Refined vegetable oil

Refined vegetable oil is a liquid fat extracted from plants, such as sunflowers, rapeseed, or soybeans. The refining process removes impurities, colour, and flavour, resulting in a neutral-tasting oil. This process typically involves steps like degumming, neutralisation, bleaching, and deodorisation.

Manufacturers use refined vegetable oils primarily as a source of fat, contributing to texture, mouthfeel, and palatability in a wide range of foods. They are commonly found in baked goods, confectionery, snacks, and processed meals, acting as a cooking medium or an ingredient to improve product consistency.

Refined vegetable oils are not considered food additives and do not have an E-number. They are a source of energy and can contain beneficial fatty acids, depending on the source. The UK government's Eatwell Guide advises choosing unsaturated oils over saturated ones. While generally considered safe, highly processed foods containing significant amounts of refined oils may also be high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS), which are subject to UK advertising and placement restrictions.