Cottonseed
What is Cottonseed?
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.
Is Cottonseed vegan?
Cottonseed is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Cottonseed a major allergen?
Cottonseed is not one of the nine major allergens identified by the FDA.
What is Cottonseed used for?
Cottonseed oil is a common cooking oil and ingredient in many processed foods.
Is Cottonseed safe?
When properly refined, cottonseed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.
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.
Foods that contain Cottonseed
Compare products →
Learn more
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.