Canola Oil Popcorn

Canola is edible oil used for cooking and by many to make canola oil popcorn. It is taken from cultivated field mustard or rapeseed which both belongs to the Brassicaceae family. These flowering leaf vegetables are more commonly known as the cabbage family. This oil was first produced in the beginning of the 70's in Canada. The name canola which was given to the oil derived from these plants is taken from the phrase "Canadian oil, low acid".

Our Recommendation Canola Oil Popcorn

When it comes to canola oil, a lot of consumers are not comfortable thinking that it comes from a GMO source. BetterBody Foods Expeller Pressed GMO Free Canola Oil is an excellent alternative to this kind of oil that is not from a genetically modified source. Aside from this it is also chemical free. As with all canola oils it contains omega fatty acids and has low saturated fats. Best of all, it comes with a very budget friendly price.


Those looking for something that is purely organic can turn to La Tourangelle Organic Canola Oil . It is a bit more expensive but it comes from an all natural source. Ingredients used for the production of this are grown without any chemical compounds or synthetic inputs. This canola oil is also imported from Europe and does come with attractive packaging.

If you are looking specifically for canola oil popcorn cooking products, can be used. This buttery popcorn oil is made from canola and is particularly for popping kernels. It can be used with a popper, in the microwave and stovetop. Popcorn gets a fluffy butter coating with a color that resembles theater popcorn. However, it should be noted that this is made with partially hydrogenated canola oil.

More On Canola Oil Popcorn

How Canola Oil is Made

The oil production process begins with the cultivation of hybrid rapeseed or field mustard which are different from the traditional ones. These differ mainly in the amount of fatty acids, glucosinolates and eurcic acid contained in it. The seeds are then cleaned using methods that include air aspiration, sieve screening and indent cylinder cleaning.

Seeds are then exposed to mild heat after cleaning to help with the oil extraction. Crushing is done via mechanical pressing or cold pressing. Further extraction is done with the use of hexane.

The removed crude canola oil undergoes a process of refining using organic acids with water or water precipitation. This eliminates impurities such as free fatty acids, phospholipids, color pigments and others. As a final step the refined canola oil is deodorized through steam distillation to remove residual compounds that may leave a smell or taste.

The production of canola oil has lead to the popularity of this vegetable oil. It is one of the most widely used cooking oil and is preferred by many. It works well for stir frying, deep frying and equally well for canola oil popcorn popping.

Canola Oil Nutritional Value

When it comes to nutritional attributes, many experts recommend the use of canola oil mainly because of the low fat content. Of all oils, it contains the lowest amount of saturated fats with only 7.4% in a 100 gram serving.

On the other hand, it contains a good amount of healthy fat, known as monounsaturated fats, at 63. 3%. It's overall trans fat or polyunsaturated fats is 28.4%, which is relatively low compared to specific oils. Over and above all this, canola oil also contains an omega-03 fatty acid profile and Vitamin E.

Advantages of Use

• Healthy Fats - this oil contains a good amount of healthy fats which are good for the heart. Canola oil popcorn cooking can help reduce the amount of saturated fat intake. It can still make popcorn eating healthy despite the use of oil.
• Price - unlike other vegetable oils in the market, canola is more affordable. The use of this oil for kernel popping and cooking will not leave you with a hole in your pocket. Its affordability can make it an ideal choice if a lot of popping will be done.
• Versatility - since canola undergoes a process of refining it does not have any taste or smell. This means popcorn cooked with it can be used with seasoning without worrying about flavors becoming mixed.

Disadvantages of Use

• Flavor - being refined oil can also prove as a down side for those who are looking for specific flavors. Canola oil does not have the nutty or sweet undertones that are carried by coconut or peanut oil.
• Smoke Point - compared to some oils canola has a lower smoke point. It burns at 400 degrees F so a bit of care may be needed when cooking. However, this is still higher compared to some oils such as palm and coconut.