Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that is typically used to extend a product’s shelf life. Although they are not essential to our diet, they are often found in a variety of pre-packaged and processed foods.

Trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Here are 30 foods with the most trans fats to steer clear of.

1. Margarine

Margarine is a common alternative to butter, but unfortunately, it is often made with partially hydrogenated oil, which is a major source of trans fats. Be sure to check the label and opt for a brand that is trans-fat-free.

2. Shortening

Shortening is another common baking ingredient that is often made with partially hydrogenated oil. It is important to read the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods, such as French fries, chicken nuggets, and fried shrimp, are often high in trans fats since they are typically cooked in partially hydrogenated oil.

It is best to limit your consumption of fried foods and opt for baked or grilled options instead.

4. Donuts

Donuts are a sweet treat that is often high in trans fats due to the use of partially hydrogenated oil in the dough. Be sure to check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for a baked version instead.

5. Cakes and Pastries

Cakes and pastries often contain trans fats as a result of the use of partially hydrogenated oil in the dough or frosting.

It is important to read the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for homemade versions made with healthier oils.

6. Crackers

Crackers are a common snack food that can contain trans fats. Be sure to check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for whole-grain crackers instead.

7. Non-Dairy Creamer

Non-dairy creamer is often made with partially hydrogenated oil, making it a source of trans fats. Opt for milk or plant-based milk alternatives instead.

8. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is a convenient snack, but many brands are made with partially hydrogenated oil, making them a source of trans fats. Opt for air-popped popcorn or choose a brand that is trans-fat-free.

9. Frozen Dinners

Frozen dinners are a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats due to the use of partially hydrogenated oil. Be sure to read the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own meals at home.

10. Potato Chips

Potato chips are a salty snack that can contain trans fats. Be sure to check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for baked or vegetable-based chips instead.

11. Biscuits

Biscuits are a baked good that is often made with partially hydrogenated oil, making them a source of trans fats. Check the label and opt for a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own biscuits with healthier oils.

12. Waffles

Waffles are a breakfast favorite but many brands are high in trans fats since they are often made with partially hydrogenated oil. Opt for homemade waffles with healthier oils or choose a brand that is trans-fat-free.

13. Pancakes

Pancakes are another breakfast favorite that can contain trans fats. Be sure to check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own pancakes with healthier oils.

14. Frozen Pizza

Frozen pizza is a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own pizza at home.

15. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a popular fast-food item that is often cooked in partially hydrogenated oil, making it a source of trans fats. Opt for grilled or baked chicken instead.

16. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a sweet treat that can contain trans fats. Be sure to check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for sorbet or frozen yogurt instead.

17. Creamy Salad Dressings

Creamy salad dressings, such as ranch or Caesar, can be high in trans fats. Opt for vinaigrettes or make your own dressing at home with healthier oils.

18. Canned Soup

Canned soup is a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own soup at home with healthier oils.

19. Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches

Frozen breakfast sandwiches are a quick and easy breakfast option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own breakfast sandwiches at home with healthier ingredients.

20. Frozen Fried Rice

Frozen fried rice is a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own fried rice at home with healthier oils.

21. Canned Biscuits or Rolls

Canned biscuits or rolls are a convenient baking option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own biscuits or rolls with healthier oils.

22. Chocolate Bars

Chocolate bars are a sweet treat that can contain trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for dark chocolate, which is lower in trans fats.

23. Fried Fish

Fried fish is a popular fast-food item that is often cooked in partially hydrogenated oil, making it a source of trans fats. Opt for grilled or baked fish instead.

24. Onion Rings

Onion rings are a popular side dish that can contain trans fats since they are often fried in partially hydrogenated oil. Opt for baked onion rings or choose a brand that is trans-fat-free.

25. Frozen Burritos

Frozen burritos are a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own burritos at home with healthier ingredients.

26. Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a snack food that can contain trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for baked or vegetable-based chips instead.

27. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a popular spread that can contain trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

28. Frozen Chicken Pot Pie

Frozen chicken pot pie is a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own pot pie at home with healthier ingredients.

29. Frozen Taquitos

Frozen taquitos are a convenient meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or make your own taquitos at home with healthier oils.

30. Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are an affordable meal option, but many brands are high in trans fats. Check the label and choose a brand that is trans-fat-free or opt for homemade ramen with healthier oils.