Rapeseed Oil vs Canola Oil: Key Differences

Rapeseed Oil vs Canola Oil: Clearing the Confusion

One of the most common questions from B2B edible oil buyers is: what is the difference between rapeseed oil and canola oil? While both come from the same plant species (Brassica napus), they differ in erucic acid content, glucosinolate levels, and regulatory definitions across markets.

This guide clarifies the distinctions and helps buyers select the right product for their market.

Botanical Background

Both rapeseed oil and canola oil are derived from Brassica napus (rapeseed) or Brassica rapa (turnip rape). The term "canola" was coined in Canada in the 1970s to distinguish low-erucic-acid varieties from traditional high-erucic-acid rapeseed.

Traditional Rapeseed Oil: Contains 20-50% erucic acid. Historically used for industrial applications (lubricants, biodiesel) rather than food due to health concerns about high erucic acid intake.

Canola Oil (Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil - LEAR): Contains less than 2% erucic acid and low glucosinolate levels. Developed specifically for food use and now dominates the edible rapeseed oil market globally.

Regulatory Definitions

Different markets define canola and rapeseed oil differently:

• Canada: "Canola oil" must contain less than 2% erucic acid and less than 30 µmol/g glucosinolates in the meal.

• European Union: Uses "rapeseed oil" for both traditional and low-erucic varieties. "Low erucic acid rapeseed oil" specifies food-grade product.

• China: Distinguishes between "double-low rapeseed oil" (low erucic acid, low glucosinolate) and traditional rapeseed oil. Double-low varieties dominate food use.

• USA: FDA recognizes "canola oil" as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) with erucic acid below 2%.

Nutritional Profile Comparison

Low-erucic-acid rapeseed oil (canola) has a distinctive nutritional profile:

• Oleic Acid: 55-65% (monounsaturated, heart-healthy)

• Linoleic Acid: 18-22% (omega-6 polyunsaturated)

• Alpha-Linolenic Acid: 8-12% (omega-3 polyunsaturated)

• Saturated Fat: Only 6-7% (lowest among common cooking oils)

• Erucic Acid: Less than 2% in food-grade varieties

The favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and low saturated fat content make canola oil one of the most nutritionally balanced cooking oils available.

Market Applications

Food-Grade Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil:

• Retail cooking oil (especially in Europe and China)

• Salad dressings and mayonnaise

• Margarine and spreads

• Commercial frying (mid-oleic varieties)

• Bakery and food manufacturing

Traditional High Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil:

• Industrial lubricants

• Biodiesel production

• Chemical feedstocks

• Not suitable for food use in most markets

Sourcing Rapeseed Oil from HowFun Oil

HowFun Oil supplies food-grade low erucic acid rapeseed oil (canola quality) in refined and cold-pressed varieties. Our products meet international food safety standards with full certification documentation.

We also offer sunflower oil, soybean oil, and blended vegetable oils for diversified product portfolios.

Contact us for rapeseed oil specifications, erucic acid test reports, and competitive pricing.