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High-oleic sunflower oil

High-oleic sunflower oil suppliers and sourcing guide

High-oleic sunflower oil is pressed or solvent extracted from the seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) varieties bred to produce mostly oleic acid instead of linoleic acid. It is then usually refined, bleached and deodorized. The high oleic content makes it more stable to heat and oxidation than standard sunflower oil, so it is widely used for frying, as a carrier oil in supplements and in cosmetics.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Helianthus annuus seed oil · HOSO · High oleic acid sunflower oil
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of high-oleic sunflower oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • RBD

    Refined, bleached and deodorized oil, the standard food and carrier grade.

  • Expeller-pressed

    Mechanically pressed oil made without hexane, then refined.

  • Organic

    Oil from certified organic high-oleic seed.

  • Winterized or cosmetic grade

    Oil with waxes removed for clarity, or supplied to cosmetic specifications.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Fatty acid profile
Oleic and linoleic acids by GC as methyl esters; this confirms the oil is high-oleic and not a blend.
Free fatty acids and peroxide value
Free fatty acids (as oleic acid) by titration (AOCS Ca 5a-40) and peroxide value (AOCS Cd 8b-90); both rise as the oil ages or is handled poorly.
Color and cold test
Lovibond color and a cold test for clarity in winterized oil.
Residual solvents
Hexane by headspace GC for solvent-extracted grades.
Heavy metals
Lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS, reported against the supplier specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed, away from heat and light; it is one of the more stable liquid oils but still oxidizes once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with peroxide value retested on aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Oleic acid content varies by seed variety and crop, so record the fatty acid profile for each lot if you specify a minimum oleic level. Keep extraction method documentation for expeller-pressed claims.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • The Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils, as printed in FAO's 2001 edition of Codex Alimentarius Volume 8, requires high oleic acid sunflower oil to contain not less than 75% oleic acid.

    Source: fao.org (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 184.1259 affirms as GRAS a cocoa butter substitute made from high-oleic safflower or sunflower oil.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

High-oleic sunflower oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking high-oleic sunflower oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of high-oleic sunflower oil can brands buy?

Common forms include rBD, expeller-pressed, organic and winterized or cosmetic grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for high-oleic sunflower oil include?

Expect fatty acid profile, free fatty acids and peroxide value, color and cold test, residual solvents and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should high-oleic sunflower oil be stored?

Store sealed, away from heat and light; it is one of the more stable liquid oils but still oxidizes once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with peroxide value retested on aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of high-oleic sunflower oil?

The Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils, as printed in FAO's 2001 edition of Codex Alimentarius Volume 8, requires high oleic acid sunflower oil to contain not less than 75% oleic acid. 21 CFR 184.1259 affirms as GRAS a cocoa butter substitute made from high-oleic safflower or sunflower oil.

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