Seed Oils Sleep Meals All Tools
Free Family Tool

Spot the Seed Oils

Paste any ingredients list from a package, restaurant menu, or recipe. I'll flag every seed oil hiding in there and show you better alternatives.

Try an example:

Quick Reference

Seed Oils to Avoid

  • Canola / Rapeseed oil
  • Soybean oil
  • Corn oil
  • Sunflower oil
  • Safflower oil
  • Cottonseed oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Rice bran oil
  • "Vegetable oil" (usually soybean)

Better Fats

  • Butter / Ghee
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Tallow / Lard
  • Palm oil (sustainably sourced)
  • Sesame oil (small amounts)
  • Macadamia nut oil

Common Questions

Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids. When consumed in excess (and the average American diet has a lot), they can promote inflammation. They're also often extracted using chemical solvents and high heat, which can create harmful byproducts. Many health-conscious families choose to cook with traditional fats like butter, olive oil, and coconut oil instead.

High oleic versions of these oils have a different fatty acid profile and are closer to olive oil in composition. They're a step up from regular sunflower or safflower oil, but many families still prefer to stick with traditional fats. This tool flags them separately so you can make your own call.

No. Olive oil comes from the fruit of the olive tree, not from seeds. Extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and minimally processed. It's been used for thousands of years and is widely regarded as one of the healthiest cooking fats.

Peanut oil is technically a legume oil, not a seed oil. It has a moderate omega-6 content. It's not in the same category as canola or soybean oil, but it's also not a traditional fat. This tool flags it as a "heads up" rather than a red flag.

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