Shortening
Also listed as Vegetable Shortening and Baking Shortening.
Fats & Oils
This is what the ingredient is.
Shortening is a solid vegetable fat used in baking. Labels may say shortening or vegetable shortening.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
It is used for pie crusts, frosting, and frying.
Here is what food agencies say.
Edible fats are FDA-regulated foods; allergen declarations apply when soy or other sources are present.
Here is what research has found.
Quality and contaminant monitoring apply to edible fats; recalls are less common than for perishable foods.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Check the label if you avoid soy. Store cool and sealed.
Sources
- FDA Food Labeling
- USDA FSIS
- FDA Recalls
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.
v1.0Updated 9/17/2026