What are the types of sunflower oil?

High Oleic: High Oleic sunflower oil is thought to be the healthiest type of sunflower as oleic levels generally start at 82% and go higher. Some hybrids produce an oleic level of 90%. The advantage of high oleic sunflower oil is high and a very neutral taste profile. A typical profile is: 82% oleic, 9% linoleic acid, and 9% combined saturates.

Mid-Oleic: Mid-Oleic sunflower oil is considered to be the standard sunflower oil. This type of oil has a good shelf life and is commonly used by snack manufacturers as the preferred type of frying oil due to its excellent stability and neutral taste profile. A typical fatty acid ratio is: 65% oleic acid, 26% linoleic acid, and 9% combined saturate.

High Linoleic: Linoleic sunflower oil has a high concentration of linoleic fatty acid and a low concentration of oleic acid. It is the least healthy type of the three and produced limited as its demand has decreased substantially in the market. Nevertheless, linoleic sunflower oil is still the main ingredient in margarine, salad dressings, and shortenings. A typical fatty acid ratio is: 68% linoleic acid, 21%oleic acid, and 11% combined saturate.