Peanut Oil vs Vegetable Oil
Peanut Oil wins on seed oil PUFA: about 33% of its fat versus roughly 55% for Vegetable Oil, around 2x less per spoonful.
Per tablespoon that is an estimated 4.5g of PUFA against 7.5g. Values from USDA oil composition data, method on the methodology page.
| Peanut Oil | Vegetable Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| PUFA share of fat | ~33% | ~55% |
| Est. PUFA per tablespoon | ~4.5g | ~7.5g |
| Type | legume oil | seed oil blend |
| Seed oil? | borderline | yes |
Peanut Oil
Pressed from peanuts (a legume, not a seed), about 33% PUFA. The signature fry oil at a handful of famous chicken chains.
Named by several major chicken chains. See chains frying in peanut oil.
Vegetable Oil
A label term, not a plant: in the US "vegetable oil" is usually soybean oil or a soybean blend, around 55% PUFA.
The generic label on fryers and ingredient lists everywhere. See the distributor oils page.
Restaurants that cook with peanut oil
10 restaurant chains we track name peanut oil in their cooking oil information.
Restaurants that cook with vegetable oil
452 restaurant chains we track name soybean oil in their cooking oil information.
Restaurants that do not name their oil almost always fry in a soybean blend sold as vegetable oil.
Frequently asked
Which has less PUFA, peanut oil or vegetable oil?
Peanut Oil carries less polyunsaturated fat: an estimated 33% of its fat versus about 55% for vegetable oil, per USDA oil composition data.
How much PUFA is in a tablespoon of peanut oil?
Roughly 4.5g of PUFA per tablespoon, since a tablespoon of oil carries about 14g of fat and peanut oil runs about 33% PUFA.
Which is more stable for frying, peanut oil or vegetable oil?
Peanut Oil is more stable: about 33% of its fat is polyunsaturated, against about 55% for vegetable oil, and polyunsaturated fat is the part that breaks down fastest under heat.
Is peanut oil or vegetable oil a seed oil?
Peanut Oil is borderline. Vegetable Oil is a seed oil.
More matchups
Or work out any amount with the PUFA calculator.