Palm oil free. What does that mean exactly?
Update February 2021. It was inevitable that a soy report be created on this page. Soybean oil is the most common go to replacement for palm oil as a vegetable oil. CSPO Watch has refrained from exposing the problems with soy in order to keep a focus on sustainability in palm oil.
With growing global interest on the environmental impacts of soy, we introduce a new page to monitor the news on the global soy industry to separate the better producers of soy like those in the US soy industry and those from other soy producing regions. Read curated news on the soy industry with a focus on its sustainability.
With growing global interest on the environmental impacts of soy, we introduce a new page to monitor the news on the global soy industry to separate the better producers of soy like those in the US soy industry and those from other soy producing regions. Read curated news on the soy industry with a focus on its sustainability.
Over the ten years that we have monitored the palm oil industry there has been a consistent use of the "palm oil free" claim in marketing and packaging. What exactly does "palm oil free" or "no palm oil" mean?
Smart marketing has recognized that the words "palm oil free" and "no palm oil" are useful in attracting the niche shoppers who could provide the necessary air for a brand or product to survive. It is a misleading or even deceitful marketing tactic to prey upon palm oil as these brands or products hope that their consumers do not ask the most important question that should follow i.e. What did you use in place of palm oil? Can you prove that it is better for human health? With everything that we know now about the destruction of the Amazon for soy, the importance of no-till agriculture for carbon sequestration and the threat to European biodiversity from intensive pesticide use in rapeseed and sunflower plantations, can the palm oil substitute claim it is not guilty of extinctions and climate change?
These are some of the questions we will be asking of companies and brands that market themselves as palm oil free. Watch the space below to see which brands we catch using the phrase "palm oil free" and updates on their response on palm oil substitutes.
Smart marketing has recognized that the words "palm oil free" and "no palm oil" are useful in attracting the niche shoppers who could provide the necessary air for a brand or product to survive. It is a misleading or even deceitful marketing tactic to prey upon palm oil as these brands or products hope that their consumers do not ask the most important question that should follow i.e. What did you use in place of palm oil? Can you prove that it is better for human health? With everything that we know now about the destruction of the Amazon for soy, the importance of no-till agriculture for carbon sequestration and the threat to European biodiversity from intensive pesticide use in rapeseed and sunflower plantations, can the palm oil substitute claim it is not guilty of extinctions and climate change?
These are some of the questions we will be asking of companies and brands that market themselves as palm oil free. Watch the space below to see which brands we catch using the phrase "palm oil free" and updates on their response on palm oil substitutes.
Palm Oil Free Challenge
July 21, 2021. Barebells is Back!!
Barebells could not answer our questions from 2020 but is back with a new promotion for its new flavors!
As a backgrounder, we asked Barebells:
1. Since Barebells uses non-vegan ingredients in milk protein and collagen, are the production facilities for the Barebells Vegan Bars kept separate from the production of non-vegan products?
2. Are all your raw ingredients like cocoa certified as sustainable and free trade?
The new flavors being touted in its paid press release are Salty Peanut and Hazelnut Nougat.
The new press release is confusing especially for the eco-conscious consumer who reads labels and digs into product information.
Barebells continues to promote its products as "100% vegan and dairy free." We will check with Barebells for any updates on their manufacturing process that has changed since their response to us in July 2020.
Barebells could not answer our questions from 2020 but is back with a new promotion for its new flavors!
As a backgrounder, we asked Barebells:
1. Since Barebells uses non-vegan ingredients in milk protein and collagen, are the production facilities for the Barebells Vegan Bars kept separate from the production of non-vegan products?
2. Are all your raw ingredients like cocoa certified as sustainable and free trade?
The new flavors being touted in its paid press release are Salty Peanut and Hazelnut Nougat.
The new press release is confusing especially for the eco-conscious consumer who reads labels and digs into product information.
Barebells continues to promote its products as "100% vegan and dairy free." We will check with Barebells for any updates on their manufacturing process that has changed since their response to us in July 2020.
( July 15, 2020. Reply received from Barebells:
Our vegan protein bars are also without palm oil. There are of course measures to prevent milk contamination in production, but still we have not found a way to do this to 100 % and traces occur sporadically which makes us have the “may contain traces of milk” statement on the products.)
Our vegan protein bars are also without palm oil. There are of course measures to prevent milk contamination in production, but still we have not found a way to do this to 100 % and traces occur sporadically which makes us have the “may contain traces of milk” statement on the products.)
It is also unclear why Barebells continues to make claims to be vegan and dairy free when its new products are not.
Barebells "vegan and dairy free?" Salty Peanuts contains milk
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Barebells "100% vegan and dairy free" Hazelnut nougats may contain traces of eggs, milk
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It is quite possible that the good folks at Barebells are not entirely clear on what a "100% vegan and dairy free" product is. Milk is definitely not vegan. The possibility of trace elements of eggs and milk also challenges the claim to be 100%. A product that may contain traces of eggs and milk due to its manufacture in a factory that uses eggs and milk regularly should not be making a claim to be vegan.
July 10, 2020. Kraft has introduced a new hazelnut spread that it is being marketed heavily as "No Palm Oil." The claim is displayed prominently as a wrap around banner on its product label. The label further states in fine print that it is low in saturated fats.
Image of Kraft No Palm Oil Marketing
As seen on the Facebook page managed by the account "Kraft Peanut Butter", the No Palm Oil claim is featured in highlighted colors with the claim of being "Low in Saturated Fat" once again, in fine print.
While we are sure the legal team at Kraft has noted legal cases in Europe around "Palm Oil Free" claims and advised the addition of fine print to avoid legal challenges, the label as seen in July 2020 can be perceived as misleading.
While we are sure the legal team at Kraft has noted legal cases in Europe around "Palm Oil Free" claims and advised the addition of fine print to avoid legal challenges, the label as seen in July 2020 can be perceived as misleading.
The key problem that we see with Kraft's Hazelnut Spread label is that in its nutritional information, the data is based on 1 tablespoon or 20 grams, whereas competing products including Nutella and Nutiva have both published information based on 2 tablespoons or 37 grams. Was this an intentional act on Krafts part to declare nutritional values based on half the competition and therefore, create a perception that it is lower in saturated fats? This can be seen as misleading as other competing brands of hazelnut spread base all based their nutritional information on 37 grams. The average consumer should be provided the ability to compare new products with established ones at a quick glance.
A second problem with Krafts use of No Palm Oil is it may run afoul of labeling standards under Alarmist Claims. Stay tuned as we look further into the issues.
Updates on reaction to Kraft Heinz's No Palm Oil label
September 08, 2020 - The RSPO has confirmed that several complaints have been filed against Kraft Heinz for violation of its regulation which governs no palm oil or palm oil free marketing.
September 04, 2020 - Kraft Heinz’s No Palm Oil Marketing a Lesson for Global Brands
Kraft Heinz introduced a new hazelnut spread for its Canadian consumers in June 2020 which could turn out to be an invaluable lesson for multinational companies.
A soft introduction was launched when Kraft ran a poll on Twitter asking Kraft Peanut Butter followers whether they would prefer their hazelnut spread with or without palm oil. This was the first mistake they made. CPOPC
August 13, 2020 - The oil Palm Farmer's Union (SPKS) calls on all Indonesians to boycott products made by the subsidiary Kraft Heinz, PT Heinz ABC. "SPKS and our partners support farmers to meet the sustainability standards for palm oil but Kraft Heinz, in Indonesia operates under the name of PT Heinz ABC has demonstrated an unrespectful attitude to us," said Mansuetus Darto, secretary general of SPKS. MediaPerkebunan
August 08, 2020 - Riau, Samade – Chairman of DPP in my future sawitku ASSOCIATION (Samade), Ketaren Token, was loud and firm against Kraft Heinz who was impressed to betray sustainable palm oil.
Because, through products Kraft Hazelnut Butteryang launched in Canada some time ago, Kraft Heinz with very deliberately and striking using the words "palm oil free" in their products SAMADE
August 07, 2020 - Indonesia: The chairman of PIR Indonesia Palm Farmers Association, Setiyono, ask any Indonesian people whose lives depend on oil palm to stop consuming products from Kraft Heinz. Kraft Heinz in Canada is known for his new craft of Kraf Heinz Hazelnut in his promotion greatly accentuating "Palm Oil Free". In Indonesia Kraft Heinz produces soy sauce, syrup, canned sardine, sambal and sauces. MediaPerkebunan
August 05, 2020 - KUALA LUMPUR: The Secretariat of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) is asking American food company Kraft Heinz Company to withdraw its misguided negative campaign on palm oil and “palm oil-free” claims and discriminatory messages on the company’s products. TheEdgeMarkets
A second problem with Krafts use of No Palm Oil is it may run afoul of labeling standards under Alarmist Claims. Stay tuned as we look further into the issues.
Updates on reaction to Kraft Heinz's No Palm Oil label
September 08, 2020 - The RSPO has confirmed that several complaints have been filed against Kraft Heinz for violation of its regulation which governs no palm oil or palm oil free marketing.
September 04, 2020 - Kraft Heinz’s No Palm Oil Marketing a Lesson for Global Brands
Kraft Heinz introduced a new hazelnut spread for its Canadian consumers in June 2020 which could turn out to be an invaluable lesson for multinational companies.
A soft introduction was launched when Kraft ran a poll on Twitter asking Kraft Peanut Butter followers whether they would prefer their hazelnut spread with or without palm oil. This was the first mistake they made. CPOPC
August 13, 2020 - The oil Palm Farmer's Union (SPKS) calls on all Indonesians to boycott products made by the subsidiary Kraft Heinz, PT Heinz ABC. "SPKS and our partners support farmers to meet the sustainability standards for palm oil but Kraft Heinz, in Indonesia operates under the name of PT Heinz ABC has demonstrated an unrespectful attitude to us," said Mansuetus Darto, secretary general of SPKS. MediaPerkebunan
August 08, 2020 - Riau, Samade – Chairman of DPP in my future sawitku ASSOCIATION (Samade), Ketaren Token, was loud and firm against Kraft Heinz who was impressed to betray sustainable palm oil.
Because, through products Kraft Hazelnut Butteryang launched in Canada some time ago, Kraft Heinz with very deliberately and striking using the words "palm oil free" in their products SAMADE
August 07, 2020 - Indonesia: The chairman of PIR Indonesia Palm Farmers Association, Setiyono, ask any Indonesian people whose lives depend on oil palm to stop consuming products from Kraft Heinz. Kraft Heinz in Canada is known for his new craft of Kraf Heinz Hazelnut in his promotion greatly accentuating "Palm Oil Free". In Indonesia Kraft Heinz produces soy sauce, syrup, canned sardine, sambal and sauces. MediaPerkebunan
August 05, 2020 - KUALA LUMPUR: The Secretariat of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) is asking American food company Kraft Heinz Company to withdraw its misguided negative campaign on palm oil and “palm oil-free” claims and discriminatory messages on the company’s products. TheEdgeMarkets
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September 02, 2020. Darrel Lea, the Australian brand which manufactures chocolates and licorice announced that it has removed palm oil from its chocolates.
The move was reviewed by Eco Business with contributing statements from a spokesperson for a palm oil company who lamented the move from a certified product in palm oil, to an un-certified palm oil replacement in sunflower oil. Update October 27, 2020. RSPO terminates Darrel Lea membership Read Commentary on why orangutans should not be celebrating Darrel Lea chocolates. |
July 04, 2020 - Barebells promotes itself as "The brand that never compromises with flavor.We believe in happy eating and healthy living. That’s why we offer a whole range of protein-enriched products – all equally Barebellicious."
Its products are not 100% vegan as they include milk protein and collagen. We can only assume the collagen is from bovine sources as the FAQ page on Barebells website does not reveal their sources for ingredients. An independent review of the new vegan bars has not been great but our concern is more on sustainability and less on taste.
Our questions to Barebells will therefore be:
1. Since Barebells uses non-vegan ingredients in milk protein and collagen, are the production facilities for the Barebells Vegan Bars kept separate from the production of non-vegan products?
2. Are all your raw ingredients like cocoa certified as sustainable and free trade?
July 15, 2020. Reply received from Barebells:
Our vegan protein bars are also without palm oil. There are of course measures to prevent milk contamination in production, but still we have not found a way to do this to 100 % and traces occur sporadically which makes us have the “may contain traces of milk” statement on the products.
Regarding cocoa in our products this is not certified, but we work with big international producers that we trust in.
Have a good day!
Katarina
Konsumentkontakt
Garvargatan 9
Box 12301, 102 28 Stockholm
T +46 8 23 02 02
www.barebells.se
Its products are not 100% vegan as they include milk protein and collagen. We can only assume the collagen is from bovine sources as the FAQ page on Barebells website does not reveal their sources for ingredients. An independent review of the new vegan bars has not been great but our concern is more on sustainability and less on taste.
Our questions to Barebells will therefore be:
1. Since Barebells uses non-vegan ingredients in milk protein and collagen, are the production facilities for the Barebells Vegan Bars kept separate from the production of non-vegan products?
2. Are all your raw ingredients like cocoa certified as sustainable and free trade?
July 15, 2020. Reply received from Barebells:
Our vegan protein bars are also without palm oil. There are of course measures to prevent milk contamination in production, but still we have not found a way to do this to 100 % and traces occur sporadically which makes us have the “may contain traces of milk” statement on the products.
Regarding cocoa in our products this is not certified, but we work with big international producers that we trust in.
Have a good day!
Katarina
Konsumentkontakt
Garvargatan 9
Box 12301, 102 28 Stockholm
T +46 8 23 02 02
www.barebells.se
June 2020 - Milkadamia recently paid Livekindly to run an advertisement in the guise of a news report. The advertisement titled "THESE PALM OIL-FREE VEGAN MILK AND BUTTERS ARE SAVING RAINFORESTS" preyed on the woke campaign that being palm oil free leads to the simple equation of saving rainforests.
This is misleading advertising as simply being "palm oil free" does not mean the brand is directly responsible for saving rainforests. There are plenty of supply options for deforestation free palm oil available in Australia or the US where the Milkadamia products are now being produced. There are a few questions we would ask of Milkadamia like where their source of macadamia nuts is from now that they've outgrown their Aussie roots but to address their palm oil free claim, we will be asking Milkadamia for their source of Vitamin A Palmitate. It is commonly known that the main source of Vitamin A Palmitate is from either animal products or palm oil. Updates will be published once we hear back from Milkadamia. Our question to Milkadamia will therefore be: What is the source of your Vitamin A Palmitate? Read our opinion on why Milkadamia made a marketing mistake |
Palm oil free, palm oil substitutes, soy lecithin, canola, rapeseed, sunflower, vegetable oil, lard, cocoa, child labor
Jindilli Beverages, Milkadamia,
Barebells, Kraft Hazelnut Spread, Darrel Lea Kraft Heinz, PT HEINZ ABC, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC)
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