Low-Fat Fats & Oils Guide
23 items classified under standard Low-Fat guidelines.
How do fats & oils fare on the Low-Fat diet? The answer depends on total fat content per serving. 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 | Total fat (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Canola Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Cooking Spray | Limited | 78.7g |
| Grapeseed Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Olive Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Peanut Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Sesame Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Sunflower Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Vegetable Oil | Limited | 100g |
| Beef Tallow | Not Allowed | 14.9g |
| Butter | Not Allowed | 81.1g |
| Coconut Oil | Not Allowed | 99.1g |
| Duck Fat | Not Allowed | 4.6g |
| Flaxseed Oil | Not Allowed | 100g |
| Ghee | Not Allowed | 99.5g |
| Heavy Cream | Not Allowed | 36.1g |
| Lard | Not Allowed | 100g |
| Margarine | Not Allowed | 65g |
| MCT Oil | Not Allowed | 100g |
| Palm Oil | Not Allowed | 2.7g |
| Safflower Oil | Not Allowed | 100g |
| Shortening | Not Allowed | 100g |
| Walnut Oil | Not Allowed | 100g |
Classification Breakdown
9 Limited — These items have fat content that varies by preparation or brand. 14 Not Allowed — These are high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets.
Modern low-fat practice distinguishes between fat types — olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts are often kept.
Limited Fats & Oils (9)
Avocado Oil
LimitedAt 100g total fat per 100g, Avocado Oil falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. It is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Beyond the primary classification, avocado oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Flaxseed Oil and Canola Oil for total fat, 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
Canola Oil
LimitedAt 100g total fat per 100g, Canola Oil falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Avocado Oil and Grapeseed Oil for total fat, ranking 12 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
Cooking Spray
LimitedCooking Spray is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 78.7g total fat per 100g. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 78.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Margarine and Butter for total fat, ranking 6 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 100g total fat per 100g, Grapeseed Oil earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Canola Oil and Olive Oil for total fat, ranking 13 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
Olive Oil
LimitedOlive Oil is classified as Limited on Low-Fat, with 100g total fat per 100g. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Grapeseed Oil and Peanut Oil for total fat, 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 13.8g |
| Light/Refined | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 13.8g |
Peanut Oil
LimitedAt 100g total fat per 100g, Peanut Oil falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. The classification reflects that it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Olive Oil and Sesame Oil for total fat, ranking 15 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
Sesame Oil
LimitedWith 100g total fat per 100g, Sesame Oil earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Peanut Oil and Sunflower Oil for total fat, ranking 16 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
Sunflower Oil
LimitedWith 100g total fat per 100g, Sunflower Oil earns a Limited classification on Low-Fat. This means it is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sesame Oil and Vegetable Oil for total fat, ranking 17 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
Vegetable Oil
LimitedAt 100g total fat per 100g, Vegetable Oil falls into the Limited category under Low-Fat guidelines. It is fat content that varies by preparation or brand. Beyond the primary classification, vegetable oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Sunflower Oil at 100g. 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
Not Allowed Fats & Oils (14)
Beef Tallow
Not AllowedBeef Tallow is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Fat, with 14.9g total fat per 100g. The classification reflects that it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Nutritionally, it also delivers 14.7g protein and 14.9g fat per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, beef tallow sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Heavy Cream at 36.1g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Butter
Not AllowedAt 81.1g total fat per 100g, Butter falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Fat guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Nutritionally, it also delivers 81.1g fat and 643mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cooking Spray and Coconut Oil for total fat, ranking 7 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 51.4g |
| Unsalted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 50.5g |
Coconut Oil
Not AllowedWith 99.1g total fat per 100g, Coconut Oil earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 99.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Butter and Ghee for total fat, ranking 8 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin (unrefined) | 892kcal | 0g | 99.1g | 0g | 82.5g |
| MCT Oil | 862kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 97g |
Duck Fat
Not AllowedDuck Fat is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Fat, with 4.6g total fat per 100g. The classification reflects that it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.7g protein per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, duck fat sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Beef Tallow at 14.9g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Flaxseed Oil
Not AllowedFlaxseed Oil is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Fat, with 100g total fat per 100g. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Ghee and Avocado Oil for total fat, ranking 10 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ghee
Not AllowedGhee is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Fat, with 99.5g total fat per 100g. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 99.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Coconut Oil and Flaxseed Oil for total fat, ranking 9 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Heavy Cream
Not AllowedWith 36.1g total fat per 100g, Heavy Cream earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. It is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Beyond the primary classification, heavy cream also provides 36.1g fat per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, heavy cream sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Margarine at 65g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sat. Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 340kcal | 2.8g | 36.1g | 2.8g | 23g |
| Light Cream | 195kcal | 3g | 19.1g | 3.7g | 10.2g |
Lard
Not AllowedLard is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Fat, with 100g total fat per 100g. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Vegetable Oil at 100g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Margarine
Not AllowedWith 65g total fat per 100g, Margarine earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. 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 total fat — next closest is Cooking Spray at 78.7g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
MCT Oil
Not AllowedWith 100g total fat per 100g, MCT Oil earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Lard at 100g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Palm Oil
Not AllowedAt 2.7g total fat per 100g, Palm Oil falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Fat guidelines. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. Among the 23 items in this category, palm oil sits at the low end for total fat — next closest is Duck Fat at 4.6g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Safflower Oil
Not AllowedWith 100g total fat per 100g, Safflower Oil earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is MCT Oil at 100g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Shortening
Not AllowedWith 100g total fat per 100g, Shortening earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Safflower Oil at 100g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Walnut Oil
Not AllowedWith 100g total fat per 100g, Walnut Oil earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Fat. This means it is high enough in total fat that modest portions push past the diet's targets. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total fat. The nearest lower option is Shortening at 100g.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central