Paleo Fats & Oils

A classification reference for avocado oil under standard paleo guidelines, covering its cold-pressed production, its role as a primary paleo cooking oil, and its Allowed status across published paleo references.

A classification reference for beef tallow under standard paleo guidelines, covering its ancestral status as a traditional cooking fat and its consistent Allowed classification across published paleo references.

Coconut oil is classified as Allowed under standard paleo guidelines and is one of the primary commonly referenced paleo cooking fats.

Duck fat is classified as Allowed under standard paleo guidelines as a traditional rendered animal fat consistent with ancestral cooking practices.

Flaxseed Oil is classified as Allowed on a paleo diet based on standard Paleo guidelines.

Ghee is classified as Allowed on paleo — clarified butter with dairy solids removed is widely accepted in published paleo references as a paleo-compliant cooking fat.

Lard is classified as Allowed on paleo — rendered pork fat is a traditional animal fat referenced in published paleo resources as an ancestral cooking fat consistent with pre-industrial food preparation.

MCT oil is classified as Allowed on paleo — as a concentrated fat derived from coconut oil, it is consistent with the paleo fat profile and is referenced in published paleo resources as paleo-compliant.

Olive oil is classified as Allowed on paleo — extra-virgin olive oil is one of the primary cooking and finishing oils in published paleo references, valued for its minimal processing and ancestral availability.

Walnut Oil is classified as Allowed on a paleo diet based on standard Paleo guidelines.

Cooking spray is classified as Limited on paleo — sprays made from paleo-compliant oils are accepted, but most commercial cooking sprays use non-paleo seed oils requiring label review.

Sesame oil is classified as Limited on paleo — some published paleo references accept cold-pressed sesame oil in small culinary quantities while others exclude all seed oils.

Canola oil is classified as Not Allowed under standard paleo guidelines as an industrial seed oil produced through high-heat chemical refining.

Grapeseed oil is classified as Not Allowed on paleo because it is an industrial seed oil high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, produced through high-heat chemical extraction processes inconsistent with paleo guidelines.

Margarine is classified as Not Allowed on a paleo diet based on standard Paleo guidelines.

Palm Oil is classified as Not Allowed on a paleo diet based on standard Paleo guidelines.

Peanut oil is classified as Not Allowed on paleo — it is derived from peanuts, a legume, and legume-derived oils are excluded from paleo guidelines along with industrial seed oils.

Safflower Oil is classified as Not Allowed on a paleo diet based on standard Paleo guidelines.

Shortening is classified as Not Allowed on paleo — it is made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils containing trans fats and industrial seed oils excluded from paleo guidelines.

Sunflower oil is classified as Not Allowed on paleo — it is an industrial seed oil produced through high-heat chemical extraction with a high omega-6 polyunsaturated fat content.

Vegetable oil is classified as Not Allowed on paleo — it is a refined industrial seed oil blend (typically soybean, canola, or corn oil) categorically excluded from paleo guidelines.