Ingredient

Cottonseed

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Cottonseed oil is a common cooking oil and ingredient in many processed foods. It …

What it is

Cottonseed is the seed of the cotton plant, which is primarily cultivated for its fiber. While the whole seed is not typically consumed, it is processed to extract cottonseed oil.

Why it's used

Cottonseed oil is a common cooking oil and ingredient in many processed foods. It is used for frying, baking, and in products like salad dressings, margarines, and snack foods due to its neutral flavor and stability.

Health notes

When properly refined, cottonseed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Unrefined cottonseed contains gossypol, a natural compound, but refining processes significantly reduce its presence, making the oil safe for consumption. JECFA and EFSA have not set specific acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for cottonseed oil, as it is considered a staple food ingredient rather than an additive.

Allergen info

Cottonseed is not one of the nine major allergens identified by the FDA. Highly refined cottonseed oil is generally not considered allergenic.

Products containing Cottonseed

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.