Which food category typically accounts for the highest saturated fat intake?

The category that typically accounts for the highest saturated fat intake is animal products, especially fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy. Saturated fat is predominantly found in the fat from animal sources, which includes not only meat but also dairy products such as cheese, butter, and cream. These foods tend to have higher levels of saturated fatty acids compared to plant-based foods.

In contrast, while processed snacks and desserts can contain saturated fat, they are often higher in trans fats and sugars than in saturated fats. Fruits and vegetables naturally contain little to no fat, thus they contribute minimally to saturated fat intake. Whole grains, too, are typically low in fat and are not a significant source of saturated fats. Thus, when evaluating sources of saturated fat, fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products are the leading contributors in most diets.