The Most Popular Type of Cooking Oil, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the type you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:52
In the world of cooking, the choice of oil can transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. Each type of oil has its own unique flavor, smoke point, and nutritional benefits, making it essential to choose the right one for each dish. This selection can sometimes be overwhelming due to the variety available.
To assist in making this culinary decision easier, a dynamic ranking of the most popular cooking oils has been created, powered by community votes. By participating in this collective evaluation, you contribute to a broad consensus, helping not only yourself but also others to make informed choices about which oil to use for frying, sautéing, dressing salads, and more.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Cooking Oil?
-
180votes
Leandro Maranghetti Lourenço · CC BY-SA 3.0This is the most commonly used cooking oil in the United States due to its low cost and neutral flavor. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and baking.Soybean oil is a widely used cooking oil derived from the seeds of the soybean plant. It is known for its mild flavor and versatile cooking properties, making it popular in a variety of culinary applications.- Smoke Point: Approximately 440°F (227°C)
- Nutritional Content: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E
- Health Benefits: May help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease
- Composition: Contains both saturated and unsaturated fats
- Cooking Applications: Ideal for frying, sautéing, baking, and salad dressings
-
239votesThis is a popular choice for health-conscious consumers as it is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fats. It also has a high smoke point, making it versatile for cooking.Canola oil is a popular edible oil that is derived from the seeds of the canola plant. It is widely used in cooking and food processing due to its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and beneficial nutritional profile.
- Long Shelf Life: Stable oil with a long shelf life
- Trans Fat: Trans fat-free
- Plant Source: Canola seeds
- Flavor: Neutral
- Smoke Point: Approximately 400°F (204°C)
Canola oil in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Alberta
-
318votes
my friend · CC BY 2.5This oil is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and has a distinctive flavor. It is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice. However, it has a low smoke point, so it's not recommended for high-heat cooking.Olive oil is a commonly used fat for pie crusts, known for its distinct flavor and health benefits. It is primarily created by pressing olives, resulting in an oil that is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The use of olive oil in pie crusts adds a subtle fruity taste and a slightly softer texture.- Flavor: Distinct fruity flavor
- Health benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Texture: Provides a slightly softer crust texture
- Versatility: Suitable for both sweet and savory pies
- Digestibility: Easier to digest compared to other fats
Olive oil in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular ingredient in the world
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular food in Calabria
-
46votes
Tiia Monto · CC BY-SA 4.0This oil has gained popularity in recent years for its health benefits and versatility in cooking. It contains medium-chain triglycerides that are easily metabolized by the body and has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.Coconut oil is a type of edible oil derived from the meat of mature coconuts. It is a popular choice for pie crusts due to its unique flavor and texture.- Flavor: Distinctive coconut flavor
- Texture: Solid at room temperature, melts easily when heated
- Fatty Acid Profile: High in saturated fats, mainly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
- Smoke Point: Approximately 350°F (177°C)
- Health Benefits: Rich in lauric acid, may help increase good cholesterol levels
-
514votes
Kulttuurinavigaattori · CC BY-SA 4.0This oil is commonly used in processed foods and has a high saturated fat content. It is also used in cooking and has a high smoke point. However, its production has raised concerns about deforestation and environmental impact.Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. It is a widely used agricultural product known for its versatile and functional properties. Palm oil is known for its high productivity and efficiency, making it one of the most popular and cost-effective oils in the world.- Origin: Oil palm trees are native to West Africa, but palm oil is now produced in many tropical regions worldwide.
- Production: Palm oil is extracted from the fleshy mesocarp of the oil palm fruit using mechanical pressing or solvent extraction methods.
- Appearance: Palm oil is a reddish-orange liquid at room temperature, which solidifies into a creamy consistency when chilled.
- Nutritional Value: Palm oil is rich in saturated and unsaturated fats, as well as vitamins A and E.
- Usage: Palm oil is widely used in food production, including cooking oil, margarine, baked goods, and snacks. It is also used in non-food products such as cosmetics, soaps, and biofuels.
-
613votesThis oil is high in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and baking.Sunflower oil is a popular type of cooking oil that is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant. It is widely used for various culinary purposes due to its mild flavor, versatile cooking capabilities, and numerous health benefits. The oil has a light golden color and a neutral taste, making it suitable for both frying and salad dressings.
- Smoke Point: High (approximately 440°F/230°C)
- Nutritional Content: Rich in Vitamin E, Omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants
- Health Benefits: Promotes heart health, enhances skin health, supports the immune system
- Saturated Fat Content: Low (approximately 11%)
- Monounsaturated Fat Content: Moderate (approximately 20%)
-
76votes
Basilicofresco · CC BY-SA 3.0This oil is commonly used in industrial food production and has a high smoke point. It is also low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fats.Corn oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the germ of corn kernels. It is a popular cooking oil due to its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and nutritional benefits. Corn oil is widely used in various culinary applications, including frying, baking, and salad dressings. It is commonly used in both commercial food production and home cooking.- Smoke Point: High (approximately 450°F or 232°C)
- Flavor: Neutral, mild taste
- Nutritional Composition: High in unsaturated fats and vitamin E
- Caloric Content: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
- Cholesterol-free: Yes
-
812votesThis oil has a high smoke point and a distinct peanut flavor. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and for frying. However, it is also a common allergen, so it may not be suitable for everyone.Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil, is a popular type of cooking oil derived from peanuts. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for various culinary applications, including frying, sautéing, and stir-frying. Peanut oil is widely used in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines due to its distinct flavor and versatility. It is a favorite choice for deep frying because of its ability to withstand high temperatures without breaking down or producing off-flavors. Additionally, peanut oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and contains vitamin E, which makes it a healthier option compared to some other oils.
- Smoke Point: 450°F (232°C)
- Flavor: Mild and nutty
- Fat Content: 100g per 100g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 46g per 100g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 32g per 100g
-
95votes
Itineranttrader · Public domainThis oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures.Avocado oil is a type of cooking oil that is extracted from the pulp of avocado fruit. It is known for its mild and creamy flavor, making it a popular choice for various culinary applications. Avocado oil has gained popularity due to its high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying and roasting. It also boasts a variety of health benefits, including being rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Avocado oil is commonly used in salad dressings, marinades, and as a finishing oil for drizzling over dishes. It was first popularized in the early 20th century and has since become widely available in stores and online.- Smoke Point: Up to 520°F (271°C)
- Fat Composition: Approximately 70% monounsaturated fat, 16% saturated fat, and 14% polyunsaturated fat
- Vitamin E content: Contains high levels of vitamin E, an essential antioxidant
- Nutritional Value: Rich in oleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and beta-sitosterol
- Flavor Profile: Mild, nutty, and buttery
-
106votes
Itineranttrader · Public domainThis oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it versatile for cooking. It is also high in polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants.Grapeseed oil is a type of cooking oil extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is light in flavor and has a high smoke point, making it suitable for various culinary applications. Grapeseed oil is known for its health benefits as it is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It is commonly used in salad dressings, marinades, and for sautéing, frying, and baking.- Smoke Point: 420°F (216°C)
- Flavor: Mild and neutral
- Health Benefits: Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants
- Nutritional Profile: High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats
- Usage: Ideal for sautéing, frying, baking, salad dressings, and marinades
Missing your favorite type?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular type
-
Health benefitsDifferent oils have varying health benefits, so the popularity of an oil would depend on factors such as the amount of saturated vs unsaturated fats and the presence of antioxidants.
-
Culinary versatilityCertain oils are better suited for specific types of cooking or cuisines, while others are more versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes.
-
Availability and accessibilityThe popularity of an oil would also depend on how easily it can be found in stores and how affordable it is for consumers.
-
TasteThe flavor of an oil can also impact its popularity among consumers.
-
Environmental impactThe sustainability and environmental impact of sourcing and producing the oil can also be a factor for some consumers.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of cooking oil. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1985 views
- 199 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular type of cooking oil
Cooking oil is a common ingredient in almost every kitchen, and it plays a crucial role in the preparation of many dishes. However, with so many types of cooking oil available today, it can be tough to choose the right one for your cooking needs. From olive oil to coconut oil, each oil has its unique flavor, smoke point, and health benefits.
According to recent polls, the most popular type of cooking oil is olive oil, and it's not hard to see why. It has a fruity flavor and aroma that makes it perfect for salads, marinades, and dressings. Additionally, it's loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits.
Other popular cooking oils include corn, canola, soybean, and sunflower oil. Each of these oils has a distinct flavor and smoke point, making them ideal for different types of cooking. Corn oil, for instance, is perfect for frying foods due to its high smoke point, while canola oil is an excellent choice for baking and sautéing.
Overall, the choice of cooking oil comes down to personal preference and the cooking method you're using. Understanding the different types of cooking oil available and their unique properties can help you make the right choice for your next culinary creation.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
