Ingredient · Updated
Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
Found in 5 products
What is Expeller Pressed Canola Oil?
Expeller Pressed Canola Oil is derived from the seeds of the canola plant using a mechanical process known as expeller pressing. This method involves physically pressing the seeds to extract the oil, without the use of chemical solvents, which is often seen as more natural by consumers.
Canola oil, including its expeller-pressed variety, is frequently used in cooking and processed foods due to its relatively mild flavor and high smoke point. It is promoted for its low saturated fat content and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to some other oils. However, its health implications are debated, and according to Scout's ingredient doctrine, it is rated very_bad because it is a seed oil.
When you see expeller pressed canola oil on a label, it indicates a mechanical extraction process, which may appeal to those seeking to avoid chemically processed oils. Nevertheless, the ongoing debate about the overall health effects of seed oils remains a consideration for consumers.
Commonly found in: salad dressings, baked goods, margarines, frying, processed snack foods
What to watch
- Canola oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which may contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess relative to omega-3s.
- Concerns exist about potential genetic modification, as a large proportion of canola crops are genetically engineered.
Benefits
- Contains low saturated fat and is a source of omega-3 fatty acids compared to some other cooking oils.
Canola oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the FDA.
Research shows potential heart health benefits due to omega-3 fatty acids, but the evidence on overall health effects is mixed.
Expeller Pressed Canola Oil is plant-derived and suitable for a vegan diet.
Sources: Questions & Answers on Canola Oil · Canola Oil: Heart-health Benefits and Skeptics
Scout's take
Canola oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. The expeller pressing method is a mechanical process that avoids chemical solvents, but the oil still poses health concerns. It is not recommended for regular consumption due to its high omega-6 content.
The case against
High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.
from the analysis of bear naked Oats and Honey Granola · echoed in 2 other analysesMore from Scout's analyses
Canola oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. Even when expeller pressed, it is still highly processed. Its high omega-6 content can disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance in the diet.
from the analysis of Stater Bros oats and honey granolaExpeller Pressed Canola Oil is a refined seed oil. Expeller-pressing avoids hexane solvents, but it is still high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 linoleic acid — Scout classifies all seed oils as very_bad.
from the analysis of 365 Whole Foods Market Original HummusEven expeller-pressed (no hexane), canola oil is a refined high-omega-6 seed oil.
from the analysis of Kashi Soft-Baked Oatmeal Dark Chocolate CookiesAll 5 products with Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
Where Expeller Pressed Canola Oil shows up
Seed oils at restaurant chains
Scout checks chain menus for seed oils like this one: of 5,312 food items at 64 chains, 20% list none in their published ingredient statements. See how every chain compares or get the data.
Higher-scoring picks without Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.