High Oleic Sunflower Oil Safflower Oil

High oleic sunflower oil and safflower oil are types of vegetable oils. They are made from sunflower or safflower seeds, respectively, which are bred to have a higher percentage of oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat. The oil is extracted from the seeds through pressing and sometimes solvent extraction, followed by refining.

These oils are used in packaged foods primarily as a cooking oil or fat source. Their high oleic acid content makes them more stable at higher temperatures and less prone to rancidity compared to other vegetable oils. They are commonly found in snacks like chips and pretzels, as well as in baked goods and salad dressings.

High oleic sunflower and safflower oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are a source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered a healthier fat option compared to saturated and trans fats. JECFA has evaluated various vegetable oils, including those rich in oleic acid, and has not set a numerical limit for acceptable daily intake. Research suggests that diets rich in monounsaturated fats can have beneficial effects on heart health, but evidence is mixed on specific long-term health outcomes.