Ingredient · Updated
Sunflower Oil
Found in 61 productsSee all
Caru Classics Beef Stew 
Bee Keeper's Naturals Bee Propolis Throat Spray 
Kirkland Signature Chunks in Gravy Canned Cat Food 2-Flavor Variety Pack Chicken & Salmon Recipe 
Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend Oat Milk - 1qt 
Southern Grove Coconut Clusters Ginger Mango 
gimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks Sea Salt 
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cookies & Cream 14 oz 
Beech-Nut Naturals Fruity Oat Bars Banana What is Sunflower Oil?
Sunflower oil is an edible oil extracted from sunflower seeds. It is commonly produced by pressing the seeds and undergoing refinement processes to enhance its stability and shelf life.
This oil is widely used for cooking and frying due to its high smoke point. It is rich in vitamin E and low in saturated fats, which usually makes it appealing for health-conscious consumers. However, sunflower oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to an imbalanced fatty acid ratio when consumed in excess.
When you see sunflower oil on a label, it's important to consider the overall dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids, as well as how the product fits into your overall nutrition goals.
Commonly found in: Cooking oils, Snack foods, Processed foods, Margarine, Salad dressings
What to watch
- High omega-6 fatty acid content can promote inflammation if not balanced with omega-3 intake.
Benefits
- Rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radical damage.
Sunflower oil is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food products by the FDA.
While sunflower oil is favored for its vitamin E content, the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids are a concern in some studies regarding inflammation and cardiovascular health.
Sunflower oil is plant-derived and generally considered suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database · Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association
Scout's take
Sunflower oil is highly processed and contains a high level of omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation if consumed excessively.
The case against
High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.
from the analysis of Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar · echoed in 19 other analysesHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation and imbalance omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
from the analysis of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Cookies & Cream 14 oz · echoed in 2 other analysesHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases.
from the analysis of Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts · echoed in 2 other analysesHigh omega-6 content promotes chronic inflammation. Industrially refined with potential chemical solvent residues.
from the analysis of Barebells Protein BarHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation and contribute to an imbalanced fatty acid profile.
from the analysis of Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend Oat Milk - 1qtThe case for
Provides a source of vitamin E but is overshadowed by its high omega-6 content.
from the analysis of Simple Turth Protein Greek Yogurt Coating Granola BarsContains vitamin E and healthy fats that support heart health.
from the analysis of alpro Growing Up Soya Drink 1-3 Years U.H.T. 4 xContains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
from the analysis of Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein BarProvides texture in the product.
from the analysis of Barebells Protein BarMore from Scout's analyses
Sunflower oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. It is often extracted using high heat and chemicals, which can degrade its nutritional quality. Regular consumption of seed oils is linked to an imbalance in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
from the analysis of Nature's Path PREMIUM ORGANIC GRANOLASunflower 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 used in processed foods. Its high omega-6 content can disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance in the diet.
from the analysis of Simple Turth Protein Greek Yogurt Coating Granola BarsExtracted seed oil — high in omega-6 linoleic acid and refined under heat and solvents; Scout classifies all extracted seed oils as very bad in foods.
from the analysis of Beech-Nut Naturals Fruity Oat Bars BananaAll 61 products with Sunflower Oil
+ 37 more products in the Scout app
Where Sunflower Oil shows up
- Salty Snacks 15 products
- Protein Bars 13 products
- Protein Powders 5 products
- Granola 4 products
- Nuts 3 products
- Ice Cream 3 products
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 Sunflower Oil
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Sunflower Oil, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.