How can ingredient lists show whether a packaged food contains trans fats?

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Trans fat Commercially manufactured foods, including cookies, doughnuts, and muffins, often contain trans fats.

To determine if a packaged food contains trans fats, you should examine the ingredient list on the product packaging. If the list includes the term "partially hydrogenated oil," the food contains trans fats.1

In many countries, manufacturers are also required to disclose the amount of trans fat per serving on the nutrition facts panel. However, it is important to note that labeling regulations vary by region:

United States: A product can be labeled as "trans-fat free" if it contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.1
Canada: A product must contain less than 0.2 grams of trans fat per serving to meet the criteria for lower-content labeling.1

Because even small amounts can accumulate, health experts often recommend avoiding manufactured products containing these oils entirely.1