Ingredient · Updated

Soybean Oil

Flagged in 54

Found in 54 productsSee all

What is Soybean Oil?

Soybean oil is a type of vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant. It is one of the most widely used cooking oils and is commonly found in processed foods.

Soybean oil is used for its emulsification properties, which help blend ingredients, and its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures. However, it is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can disrupt the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 in the diet.

When you see soybean oil on a label, it's important to be aware of its processing methods, which often include high heat and chemical solvents, potentially affecting its nutritional quality.

Commonly found in: snack foods, dressings, margarine, baked goods, processed foods

What to watch

  • High in omega-6 fatty acids, which may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.
  • Typically extracted using heat and solvents, which can reduce nutritional quality.
FDA

Soybean oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food in the United States.

Research

Research suggests mixed effects; while some studies highlight health concerns related to its fatty acid profile, others focus on its essential fatty acid contributions.

Vegan

Soybean oil is plant-derived and considered vegan-friendly.

Sources: GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database

Scout's take

Inflammatory seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids. Heavily processed and refined.

The case against

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

from the analysis of Jeni's Double Dough · echoed in 16 other analyses

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and is linked to various chronic diseases.

from the analysis of Nature's Own HONEY WHEAT ENRICHED BREAD · echoed in 4 other analyses

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess. The extraction process can introduce harmful residues and degrade beneficial compounds.

from the analysis of Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance.

from the analysis of Stauffer's ANIMAL CRACKERS

May promote inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases when consumed in excess.

from the analysis of Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts

More from Scout's analyses

Soybean oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. It is heavily processed and often extracted using chemical solvents. This oil is considered unhealthy due to its high omega-6 content and potential for oxidation.

from the analysis of HELLMANN'S, REAL MAYONNAISE

Soybean oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It is highly processed and often extracted using chemical solvents. This oil is not recommended for regular consumption due to its potential health impacts.

from the analysis of Kodiak French Toast Sticks - Cinnamon

Soybean oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It is often highly processed and may contain trans fats if partially hydrogenated. The high omega-6 content can disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance in the diet.

from the analysis of Stauffer's ANIMAL CRACKERS

All 54 products with Soybean Oil

+ 30 more products in the Scout app

Where Soybean 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 Soybean Oil

Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Soybean Oil, scoring 80 or above.

Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.