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In the grocery store aisle of cooking oils, two stand out as some of the most commonly purchased and used: canola oil and vegetable oil. And it makes sense, if you think about it. They are both neutral in flavor with high smoke points for frying, making them super versatile in the kitchen. You can use them in recipes for German chocolate cake to fried chicken and everything in between.
But when do you use canola oil versus vegetable oil? Many recipes use them interchangeably, they are both plant-based, and they look quite similar, so is there really a difference? There is, and were here to help you sort out all the greasy details.
Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil, and both can be used interchangeably. They both have high smoke points and neutral flavors. You can almost always substitute canola oil for vegetable oil and vice versa, though some may opt for the potentially lower fat content of canola oil.
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What is the difference between canola oil and vegetable oil?
Canola and vegetable oil have another thing in common: Neither is named for the plant from which they are derived. Unlike their popular cousin olive oil, there is no canola plant. “Canola” is short for “Canadian Oil Low Acid,” and acronym that Canadian scientists made up for their hybrid, non-toxic rapeseed plant in the 1970s. In short, canola oil is a type of rapeseed oil.
Vegetable oil is a little more confusing, because it is a general term that excludes animal-based oils but can refer to any number of plant oils. So technically, canola oil can be considered a vegetable oil. But most brands labeled as vegetable oil are made out of corn, soy, or a combination of them. If you want to know exactly what you have in your cabinet, check the ingredient list on the side, because it has to tell you by law.
Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil
While plant-based oils are generally considered more healthy than animal fats, canola oil is lower in saturated fat than vegetable oil. It is also higher in ALA omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential for your body but you can only get through consuming foods. (Thats why salmon is so good for you!) So, if youre being super health conscious or allergic to soy, go for canola oil. But in moderation, either oil is perfectly fine to use
Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil, Which Do I Choose? – Diabetes Center for Children at CHOP
FAQ
What happens if I use canola oil instead of vegetable oil?
What is difference between canola oil and vegetable oil?
Can you use canola oil instead of vegetable oil in cake mix?
Can you use canola oil for baking?
Can you use canola oil with vegetable oil?
You can use canola oil and vegetable oil interchangeably. Canola oil and vegetable oil are both neutral oils with high smoke points, making them good choices for baking, frying and sauteeing.
Can you use canola oil instead of vegetable oil for cake?
Yes, you can definitely use canola oil instead of vegetable oil for cake and vice versa. That’s because though these two oils aren’t exactly the same, they both play a similar function in cooking and baking. Both have a neutral flavor, both serve to add moisture to a dish, and both have high smoke points.
Is vegetable oil better than canola oil?
On the whole, vegetable oil has the same neutral flavor and high smoke point as canola oil. Use it for baking, or for stir-fry, if you already have some in the house. If you’re looking to replace canola oil for sautéing, or something to use as a salad dressing, then olive oil is the best choice.
Is canola oil good for cooking?
Canola oil and vegetable oil aren’t your only options when it comes to cooking! Other healthy plant-based options for fats include the following. Avocado oil has a high smoke point. This means that it’s ideal for searing, browning, or baking foods.