Shea Butter
Also known as: shea, shea fat
Shea butter is a recognized vegetable fat. EU regulations permit certain vegetable fats including shea as cocoa butter equivalents in chocolate up to 5% by Directive 2000/36/EC.
What it is
Fat extracted from the nut of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa); used in food and cosmetics.
Vegetable fat with a melting profile useful in confectionery; sometimes used as a cocoa butter equivalent.
Why it's flagged
- high saturated fat
- tree-nut origin (not classified as a major allergen)
What regulators actually say
"Vegetable fats other than cocoa butter may be added in chocolate products, in quantities not exceeding 5 % of the finished product. Shea is one of the permitted fats listed in Annex II."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted vegetable fat; not standardized for use in U.S. chocolate.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized cocoa butter equivalent fat in chocolate up to 5% under Directive 2000/36/EC.
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