A bottle of vegetable oil with soy plants in the background
By KYLE GRACE MILLS
You'll Probably Never Guess What Vegetable Oil Actually Is
Although any oil made from plants may be called vegetable oil, products that are labeled as such usually contain soybean oil or a blend of soybean oil with other plant-based oils.
The term "vegetable oil" allows companies to mix different oils without changing the label and include soybean oil in the blend. Soy used to be associated with health concerns.
Its neutral flavor makes vegetable oil suitable for a wide range of cooking and baking recipes. Another major advantage is its high smoke point, which prevents it from burning.
Soybean vegetable oil is most similar to canola oil, made from rapeseed, and they can be used interchangeably, although opting for 100% soybean oil ensures consistency.