Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about these commonly used cooking oils.
I use them interchangeably as I suspect many home cooks do.
So I chatted with a food expert about the difference between the two oils and dug deeper into each.
Simply Recipes / Alison Conklin
Here’s what I found out.
What Is Canola Oil?
Canola oil is extracted from the seeds of canola plants, widely grown and harvested in Canada.
Karishma Pradhan
It has a neutral flavor and is affordable, making it a versatile and commonly used cooking oil.
What Is Vegetable Oil?
Any oil extracted from seeds or other parts of plants is considered vegetable oil.
Sally Vargas
For example, canola oil, soybean oil, and avocado oil are vegetable oils.
Karishma Pradhan
So What’s the Difference?
Other than that, it comes down to nutrition.
She advises that canola oil has more unsaturated fats than vegetable oil, making it a slightly healthier option.
She says, “Canola oil does have a little edge.”
If you only have one on hand, they can be used interchangeably.
Got a little bit of one left and need more?
It’s OK to combine the oils.
Though they do taste slightly different, it won’t be noticeable in the final dish.
The Takeaway
Canola oil comes from a single source while vegetable oil is a blend of oils.
Both are versatile oils with a mild flavor, high smoke point, and budget-friendly price tags.
They can be used interchangeably for cooking whether you are frying, sauteing, or baking.
However, when nutrition plays a factor, health experts advise that canola oil is the better option.
