Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Butter is made from animal fat – specifically cream or milk – while margarine is made from vegetable oils, such as palm oil. Margarine contains little to no cholesterol and can be formulated to suit different applications and dietary needs.

Consumer margarine is designed for direct use at home or in small businesses. It typically contains added vitamins, following national food standards. Industrial margarine, on the other hand, is made for large-scale food processing or baking and may not include added vitamins, as it is intended to be used as an ingredient in further production.

High-quality margarine should have a smooth, pliable texture that mixes easily into dough and batters without cracking. It offers good plasticity for consistent shaping, lamination, and expansion during mixing or proofing. The colour should be uniform, with no separation or off-notes.

A well-formulated margarine also maintains its flavour and aroma through baking. It should be stable under heat and in tropical conditions, and ideally, it should be trans-fat-free.

Melting point refers to temperature at which margarine or shortening transitions from solid to liquid. It’s a key indicator of how the fat will behave during mixing, baking, or frying. A balanced melting point ensures the product stays firm at room temperature but melts evenly during cooking.

While fats are essential for health, excessive intake – especially of trans fats – can be harmful. Trans fats are known to raise Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and lower High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. That’s why GAR’s margarine products are formulated without partially hydrogenated oils and are free from trans fats, in line with global food safety and nutrition guidelines.

FILMA Prestige is a premium butter-blend margarine that combines the richness of butter with the versatility of margarine. This unique formulation gives baked goods a distinct buttery aroma and flavour, while delivering the performance and stability professionals expect from margarine – all in one product.

Shortening is a type of fat that is solid at room temperature, used to create tenderness and texture in baked goods. It can be made from animal fat or vegetable oil, and includes products like margarine, lard, butter and hydrogenated vegetable oils.

At GAR, our vegetable shortening range includes:
• White Fat: 100% vegetable fat without emulsifier.
• Baker’s Fat: 100% vegetable fat with emulsifier.
• Pastry Fat: 100% vegetable fat with high plasticity, specifically formulated for pastry and laminated doughs.
• Butter Oil Substitute: 100% vegetable fat with added emulsifier, colour, and flavor to mimic the qualities of butter.
• Frying Fat: 100% vegetable fat specially developed for stability and performance in deep frying.

For more information on shortenings, click here.

Specialty fat refers to specially formulated fats, often made from high-quality palm kernel oil, designed to deliver specific functional properties in food applications. These fats are commonly used to mimic cocoa butter in chocolate compounds and coatings, and are also found in products like ice cream, non-dairy creamer, and a variety of confectionery items.

Specialty fat is widely used as an alternative to cocoa butter because it offers greater versatility and is easier to handle in various food applications. With rising demand and limited supplies of cocoa butter, specialty fats provide a cost-effective solution for manufacturers. They help maintain product quality and texture, while keeping production costs manageable when cocoa butter prices are high.

MENARA Margarine features a fruity butter flavour, lower melting point, and lower water content than MENARA Margarine Cream.

MENARA Margarine Cream, on the other hand, offers a fruity flavour profile without butter notes, higher melting point, and has higher water content than MENARA Margarine.

Choosing the right product depends on your application, scale, and performance needs. For home cooking and baking, our consumer products like Filma and Palmboom are easy to use and fortified for daily nutrition. For food service, bakeries, and manufacturers, our industrial range covers various melting points, textures, and functionalities.

Explore our products by selecting the Consumer or Industrial filter option to see which products fit your needs.

Yes, most of our palm-based food products are halal certified. Please check the certifications section or contact our team for the latest information on specific SKUs.

We offer traceability, consistent quality, and products formulated for specific applications. Our vertical integration, from plantation to finished product, ensures reliable supply and food safety. Our team of in-house chefs and technical experts are ready to help you achieve your culinary or manufacturing goals.

Yes, our margarine and specialty fats are formulated without partially hydrogenated oils and are trans-fat-free.

Yes, many of our margarine and shortening products are plant-based and suitable for vegan or dairy-free applications. Check the product details or reach out for vegan-specific options.

Our palm oil is sourced from GAR’s own plantations and trusted suppliers across Indonesia. We are committed to responsible sourcing, traceability, and sustainability certifications such as RSPO and ISPO.

Our products hold a range of certifications, including RSPO, ISPO, Halal, Kosher, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and GMP+. Explore our certifications listed on Palm-based Products page.

Shelf life varies by product, but generally, margarine and shortening should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within the indicated period on the packaging.

Yes, our R&D and technical terms can develop customised blends or formulations to meet your specific requirements for industrial applications. Please reach out via our enquiry form for more details.

Our palm-based food products are marketed and distributed in Indonesia and globally. Contact our sales team for information on availability in your region.

MOQ and delivery terms depend on the product and destination. Please contact our sales team for specific details based on your business needs.

Yes, we offer a range of packaging formats — from sachets for retail to bulk formats for industrial kitchens and manufacturing. Explore product details or contact us for more.

Samples may be available for B2B buyers or distributors upon request. Please contact us here and our team will get in touch.

Our technical and sales teams are available to support you. Visit our contact page or email us here to reach the right person.