scored 44/100
Animal fat is a concentrated source of energy and fat-soluble vitamins, composed primarily of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids with bioavailable micronutrients including choline and vitamin D.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 44.
Less a 2.0 anti-nutrient penalty (high saturated fat).
Animal fats, derived from mammals and poultry, have been consumed throughout human evolution and remain a staple in traditional diets worldwide. Despite decades of dietary fat restrictions, emerging evidence suggests that animal fats—particularly from grass-fed sources—contain a balanced fatty acid profile with substantial monounsaturated fat content (approximately 45% of total fat). Animal fats provide fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2) essential for bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular signaling. Choline content (42 mg/100g) supports liver health, neurological function, and methylation pathways critical for aging. The saturated fat composition varies by animal diet and species; grass-fed sources contain higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 ratios compared to grain-fed. For longevity, moderate consumption of high-quality animal fats may support nutrient absorption, hormone production, and cellular membrane integrity. The key distinction is source quality—grass-fed, pasture-raised animal fats demonstrate superior micronutrient profiles and fatty acid compositions compared to industrial sources.
Dietary fat emulsifies and solubilizes fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine, enabling efficient absorption across the intestinal epithelium into lymphatic circulation
Choline serves as a precursor to acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) and phosphatidylcholine (myelin component), essential for synaptic plasticity and neural protection
Dietary cholesterol and fatty acids are structural precursors for testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and other steroid hormones critical for metabolic regulation and aging
Fat delays gastric emptying, stimulates cholecystokinin (CCK) release, and provides sustained energy through oxidative metabolism, reducing blood glucose spikes
Oleic acid (primary MUFA in animal fats) activates GPR120 and reduces pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide signaling in immune cells
Consuming animal fat with midday meals maximizes satiety, stabilizes afternoon energy levels, and allows adequate time for fat digestion and fat-soluble vitamin absorption before evening
Breaks a fast
Animal fat breaks a fasting state due to caloric and macronutrient content; however, small amounts (teaspoon) in coffee during extended fasts may support metabolic flexibility without triggering full nutrient absorption cascades
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower animal fat is than the average across 10 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Animal Fat is classified as a oils & fats. Animal fat is a concentrated source of energy and fat-soluble vitamins, composed primarily of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids with bioavailable micronutrients including choline and vitamin D.
Animal Fat scores 44/100 in Formulate, making it a limited choice nutritionally. Its strongest contributions come from Sodium, Vitamin E, Zinc. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 14 g serving provides about 0 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 14 g serving provides about 0 g of fiber (~0% of the 28 g daily value).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 14 g serving has about 0 g of net carbs (0 g total minus 0 g fiber).
Best in the midday. Consuming animal fat with midday meals maximizes satiety, stabilizes afternoon energy levels, and allows adequate time for fat digestion and fat-soluble vitamin absorption before evening
A typical serving is around 14 g (~126 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating animal fat alongside several other oils & fats sources.
Animal Fat pairs nicely with: Pair with leafy greens (spinach, kale) because fat solubilizes fat-soluble vitamins K, A, and E, dramatically increasing bioavailability; Combine with colorful vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers) to enhance carotenoid absorption through fat-mediated emulsification; Pair with choline-rich foods (eggs, cruciferous vegetables) to synergistically support methylation pathways and cognitive function; Combine with vitamin D sources (fatty fish, egg yolks) to optimize fat-soluble vitamin absorption and hormonal signaling.
High saturated fat.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients animal fat contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients animal fatcontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.