Canola Oil Sunflower Oil Safflower Oil

Canola oil is a vegetable oil made from the seeds of the rapeseed plant. Sunflower oil comes from pressing sunflower seeds. Safflower oil is pressed from the seeds of the safflower plant. All three are refined and purified before being used in food.

These oils are commonly used in processed foods for their neutral flavor and ability to improve texture and mouthfeel. They are found in a wide variety of products including baked goods, snacks, dressings, and fried foods.

Canola, sunflower, and safflower oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are primarily composed of unsaturated fats, which are considered healthier fats. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these oils. Evidence suggests that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats may have benefits for heart health.