27 August, 2025 – Consumers around the world enjoy edible oils. As concerns rise about health and sustainability, the oils consumers choose are changing. This is prompting food manufacturers to look for cleaner options. We look at global oil ingredient trends, taking product launches, consumer insights, and future trends into account.
Varieties of Edible Oils
There are many edible oils, but seed and nut oils are especially popular. Sunflower oil is the most widely used. Another is canola oil, also known as rapeseed oil. Australasia and Asia lead the world in the use of edible oils. In Asia, palm oil is the most popular due to its versatility and low price.
Some oils are becoming less popular. Concern about nut allergies is leading some consumers to avoid some nut oils. Since 2020, the use of fish oils has also decreased because of taste issues and a consumer shift to plant-based options. Algae oil, avocado oil, and rice bran oil are among the options that are becoming popular alternatives to traditional oils. Another reason for alternatives is rising prices. Rising prices of edible oils can be attributed to a plethora of reasons, such as higher demand, limited exports, and climate-driven disruptions.
Consumer Concerns About Oil
Consumers no longer view oil just as an ingredient in food products. They see it as a reflection of the brand’s integrity, the product’s quality, and its healthiness. Oil ingredient trends indicate that more consumers are becoming mindful of their choices. They are choosing sustainable alternatives to traditional seed and palm oils. Oils linked to health risks or environmental harm are being avoided.
Young Millennials Leading Online Discussions
People are discussing healthy cooking oils, oil-based products, and recipes online. Young millennials are leading these online conversations about functional and regular oil choices. Particularly, there is growing attention toward the health benefits and claims of oils used in cooking and packaged foods. There is a shift away from palm and seed oils. Oil ingredient trends reveal that consumers are now choosing more sustainable options such as avocado, algae, and fruit-based oils.
Olive oil and vegetable oil are often mentioned in online discussions around the world. They are strongly linked to health and wellness. They are widely used in cooking across different cultures. Both oils are easy to find in the supermarket. They frequently appear in content from influencers and home cooks. This makes them trusted staples and highly visible ingredients in daily digital food conversations.
Sustainable & Palm Oil-Free Claims
Brands are replacing palm oil to make palm oil-free claims. This is especially true in Europe, where 82% of all palm oil-free claims can be found. When replacing palm oil, sunflower oil is the most common alternative. Palm oil is still a popular choice for many food companies because it is versatile and affordable. Although its use dropped in recent years, higher sunflower oil prices have led to a return to palm oil. Importantly, sustainably sourced palm oil is becoming more significant, with sustainably produced palm oil growing at 9% CAGR in food and beverage launches over the past five years.
Which Edible Oils Support Health-Conscious Lifestyles?
Sunflower oil can be a healthy option if you choose the right kind. High-oleic sunflower oil is full of heart-friendly monounsaturated fats. On the other hand, refined sunflower oil contains a lot of omega-6 fats, which can lead to inflammation if eaten in large amounts.
Olive oil, particularly extra virgin, is a good source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, associated with heart health benefits, reduced inflammation, and protection against chronic disease.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are quickly absorbed and turned into energy. They help speed up metabolism, help with weight management, and increase good cholesterol for heart health.
Product Launches
About 25% of food and beverage launches worldwide include edible oils. Seed and nut oils are still common, showing a CAGR of 4% over the last five years. Oil ingredient trends show that fruit and legume oils are also seeing similar growth, showing rising demand. Mixed oils are the fastest-growing type of oil ingredient. In Asia, sesame oil is gaining popularity because of traditional flavors. As more people around the world prefer Asian food, the demand for sesame oil is increasing rapidly. Interest in other oils, like cottonseed and shea, is also growing.
What’s Next in Global Oil Ingredient Trends?
As the demand for clean label options grows, oils such as avocado, coconut, and olive are viewed as healthy and minimally processed options. Brands can improve their products by using affordable oils and enhance their image by replacing traditional options like partially hydrogenated seed oils with healthier choices, such as avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for chips. Brands can remain competitive by introducing oil-based products that align with plant-based, gut-friendly, and wellness trends.
This article is based on Innova’s Oil Ingredients – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more