Canola is made from a modified rapeseed plant, a bright yellow flowering plant in the mustard and cabbage family. Canola oil is one of the most neutral-tasting oils, making it a go-to choice for all types of cooking and baking. Because it has a high smoke point (400-450 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the oil, canola oil is also an excellent option for medium- to high-heat cooking, such as stir-frying and deep-frying things like meat and popcorn.
But, like other oils such as avocado and olive, there are several varieties of canola oil. This list gives you everything you need to know to pick the option that is right for you.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SpectrumNaturalsOrganicCanolaOil-6ee99f20b53047808d7dc4bff4c64a9c.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (1)")
What We Like
Organic
Good for high heat
Every batch is tested
What We Don't Like
On the pricey side
Spectrum Naturals was created in Northern California in the 1980s to bring quality oils into as many kitchens as possible. Since the start,Spectrum Naturalshas touted its commitment to using only organic,non-GMOingredients. As a bonus, the company claims it tests every batch of its oils to ensure that no GMO or unwanted ingredients have snuck their way in, so you can feel confident that you’re getting what the bottle says.
Its canola oil is organic, refined, and expeller-pressed, creating a very lightly flavored oil that can be used in many different ways. Its smoking point is 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is a great oil to have in your pantry for when you want to fry or sauté. It also comes in a large bottle for a fair price, which we love.
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 32 ounces | Processing: refined, expeller-pressed | Origin: USA, Netherlands, Argentina
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LaTourangelleOrganicCanolaOil-7d17becd53c8494587ce8c178f1cd61d.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (2)")
What We Like
Organic
Non-GMO
Low price tag
What We Don't Like
Bottle can dent
La Tourangelle isn’t just a fancy name; it’s a quality, fancy oil without the high price tag.La Tourangelleis one of the only oil mills that still uses a traditionalFrench roasting and pressing processto slowly extract the oil from the rapeseeds. The result is an artisan-style oil that’s light and delicate and has a neutral taste that lends well to all types of cooking and baking.
We love that a pound of this oil won't set you back too far, and that it will last a while when stored in a cool, dry place. Unopened it is good for up to two years. Once it is opened it can be used for six months. Although the BPA-free aluminum bottle that prevents light damage can dent easily, it has a pour spout and cap that helps with drizzling and storing.
Price at time of publish: $9
Size: 16.9 ounces | Processing: refined, expeller-pressed | Origin: USA
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HealthyHarvestCanolaOil-af5bacecaedb4e41b38e4f745fe88ad2.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (3)")
What We Like
Extra large container great for deep frying needs
Non-GMO
Good value
What We Don't Like
Large gallon-container might be too cumbersome for everyday countertop usage
Healthy Harvest was started by the Strohs, a Colorado-based farming family that's been at it since the 1900s. The Strohs' mission is to create the best-tasting oils that are free of GMOs and produced in a way that preserves natural resources and sustains local communities. Healthy Harvest takes pride in the fact that it can trace back all of its oils to the farm of origin. The only ingredient is non-GMO canola oil made in the U.S. and bottled in Longmont, Colorado.
It comes in a gallon-size jug that makes it an ideal choice for alltypes of frying, evendeep-frying a turkey. However, it may be too heavy for some to utilize day in and day out. You can always store it in a dark-colored, airtight bottle or jar for easier access. Nevertheless, it is a good deal for such a large amount of oil.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size: 128 ounces | Processing: refined, expeller-pressed | Origin: USA
The Best Mail Order Turkeys of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Cooking
Simple Truth Organic Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/large_125604bc-2c64-4c22-b683-8ee3470321a3-3b54c0f968684331b3dd0b8aebe388d7.jpeg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (4)")
What We Like
Organic
Low price tag
Versatile
What We Don't Like
Plastic container
Simple Truth is a brand owned by grocery store chain Kroger. Simple Truth Canola Oil is certified organic and refined, resulting in a high smoke point of 450 degrees. All of this means you can use it for everything, from marinades and pan-searing to a drizzling oil forroasted vegetables or an oil you use to glaze food before grilling. It contains only high-quality, mechanically expeller-pressed canola oil.
We don't love that it comes in a clear plastic jug, but there is a lot of it for a low price, so essentially you are getting what you pay for. Despite this, the oil is good quality and worth adding to your virtual cart.
Price at time of publish: $5
Size: 25.5 ounces | Processing: refined, expeller-pressed | Origin: USA, Netherlands
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MoritzOrganicCold-PressedCanolaOil-1-a4d88324b827469c9a1f9f432b01d8eb.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (5)")
What We Like
Nutty flavor
Swap for a solid fat in recipes
Comes with two bottles
What We Don't Like
Bottle is not dark
Lots of popular sweet treats contain nuts or a nutty flavor, and that's why we love this canola oil for baking. It is made without preservatives and cold-pressed, so the taste and smell are better retained, making it a great swap for vegetable oil or solid fat like butter in recipes. We recommend adding it to desserts that are buttery and chocolatey, like these chewy, low-fat brownies.
This option comes with two bottles slightly larger than one pound. This means you have enough on hand for multiple baking sessions that need 0.25 cups or more of oil. We don't love that the bottles are clear glass, so you should be careful to store them in a cool, dark, dry place.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: two 16.9-ounce bottles | Processing: Cold-pressed | Origin: Germany
The 7 Best Baking Sheets in 2023, Tested and Reviewed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-03-28at5.35.03PM-e8d4ff839692493a9c140de3e598c701.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (6)")
What We Like
Non-GMO
Expeller pressed
Not an eyesore
What We Don't Like
Glass bottle could be damaged in shipping
Canola oil may not always seem as glamorous as a fancy extra-virgin olive oil or tiny bottle of specialty oil, but Farm to Market is here to change that with its fit-for-your-counter, aesthetically appealing bottle that’s not too big and not too small. Simply put, the bottle is one that can make some do a double take to realize it is canola oil.
Looks aside, this is a high-quality 100 percent pure canola oil that is great for cooking up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Its neutral flavor makes it versatile and perfect for everyday use. If you end up being a fan of their canola oil too, make sure to check out their extra virgin olive and sunflower oils.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 16.9 ounces | Processing: expeller-pressed | Origin: USA, Canada
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MantovaCanolaOilSpray-1-9ffa9cfa567b4ebdb1da2ea32d399a97.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (7)")
What We Like
Easy to leave on the counter
High smoke point
Three spraying options
What We Don't Like
Small amount of oil
For times when you want to quickly coat food before roasting or sautéing, an oil spray can be quite handy. This Itacanola oil spray can from Mantova is a great kitchen addition you can leave on the counter and grab when you need it. There are three spraying options—spray, drip, or stream—so you can get a lot or a little out at a time. The oil's smoke point is a lofty 464 degrees Fahrenheit, making this spray great for grilling, stir-frying, roasting, and more.
The can is only 5 ounces, which is considerably smaller than other canola options on this list, but because it is being sprayed, it is easier to control how much is used at once.
Price at time of publish: $6
Size: 5 ounces | Processing: Not indicated | Origin: Italy
Best for Popcorn
Dutchman’s Perfect Pop Butter Flavored Canola Oil
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DutchmansPerfectPopButterFlavoredCanolaOil-1-38ae362cb8c74040a5cc594194bd182d.jpg "The Best Canola Oils for Making Homemade Popcorn and More (8)")
What We Like
Flavored
Colored with beta carotene
Large size
What We Don't Like
A little goes a long way
Microwave popcorn is convenient, but you can make your own fairly easily with some kernels and this butter-flavored canola oil. The oil is a great one to use for popping with its high smoke point, and this particular bottle adds a movie-theater taste and bright yellow color thanks to beta carotene found in carrots to homemade popcorn (red and white striped tub not included).
One bottle is over 2 pounds, which means it will last you a long time. Instructions are not clear about exactly how much you should use, instead opting to suggest "your desired amount". The standard is around 3 to 4 tablespoons for one cup of popcorn kernels. We recommend measuring or adding a little bit less than what you think so your freshly popped popcorn isn't drowning in oil. You can always add more before serving!
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 33.8 ounces | Processing: Not indicated | Origin: Not indicated
We Popped Thousands of Kernels to Find the 5 Best Popcorn Makers
Final Verdict
The expeller-pressed Spectrum Naturals Organic Canola Oil is an excellent all-around choice. If you're looking for a spray, go with the small but mighty Mantova Canola Oil Spray.
What to Look for in Canola Oil
Quality and Ingredients
Ingredients and quality of canola oil go hand in hand when selecting one right for you. Check the labels to see if it's organic, non-GMO, how the seeds are processed—expeller-pressed, for example—and if in the U.S., look for the USDA organic certification on the bottle, if this is an important feature for you.
Size
How often you use canola oil should be a part of deciding how big of a bottle to buy. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, but keep in mind that canola oil does go bad, so it probably isn't the best idea to purchase a gallon if you only cook with this oil once in a while.
Whichever size you buy, keep in mind that you can always add some to a smaller bottle or sprayer if that is more convenient. Here are some of our favorite oil sprayers.
Use
Canola oil comes in bottles for use in recipes and sprays for coating pans before cooking, which will help you determine which one is best for you. Having both kinds around can be handy, too.
FAQs
What can canola oil be used for?
Canola oil is a very versatile oil for cooking and baking. It is used in frying methods—from deep-frying and sautéing to stir-frying. It's also used for greasing pans, and in marinades, salad dressings, baked goods, and more.
Where should canola oil be stored?
Canola oil, unopened or opened, can be kept in the pantry or cupboard. After opening, make sure that it is tightly sealed. It should last around one year in the pantry.You can keep it in the refrigerator if you'd like, and it will also keep for up to one year.
How do you know if canola oil is rancid?
When any cooking oil—including canola—starts to spoil, the smell and color will change. Just take a whiff from the bottle, and if it smells off or has a fermented or sweet smell, it is most likely rancid and should not be used. The oil can also darken in color if it has gone bad.
Is canola oil vegetable oil?
According to Kathy Davis, owner of The Seasoned Olive, “Canola oil is considered a vegetable oil, but not all vegetable oils are canola oils.”
What is canola made of?
“Canola oil is made from a hybrid variety of the rapeseed. It is a very versatile oil with a high smoke point. It is good for deep frying, stir fry, and baking. It is not as healthy as olive oil but is very useful,” says Davis.
How do you dispose of canola oil?
According to Davis, “There is a difference in disposing of the oil for restaurants (which use a lot) and residential (casual use). Restaurants need to use a commercial disposal company that comes and takes away the fry oil. Residential use should not create too much volume. One thing that should never be done is to pour it down the sink. Actually, no oil should be washed down the sink. If there is more than can be wiped out with a paper towel, put it into an old can or container and throw it away."
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best canola oils, evaluating key features—like ingredients, quality, and size—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also interviewed Kathy Davis, owner of The Seasoned Olive, for additional information on how best to use canola oil.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Lindsay Boyers, the original author of this roundup, is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage testing experience. She’s developed over 1,000 original recipes and is constantly on a mission to find the healthiest, best-tasting options and ingredients across all food and drink categories.
This roundup was updated by Alyssa Langer, a licensed registered dietitian, food writer, and recipe developer.
Amanda McDonaldis an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She also updated this article to include the most up-to-date information.
The 10 Best Olive Oils of 2023