The Environmental Impact of Cooking Oils: What You Need to Know

Tue Oct 21 2025 22:22:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Understanding which cooking oils are best for the climate involves examining their agricultural practices and carbon emissions.

A recent study highlights the environmental implications of cooking oils, ranking canola and sunflower oils as the best options for sustainability, while revealing the staggering contributions of the oil crop industry to global emissions.

In the kitchen, a splash of cooking oil might seem insignificant, but its environmental impact is more substantial than you might think. Agriculture contributes roughly a third of global carbon emissions, with nearly 20% of the planet's arable land dedicated to growing oil crops. Hence, the choice of cooking oil can influence climate change.

According to a pivotal study released in 2022, among the most popular edible oils—palm, soy, canola, and sunflower—canola and sunflower stand out as the most climate-friendly options worldwide. They are part of the larger hierarchy of oil crops that constitute over 85% of global consumption.

Following these, other oils like peanut, coconut, and olive have notable demand, while corn, grapeseed, and avocado oils hold only a minimal piece of the market. As awareness of sustainable practices grows, understanding the environmental significance of these oils will help consumers make informed choices that could positively affect the planet’s health.