Mediterranean Fats & Oils Guide

23 items classified under standard Mediterranean guidelines.

This guide covers all 23 fats & oils classified under Mediterranean guidelines. Mediterranean evaluates foods primarily by how often the food appears in the traditional Mediterranean pattern, which determines how each item in this category is classified.

Quick Reference

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

Classification Breakdown

5 Allowed — These fats & oils are a regular feature of the traditional Mediterranean pattern. 14 Limited — These items have allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 4 Not Allowed — These are the kind of refined or processed food the Mediterranean pattern minimizes.

Mediterranean is a frequency pattern, not a banned-list diet. Most foods fit somewhere on the spectrum.

Allowed Fats & Oils (5)

Avocado Oil

Allowed

At 884kcal calories per 100g, Avocado Oil falls into the Allowed category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a regular feature of the traditional Mediterranean pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Ghee and Flaxseed Oil for calories, ranking 10 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Avocado Oil across all diets

Flaxseed Oil

Allowed

At 884kcal calories per 100g, Flaxseed Oil falls into the Allowed category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a regular feature of the traditional Mediterranean pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Avocado Oil and Sesame Oil for calories, ranking 11 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Flaxseed Oil across all diets

Olive Oil

Allowed

At 900kcal calories per 100g, Olive Oil falls into the Allowed category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a regular feature of the traditional Mediterranean pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. 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

Compare Olive Oil across all diets

Sesame Oil

Allowed

At 884kcal calories per 100g, Sesame Oil falls into the Allowed category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a regular feature of the traditional Mediterranean pattern. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Flaxseed Oil and Walnut Oil for calories, ranking 12 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Sesame Oil across all diets

Walnut Oil

Allowed

With 884kcal calories per 100g, Walnut Oil earns a Allowed classification on Mediterranean. It is a regular feature of the traditional Mediterranean pattern. Beyond the primary classification, walnut oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Sesame Oil and Grapeseed Oil for calories, ranking 13 of 23.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Walnut Oil across all diets

Limited Fats & Oils (14)

Beef Tallow

Limited

Beef Tallow is classified as Limited on Mediterranean, with 198kcal calories per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 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. 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

198kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
14.9gFat
0.1gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Beef Tallow across all diets

Butter

Limited

With 717kcal calories per 100g, Butter earns a Limited classification on Mediterranean. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. It also contains 81.1g fat and 643mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Margarine and Cooking Spray for calories, 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

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

Compare Butter across all diets

Canola Oil

Limited

Canola Oil is classified as Limited on Mediterranean, with 900kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. 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

Coconut Oil

Limited

Coconut Oil is classified as Limited on Mediterranean, with 895kcal calories per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. It also contains 99.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Shortening and Olive Oil for calories, 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

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

Compare Coconut Oil across all diets

Cooking Spray

Limited

With 792kcal calories per 100g, Cooking Spray earns a Limited classification on Mediterranean. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. It also contains 78.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. 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

Compare Cooking Spray across all diets

Duck Fat

Limited

With 136kcal calories per 100g, Duck Fat earns a Limited classification on Mediterranean. It is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. Beyond the primary classification, duck fat also provides 18.7g protein per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, duck fat sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Beef Tallow at 198kcal. 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

136kcalCalories
18.7gProtein
4.6gFat
3.5gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Duck Fat across all diets

Ghee

Limited

At 876kcal calories per 100g, Ghee falls into the Limited category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 99.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Vegetable Oil and Avocado Oil for calories, ranking 9 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
0gFiber

Compare Ghee across all diets

Grapeseed Oil

Limited

Grapeseed Oil is classified as Limited on Mediterranean, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Walnut Oil and MCT Oil for calories, ranking 14 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

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Grapeseed Oil across all diets

Heavy Cream

Limited

At 340kcal calories per 100g, Heavy Cream falls into the Limited category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 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. 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

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

Compare Heavy Cream across all diets

Lard

Limited

With 902kcal calories per 100g, Lard earns a Limited classification on Mediterranean. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 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

902kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Lard across all diets

MCT Oil

Limited

MCT Oil is classified as Limited on Mediterranean, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 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 MCT Oil across all diets

Peanut Oil

Limited

Peanut Oil is classified as Limited on Mediterranean, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 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 Canola 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 Peanut Oil across all diets

Sunflower Oil

Limited

With 900kcal calories per 100g, Sunflower Oil earns a Limited classification on Mediterranean. This means it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. 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. 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 Sunflower Oil across all diets

Vegetable Oil

Limited

At 862kcal calories per 100g, Vegetable Oil falls into the Limited category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is allowed in moderation rather than as a staple. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. 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

Not Allowed Fats & Oils (4)

Margarine

Not Allowed

Margarine is classified as Not Allowed on Mediterranean, with 579kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is the kind of refined or processed food the Mediterranean pattern minimizes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 65g fat and 694mg sodium per serving. Among the 23 items in this category, margarine sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Butter at 717kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

579kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
65gFat
0.8gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Margarine across all diets

Palm Oil

Not Allowed

Palm Oil is classified as Not Allowed on Mediterranean, with 134kcal calories per 100g. This means it is the kind of refined or processed food the Mediterranean pattern minimizes. Among the 23 items in this category, palm oil sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Duck Fat at 136kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

134kcalCalories
2.6gProtein
2.7gFat
24.8gCarbs
1.5gFiber

Compare Palm Oil across all diets

Safflower Oil

Not Allowed

At 900kcal calories per 100g, Safflower Oil falls into the Not Allowed category under Mediterranean guidelines. The classification reflects that it is the kind of refined or processed food the Mediterranean pattern minimizes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. 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

900kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

Compare Safflower Oil across all diets

Shortening

Not Allowed

With 884kcal calories per 100g, Shortening earns a Not Allowed classification on Mediterranean. It is the kind of refined or processed food the Mediterranean pattern minimizes. Beyond the primary classification, shortening also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between MCT 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