Soybean Oil vs Olive Oil
Olive Oil wins on seed oil PUFA: about 10% of its fat versus roughly 58% for Soybean Oil, around 6x less per spoonful.
Per tablespoon that is an estimated 1.4g of PUFA against 7.9g. Values from USDA oil composition data, method on the methodology page.
| Soybean Oil | Olive Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| PUFA share of fat | ~58% | ~10% |
| Est. PUFA per tablespoon | ~7.9g | ~1.4g |
| Type | seed oil | fruit oil |
| Seed oil? | yes | no |
Soybean Oil
The default American restaurant oil at roughly 58% PUFA, also labeled soya oil. Cheapest per gallon and what the big distributors stock by default.
The distributor standard; assume it when nothing is disclosed. See chains using soybean oil.
Olive Oil
Pressed from olives (a fruit, not a seed), about 10% PUFA and mostly the stable monounsaturated fat that high-oleic seed oils try to imitate.
Named by some Italian and Mediterranean kitchens for finishing. See chains cooking in butter or olive oil.
Restaurants that cook with soybean oil
452 restaurant chains we track name soybean oil in their cooking oil information.
Restaurants that cook with olive oil
58 restaurant chains we track name olive oil in their cooking oil information.
Frequently asked
Which has less PUFA, soybean oil or olive oil?
Olive Oil carries less polyunsaturated fat: an estimated 10% of its fat versus about 58% for soybean oil, per USDA oil composition data.
How much PUFA is in a tablespoon of soybean oil?
Roughly 7.9g of PUFA per tablespoon, since a tablespoon of oil carries about 14g of fat and soybean oil runs about 58% PUFA.
Which is more stable for frying, soybean oil or olive oil?
Olive Oil is more stable: about 10% of its fat is polyunsaturated, against about 58% for soybean oil, and polyunsaturated fat is the part that breaks down fastest under heat.
Is soybean oil or olive oil a seed oil?
Soybean Oil is a seed oil. Olive Oil is not a seed oil.
More matchups
Or work out any amount with the PUFA calculator.