Cottonseed Oil Sunflower Oil Safflower Oil

Cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds of cotton plants. Sunflower oil comes from pressing the seeds of sunflowers. Safflower oil is made from the seeds of the safflower plant. All three are vegetable oils commonly used in cooking and food production.

These oils are used as cooking oils and as ingredients in a wide variety of processed foods. They provide texture, mouthfeel, and can help carry flavors. They are frequently found in snacks like chips and pretzels, as well as baked goods and salad dressings.

Cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil are all considered fats and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. They are sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated fats and oils. Evidence regarding specific health effects at typical intake levels is generally consistent with dietary guidelines recommending a balance of fats.