Soybean Canola Palm Palm Kernel Oil

Soybean oil, canola oil, and palm/palm kernel oil are common vegetable oils used in food. Soybean oil is extracted from soybeans, canola oil from rapeseed, and palm/palm kernel oil from the fruit of oil palm trees. They are refined and processed for use in cooking and food manufacturing.

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

These oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use. They are a source of fatty acids, including saturated and unsaturated fats, which are part of a balanced diet. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these oils. While generally considered safe in moderation, high intake of saturated fats, particularly from palm oil, has been linked to increased risk of heart disease in some studies.