Where to Buy Palm Oil?

leiiv on 28/05/2020 - 11:59
Last edited 29/05/2020 - 15:18

Palm oil is supposedly cheap and better for deep frying. Where can I buy it in Brisbane or online? Is there some sort of import ban on palm oil?

EDIT 1:
As this is OzB, I expected to get some helpful answers instead of going down to a debate on the problems with palm oil. So far most of the comments are all OOT.
I am perfectly aware of the environmental issues associated with palm oil production and the animosity towards it in general. It is all comes down to human greed and conflict of interests. However, production wise, palm oil is the most efficient (hence the cheaper price) one as it requires less land area compared to other oils with the same output, etc. But let’s not discuss it in this thread.

If all the manufacturers here can use palm oil in their products, why does no one sell the cooking oil in retail?

Food & Grocery

Comments

  • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 12:10
    +19

    I realise this is OzB, but cheap does not always equate to good. Do some research on palm oil production, and the impacts, and make your decisions then.

    I'm not aware of it being available for retail sale.

    • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 14:08
      +1

      What impacts?

      • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 14:11
        +1

        Have you had a google?

        • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 14:19
          +2

          Yes. What specific impacts that are more damaging than the impacts of other (large scale) agriculture?

          • ESEMCE on 28/05/2020 - 14:28
            +4

            @fantombloo: Other large scale agriculture uses the same plot of land indefinitely.
            The bad Palm Oil producers burn down the forest, grow one season of Palm trees (stripping the soil of nutrients) and then move next door to burn down more forest, never to re-use the previous plots of cleared forest.

          • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 14:39
            +3

            @fantombloo: "Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most biodiverse forests, destroying the habitat of already endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino. This forest loss coupled with conversion of carbon rich peat soils are throwing out millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. There also remains some exploitation of workers and child labour."

            In addition, the traditional landowners experience a complete change in their lives, with a move away from subsistence farming and fishing to more unhealthy life choices in many instances.

              • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 15:04
                +1

                @fantombloo: So, because one thing is not good, other things are ok because they are the same?
                I certainly don't have a problem with sustainable palm oil production, except that there isn't enough of it as a percentage of the total palm oil production globally.

                • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 15:12
                  -2

                  @GG57:

                  So, because one thing is not good, other things are ok because they are the same?

                  No. But it might be better to first consider the damages we do ourselves rather than make fetish of other peoples' problems. Palm oil has a negative stigma now but is not necessarily that warranted when compared to what we do routinely. It is a handy diversion.

                  • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 15:18
                    +1

                    @fantombloo: The impacts of Palm Oil isn't other peoples' problems though, is it.
                    We as consumers buy (a lot of) products that contain Palm Oil as an ingredient. Manufacturers will continue to supply those products unless consumers (and bodies such as the WWF, with public support) drive the change.

                    Happy to have a discussion about broader agricultural efficiencies and impacts, and where Australia fits into that, but not in this forum.

                    • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 15:19

                      @GG57:

                      It is a handy diversion.

                      Happy to have a discussion about broader agricultural efficiencies and impacts, and where Australia fits into that, but not in this forum.

                      See. It's okay to talk about the one here, but not the other.

                      • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 15:21
                        +1

                        @fantombloo: Nope, it is off-topic.

                        • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 15:23
                          +1

                          @GG57: You made it a topic:

                          Do some research on palm oil production, and the impacts, and make your decisions then.

                          just the production is our (the world's) problem.

                          • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 15:27

                            @fantombloo: Yes, specifically around the impacts of palm oil production. I think we've had that.

                            • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 15:31
                              -4

                              @GG57: Worrying about orangutans and palm oil while continuing to engage in other, specifically animal, agriculture is like bailing water out of your own cabin on a sinking ship.

                              • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 15:39

                                @fantombloo: You have absolutely no idea about my thoughts on that topic.

                                • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 15:50
                                  -2

                                  @GG57: I'm not addressing your thoughts. I am addressing the general stigma towards palm oil.

                                  I just had a quick look at your deal votes and you have no problem upvoting various food and other products of what are commensurate, if not greater, ecological disasters. Why single out palm oil?

                                  I know palm oil sucks. I've been in Malaysia while it was enveloped in smoke from Sumatran forests. And with their familiar bodily form, orangutans sure have great appeal to our emotions. But criticizing palm oil has largely become a circle-jerk, and a punching bag to allay other issues, many of which we have much more control over.

                                  • onetwothreefour on 28/05/2020 - 16:15
                                    +1

                                    @fantombloo:

                                    Why single out palm oil?

                                    Because that's what the OP is asking about. Like GG57 said, anything else is off-topic.

                                    • fantombloo on 28/05/2020 - 16:55

                                      @onetwothreefour: OP asked about the availability of palm oil, that's all.

                                      Talk about its negative consequences were initiated by GG57.

                                      • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2020 - 10:43
                                        -1

                                        @fantombloo: False equivalence and whatabout-ism. Classic way to divert the discussion and derail the main topic which is the environmental impact of palm oil. It's like saying people are getting shot everyday in the US so a few stabbings in my neighbourhood is okay.

                                        The main point here is consuming palm oil is bad for the environment. It doesn't matter what animal agriculture is doing to the rest of our planet. What matters is what you're planning to do about it. With your mentality we might as well just rape the planet because everything else we do isn't helping. That's not how this works.

                                        Lots of people helping the planet IMperfectly, is better than a few people helping the planet perfectly.

                                        So yes I still contribute to the trash in the Pacific Ocean by ordering ubereats, but I have solar panels on my roof to reduce my dependence on fossil fuels. Does that make me a hypocrite because I still eat takeaway? No. Because like I said more people who practice SOME form of environmentalism is better than a few people who practice ALL forms of environmentalism.

                                        • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 15:13
                                          +2

                                          @[Deactivated]: Sorry, no, the main topic is where can I buy palm oil for cooking at home here in Australia, not the environmental impact of palm oil.

                                          Consuming other types of oil is arguably even worse for environment because they require between 4 and 10 times more land to produce the same amount of oil compared to palm oil. Do you want to argue that not all habitats weigh the same, ie: is it OK to convert savanna or bushland to plantation, but not OK if it is rainforest?

                                          Boycotting palm oil is not the solution.

                                        • fantombloo on 29/05/2020 - 18:27

                                          @[Deactivated]:

                                          It's like saying people are getting shot everyday in the US so a few stabbings in my neighbourhood is okay.

                                          No, it's actually like saying I'm shooting people every day so if I don't do a few stabbings then that's - well you decide what that is.

                                          Just another case of externalising the problem.

  • Baysew on 28/05/2020 - 12:14
    +1

    Palm Beach?

  • Godric on 28/05/2020 - 12:22
    +1

    Next to the plastic straws

  • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2020 - 12:25
    +2

    Malaysia \ indonesia have heaps

  • DarthAntz on 28/05/2020 - 12:32

    'blended vegetable oil' often suggests that a high portion of the oil is from palm oil. Check the label. If its cheap 'blended' oil, chances are its because of palm oil.

    Do your research. Cheap yes, better for frying depends on what you are frying.

    Ethically, palm oil is associated with slave labour and deforestation.

    • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 00:00
      +2

      I don’t think so. Most of the blended vegetable oils, if not all, do not state the compositions or ingredients on the label.
      However, based on the percentage of the types of fat, it does not indicate a high portion if palm oil.
      Oils that contain higher levels of saturated or monounsaturated fats tend to be more stable when heated, as opposed to polyunsaturated.
      Almost all oils on the supermarket shelves are high in polyunsaturated, except olive, avocado, and coconut oils, which are all expensive.

  • Blue Cat on 28/05/2020 - 13:04
    +1

    better for deep frying

    Easier to cook or healthier?

    Because it's no way healthier.

    • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 13:36

      Not healthier? I couldn't find anything that suggests it is any worse than other oils.
      It does apparently have some positives; just the production is our (the world's) problem.

      • jan1var on 28/05/2020 - 14:34

        Palm oil is very high in saturated fats. Google the effects of excessive saturated fat consumption.

        • Mechz on 28/05/2020 - 14:39
          +2

          Higher testosterone levels? Please do some actual research yourself.

        • Blue Cat on 28/05/2020 - 14:42
          +2

          Sat fats are not the problem. I actually found if I consume 100g of sat fat I don't get acne and pimples on my face.

          The problem is vegetable fats. If you have spare 10 minutes, read this up:
          http://lowcarbs.in/why-vegetable-oils-are-dangerous/

        • GG57 on 28/05/2020 - 14:42
          +2

          This popped to the top of a Google search:
          "Palm oil has a high saturated fat content, which can be harmful to cardiovascular health. However, one study found that, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, “Palm oil does not have incremental risk for cardiovascular disease.”"
          And another:
          "Palm oil has been linked to several health benefits, including protecting brain function, reducing heart disease risk factors and improving vitamin A status."

          At best, I would say the experts are divided.

        • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 00:23

          Palm oil is very high in saturated fats

          Hence why it is very good for deep frying.

  • barozgain on 28/05/2020 - 14:37
    +6

    Buy a tub of nutella lol

    it's basically palm oil with sugar

    • kahn on 28/05/2020 - 16:45
      +1

      Has anyone here tried cooking with Nutella?

      • barozgain on 29/05/2020 - 12:57

        I've been having Nutella Lattes for last few days

        Have to admit it tastes so good (but so unhealthy)

  • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 00:22
    -1

    As this is OzB, I expected to get some helpful answers instead of going down to a debate on the problems with palm oil. So far most of the comments are all OOT.
    I am perfectly aware of the environmental issues associated with palm oil production and the animosity towards it in general. It is all comes down to human greed and conflict of interests. However, production wise, palm oil is the most efficient (hence the cheaper price) one as it requires less land area compared to other oils with the same output, etc. But let’s not discuss it in this thread.

    If all the manufacturers here can use palm oil in their products, why does no one sell the cooking oil in retail?

    • deepblonde on 29/05/2020 - 07:52

      You can buy palm oil on eBay, but it’s not cheap-
      Alternatively you can use , lard, beef dripping, coconut oil or ghee-
      Ghee has probably the highest smoke point of all of them, and the imported ghee can be bought at any supermarket, or Australian ghee ( clarified butter ) can be bought online.

    • JPMelb on 29/05/2020 - 09:45

      I'm confused. You expected no one to voice an opinion on requesting how to buy a highly contentious product on a public forum? No, this isn't twitter, but considering you confess to understand the problematic nature of Palm Oil, yet you still requested info on how to buy it "cheap" therefore most likely unethically produced then I am surprised you are surprised with the response.

      There are plenty of alternatives.

      • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 15:02

        Read again, I only said that I expected some answers. So far, one comment reassert of the retail unavailability, and only one provides a link to an online store. I am not surprised, that line is a response to the first comment by @GG57:

        I realise this is OzB, but cheap does not always equate to good

        And no, there are no "good enough" alternatives. Otherwise, none of the products you love from pizza, doughnuts and chocolate still use palm oil.

        • JPMelb on 29/05/2020 - 21:57

          well you haven't given any real input on the use case other than deep frying. Deep frying what?

          Yes there are good enough alternatives depending on what you are doing. Palm Oil is mostly attractive for shelf life and stability. If you are cooking in your own home, similar thickening/mouthfeel is easily achieved depending on the dish. Either thickening with rice flour in a stew where a palm oil base roux cube is used for instance.

          I stopped using roux cubes from Japan for Curry Rice or Hayashi rice because of Palm Oil. I also avoid chocolate and other products that use it so your "none of your products" line is a bit irrelevant.

  • Waltervp on 29/05/2020 - 09:04
    +2

    https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/8-things-know-about-palm-oil

    Sorry to be pestering on, but this is quite important… Palm oil is singled out because…

    Quote:

    Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most biodiverse forests, destroying the habitat of already endangered species like the Orangutan, pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhino. This forest loss coupled with conversion of carbon rich peat soils are throwing out millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. There also remains some exploitation of workers and child labour. These are serious issues that the whole palm oil sector needs to step up to address because it doesn’t have to be this way

    • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 14:49
      +1

      It is a good article, some key points to quote:

      • Indonesia and Malaysia make up over 85% of global supply.
      • Palm oil is in nearly everything – it’s in close to 50% of the packaged products we find in supermarkets.
      • Palm oil is an extremely versatile oil that has many different properties and functions which makes it so useful and so widely used. It is semi-solid at room temperature so can keep spreads spreadable; it is resistant to oxidation and so can give products a longer shelf-life; it’s stable at high temperatures and so helps to give fried products a crispy and crunchy texture; it’s also odourless and colourless so doesn’t alter the look or smell of food products.
      • Palm oil is an incredibly efficient crop, producing more oil per land area than any other equivalent vegetable oil crop. To get the same amount of alternative oils like soybean or coconut oil you would need anything between 4 and 10 times more land, which would just shift the problem to other parts of the world and threaten other habitats and species.
      • Boycotting palm oil is not always the answer, but demanding more action to tackle the issues and go further and faster, is.

      Palm oil is singled out because:

      • It only grows across or 10 degrees north / south of the equator, competing in the same region with tropical rainforests.
      • There is no developed countries in that region with the exception of Singapore. Demand and greed combined with a lot of things (poverty, lack of enforcement, lack of environmental concerns, advanced knowledge, etc) means that forests are burned down to make way for plantations.
      • There is no way other oil producers can compete with palm oil on cost/price and benefits alone.
      • So the environmental problems make palm oil an easy target for media campaign to reduce demand, shifting it to other types of oil.

      And nevertheless, it is still used in most products sold in major supermarkets, but just not in the form of cooking oil.

  • JustAC00K on 29/05/2020 - 09:40
    +1

    https://www.rangeproducts.com.au/shop/carrier-vegetable-oils…

    $2.93 per kg. Canola oil is a little cheaper. Health benefits or deficiencies are up for debate.

    Canola or cottonseed oil will last longer than most, thus reducing the cost further.

    For best taste, depending on the product you want to cook, I mix cottonseed oil and beef lard.

    • leiiv on 29/05/2020 - 13:46

      It says $8 for 1L bottle? WW olive oil is $7/L. So yes it it very expensive and shipping (~$20) is killing it.

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