Ingredient · Updated
Vegetable Oil
Found in 59 productsSee all
Land O Lakes BUTTER WITH OLIVE OIL & SEA SALT 
Golden Krust Vegetable Patty Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts 
Silk Almond Milk Alternative, Unsweetened, Dairy Free 
Trader Joe's Maple Pecan Granola 
ONE HERSHEY'S ONE Bar Hershey's Cookies n Creme Flavored Protein Bars 
Quest Protein Shake Chocolate 
Newman's Own PARMESAN & ROASTED GARLIC What is Vegetable Oil?
Vegetable oil is a generic term for oils extracted from seeds and other parts of plants. The most common types include soybean, canola, and sunflower oils. They are produced through a process of extraction and refining, often involving chemical solvents.
These oils are frequently used in cooking and food processing for frying, baking, and salad dressings due to their high smoke point and neutral flavor. However, the health effects are debated; some studies link high consumption of processed seed oils to inflammation and other health issues, though more research is needed to confirm definitive effects.
When you see 'vegetable oil' on a label, know that it can encompass a range of oils, often blended, and may not specify the exact type, potentially involving seed oils rated poorly by Scout.
Commonly found in: cooking oils, margarine, processed snacks, baked goods, salad dressings
What to watch
- High intake of processed seed oils can be linked to inflammation.
- Potentially contributes to an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.
Vegetable oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for intended use in food.
Research shows mixed evidence on the health effects of vegetable oils, with concerns about inflammation requiring further study.
Vegetable oil is plant-derived and typically acceptable for vegan diets.
Scout's take
Vegetable oils such as corn, canola, and sunflower oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. These oils are often extracted using high heat and chemicals, which can degrade their nutritional quality. They are considered unhealthy due to their processing methods and potential to disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance in the diet.
The case against
High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases when consumed in excess.
from the analysis of Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts · echoed in 20 other analysesHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess. The extraction process can introduce harmful compounds and reduce nutritional value.
from the analysis of Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips 10 Ounce Plastic BagHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess. Hydrogenation can introduce trans fats, which are linked to heart disease.
from the analysis of Kellogg's Froot LoopsHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess. TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant that may have adverse health effects.
from the analysis of Cheez-It Whole GrainHigh omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess. Potential presence of trans fats due to processing methods.
from the analysis of Ore-Ida FRENCH FRIED POTATOES, GOLDEN FRIESThe case for
Provides a source of fat but lacks significant nutritional benefits.
from the analysis of Thomas' Original English MuffinsHigh in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
from the analysis of Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Chili & Lime FlavoredMore from Scout's analyses
Vegetable oil, including soybean and canola oil, is high in omega-6 fatty acids which can promote inflammation. These oils are often highly processed and may contain trans fats. The extraction process typically involves chemical solvents, which can degrade oil quality.
from the analysis of Newman's Own PARMESAN & ROASTED GARLICSources: Canola, Corn, Soybean, and/or Sunflower Oil. Quad seed oil blend — all four are high in omega-6 fatty acids promoting systemic inflammation. Highly refined, chemically extracted oils. The entire health penalty of this product.
from the analysis of Lay's ClassicVegetable oil, including corn, canola, and sunflower oils, is high in omega-6 fatty acids which can promote inflammation. These oils are often extracted using high heat and chemicals, which can degrade their nutritional quality. The presence of multiple seed oils indicates a highly processed product.
from the analysis of Frito Lay Cheetos XXTRA Flamin' Hot Crunchy Cheese Flavored SnacksAll 59 products with Vegetable Oil
+ 35 more products in the Scout app
Where Vegetable Oil shows up
- Salty Snacks 32 products
- Prepared 3 products
- Bread 3 products
- Protein Powders 2 products
- Condiments 2 products
- Creamers 2 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 Vegetable Oil
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Vegetable Oil, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.