 59mg
Flaxseed Oil Limited 0mg
Ghee Limited 2mg
Grapeseed Oil Limited 0mg
Heavy Cream Limited 27mg
Margarine Limited 694mg
MCT Oil Limited 0mg
Olive Oil Limited 2mg
Palm Oil Limited 135mg
Peanut Oil Limited 0mg
Safflower Oil Limited 0mg
Sesame Oil Limited 0mg
Sunflower Oil Limited 0mg
Vegetable Oil Limited 0mg
Walnut Oil Limited 0mg
Beef Tallow Not Allowed 1220mg
Duck Fat Not Allowed 140mg
Lard Not Allowed 0mg
Shortening Not Allowed 4mg

Classification Breakdown

19 Limited — These items have allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. 4 Not Allowed — These are high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes.

DASH works through lower sodium and higher potassium, magnesium, and calcium from produce, dairy, and legumes.

Limited Fats & Oils (19)

Avocado Oil

Limited

With 0mg sodium per 100g, Avocado Oil earns a Limited classification on DASH. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, avocado oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, avocado oil sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Canola Oil at 0mg. 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
0mgSodium

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Butter

Limited

At 643mg sodium per 100g, Butter falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, butter also provides 81.1g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Duck Fat at 140mg. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodium
Salted717kcal0.9g81.1g0.1g643mg
Unsalted717kcal0.9g81.1g0.1g11mg

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Canola Oil

Limited

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Canola Oil falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, canola oil sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Coconut Oil at 0mg. 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
0mgSodium

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Coconut Oil

Limited

Coconut Oil is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 99.1g fat per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, coconut oil sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Flaxseed Oil at 0mg. 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodium
Virgin (unrefined)892kcal0g99.1g0g0mg
MCT Oil862kcal0g100g0g0mg

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Cooking Spray

Limited

Cooking Spray is classified as Limited on DASH, with 59mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 78.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Heavy Cream at 27mg. 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
59mgSodium

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Flaxseed Oil

Limited

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Flaxseed Oil falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, flaxseed oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, flaxseed oil sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is Grapeseed Oil at 0mg. 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
0.1gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Ghee

Limited

With 2mg sodium per 100g, Ghee earns a Limited classification on DASH. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 99.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Lard and Olive Oil for sodium, ranking 14 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

876kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
99.5gFat
0gCarbs
2mgSodium

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Grapeseed Oil

Limited

Grapeseed Oil is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, grapeseed oil sits at the low end for sodium — next closest is MCT Oil at 0mg. 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
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Heavy Cream

Limited

At 27mg sodium per 100g, Heavy Cream falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, heavy cream also provides 36.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Shortening and Cooking Spray for sodium, ranking 17 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodium
Heavy Cream340kcal2.8g36.1g2.8g27mg
Light Cream195kcal3g19.1g3.7g72mg

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Margarine

Limited

At 694mg sodium per 100g, Margarine falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 65g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Butter at 643mg. 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

579kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
65gFat
0.8gCarbs
694mgSodium

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MCT Oil

Limited

MCT Oil is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Grapeseed Oil and Peanut Oil for sodium, ranking 6 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
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Olive Oil

Limited

Olive Oil is classified as Limited on DASH, with 2mg sodium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Ghee and Shortening for sodium, 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

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSodium
Extra Virgin884kcal0g100g0g2mg
Light/Refined884kcal0g100g0g2mg

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Palm Oil

Limited

At 135mg sodium per 100g, Palm Oil falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Cooking Spray at 59mg. 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

134kcalCalories
2.6gProtein
2.7gFat
24.8gCarbs
135mgSodium

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Peanut Oil

Limited

Peanut Oil is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between MCT Oil and Safflower Oil for sodium, 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

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Safflower Oil

Limited

With 0mg sodium per 100g, Safflower Oil earns a Limited classification on DASH. This means it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Peanut Oil and Sesame Oil for sodium, ranking 8 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

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

Compare Safflower Oil across all diets

Sesame Oil

Limited

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Sesame Oil falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Safflower Oil and Sunflower Oil for sodium, ranking 9 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
0mgSodium

Compare Sesame Oil across all diets

Sunflower Oil

Limited

Sunflower Oil is classified as Limited on DASH, with 0mg sodium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sesame Oil and Vegetable Oil for sodium, ranking 10 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

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Vegetable Oil

Limited

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Vegetable Oil falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, vegetable oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Sunflower Oil and Walnut Oil for sodium, ranking 11 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

862kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Walnut Oil

Limited

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Walnut Oil falls into the Limited category under DASH guidelines. It is allowed in moderation under DASH serving counts but not a daily staple. Beyond the primary classification, walnut oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Vegetable Oil and Lard for sodium, ranking 12 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
0mgSodium

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Not Allowed Fats & Oils (4)

Beef Tallow

Not Allowed

At 1220mg sodium per 100g, Beef Tallow falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. It is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Beyond the primary classification, beef tallow also provides 14.7g protein and 14.9g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Margarine at 694mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

198kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
14.9gFat
0.1gCarbs
1220mgSodium

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Duck Fat

Not Allowed

At 140mg sodium per 100g, Duck Fat falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.7g protein per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for sodium. The nearest lower option is Palm Oil at 135mg.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

136kcalCalories
18.7gProtein
4.6gFat
3.5gCarbs
140mgSodium

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Lard

Not Allowed

At 0mg sodium per 100g, Lard falls into the Not Allowed category under DASH guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Walnut Oil and Ghee for sodium, ranking 13 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

902kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0mgSodium

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Shortening

Not Allowed

With 4mg sodium per 100g, Shortening earns a Not Allowed classification on DASH. This means it is high in sodium, processed, or in a category DASH minimizes. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Olive Oil and Heavy Cream for sodium, ranking 16 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
4mgSodium

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