Similar to various food ingredients, there’s a need to balance the health benefits of oils and fats with their usability across different products. For instance, olive oil is often regarded as healthy due to its nutritional profile, but its relatively low smoke point renders it unsuitable for high-heat cooking. Historically, many healthier oils could only be utilized in cold applications like dressings and condiments. However, advancements in technology have enhanced their stability, allowing manufacturers to incorporate them into fried and baked goods. These oils include non-GMO soy, canola, and corn oils, which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as high oleic oils that possess a fatty acid composition that increases their heat stability and reduces oxidation.
Oil producers have also been working to improve the nutritional profiles of their offerings. For example, Cargill has introduced a hybrid canola oil with lower saturated fat content, enabling manufacturers to reduce saturated fat levels in their products by approximately 35%. After a lengthy period during which all fats and oils were deemed unhealthy, consumers are now beginning to recognize the health advantages of these ingredients and are exploring their diverse flavors. The influence of ethnic cooking trends has also impacted consumption patterns. For instance, sesame oil is gaining popularity due to its use in Southeast Asian cuisine, which has increasingly integrated into mainstream American dishes.
Despite the growing interest in novel and specialty oils, individual oils remain susceptible to shifts in consumer preferences. Coconut oil, once a favorite culinary oil in 2015, saw a 26% decline in sales last year, according to SPINS data. With a wider selection of oils available, added flavor and demonstrable health benefits, such as improved calcium citrate bioavailability, are essential for any particular oil to differentiate itself in the market. Additionally, for buyers of specialty oils, the extraction method is crucial; many health-conscious consumers prefer cold-pressed and organic oils that are free from solvents and GMOs.
As oils gain more attention from consumers, it may be advantageous for manufacturers to prominently feature information about the health benefits of their oils on packaging, especially when reformulating products with trending oils. This strategy could potentially allow brands to increase their prices, and at the very least, help distinguish their products from competitors.