Canola oil
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Canola oil is a pale golden, neutral-flavored oil pressed from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, prized for its clean taste and smooth, light texture. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a good source of omega-3 ALA. Its high smoke point makes it a versatile workhorse in both kitchens and food manufacturing.
💚 Why it's loved
People love canola oil for its incredibly neutral taste, which lets the flavors of the food shine through, and its versatility for everything from salad dressings to high-heat searing. It's a staple in many modern kitchens for its functional reliability and perceived health benefits.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some critics point to its highly refined processing, which strips away minor nutrients, and its high omega-6 content if not balanced with other fats. For those watching caloric density, its pure fat content (900 kcal per 100g) requires mindful portioning; using a non-stick pan or measuring spoons can help control intake.
Key benefits
- Low in saturated fat and high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Good plant-based source of omega-3 ALA fatty acids.
- High smoke point (around 400°F/204°C) suitable for frying and sautéing.
- Neutral flavor profile doesn't overpower other ingredients.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'canola' is a portmanteau of 'Canadian oil, low acid,' as the plant was bred in Canada in the 1970s to reduce the harmful erucic acid found in traditional rapeseed.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 0.00 g |
| Energy | 900 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 100 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 0.00 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0.00 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.20 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 17.3 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 71.3 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.9 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.7 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 62.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.20 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 60.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 1.9 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 25.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 17.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 7.5 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is canola oil the same as rapeseed oil?
Not exactly. 'Canola' is a specific variety of rapeseed bred to be low in erucic acid. In the US and Canada, 'canola oil' is the common name; in Europe, it's often labeled 'rapeseed oil.'
Can I use canola oil for deep frying?
Yes, its high smoke point and neutral flavor make it a common and cost-effective choice for deep frying in both restaurants and homes.
How should I store canola oil?
Store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Once opened, it's best used within a few months. Refrigeration isn't necessary but can extend freshness.