Based on the interpretation of the high-resolution C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of 15 spreading fats, baking fats, vegetable creams and an infant formula. it is possible to decide whether the sample contains butter fat, lauric oils, partially hydrogenated fat, linoleic acid or linolenic acid. The data have been interpreted in a semi-quantitative manner, and this provides an insight into the nature of the material present in each sample.