Soybean oil

Overview

Production

Health

Nutrition

What is Soybean oil

Soybean oil is a commonly used vegetable oil that is derived from soybeans. It is extracted from the seeds of soybean plants through a process called solvent extraction. Soybean oil is one of the most widely consumed cooking oils worldwide, owing to its neutral taste and versatile nature. It is known for its pale yellow color and smooth texture, which make it a popular ingredient in various food products and recipes.

The production of soybean oil involves several stages. First, the soybeans are cleaned and dehulled to remove impurities and outer shells. The next step involves crushing the soybeans into flakes, which are then subjected to a process known as extraction. This involves using solvents such as hexane to separate the oil from the soybean flakes. The resulting mixture is then heated and evaporated to remove the solvent, leaving behind the soybean oil.

Soybean oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or producing smoke. This makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking methods, including frying, sautéing, and baking. Its mild flavor allows it to blend well with other ingredients, making it a popular choice for salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. Additionally, soybean oil is used in the production of various food products such as margarine, mayonnaise, and snacks.

Beyond its culinary applications, soybean oil is also utilized in non-food industries. It is commonly found in the production of biodiesel, a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, soybean oil is used in the manufacturing of paints, inks, plastics, and even as a base for certain types of soaps and cosmetics. It's versatility and wide availability contribute to its popularity across various sectors.

Soybean oil Production in the World

The global production of Soybean Oil plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2022, China is the top producer, contributing 16,430,600 tonnes, which accounts for 28.30% of the total global production. United States ranks second, producing 11,914,000 tonnes, representing 20.52% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Brazil, Argentina, and India, with production levels of 8,734,543, 7,447,691, and 1,477,400 tonnes, respectively. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 1 tonnes in 2022. In total, global production of Soybean Oil reached approximately 58,051,303 tonnes in 2022.

Top 10 Countries by Soybean oil Production in 2022

Countries Ranked by Soybean Oil Production in 2022

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)
1	China	16,430,600
2	United States	11,914,000
3	Brazil	8,734,543
4	Argentina	7,447,691
5	India	1,477,400
6	Mexico	994,766
7	Russia	825,076
8	Egypt	672,200
9	Germany	618,400
10	Netherlands	575,300
11	Spain	563,300
12	Japan	539,347
13	Thailand	525,400
14	Taiwan	464,600
15	Iran	414,900
16	Italy	413,500
17	Bolivia	407,418
18	Paraguay	393,900
19	Bangladesh	374,000
20	Canada	349,216
21	Turkiye	334,100
22	Pakistan	306,100
23	South Africa	299,900
24	Algeria	246,200
25	Ukraine	246,000
26	Vietnam	231,700
27	Portugal	206,700
28	South Korea	199,600
29	Colombia	183,868
30	United Kingdom	154,700
31	Nigeria	133,600
32	Saudi Arabia	130,100
33	Malaysia	105,900
34	Tunisia	79,300
35	France	78,400
36	Zambia	65,600
37	Romania	62,100
38	Norway	57,500
39	Israel	57,300
40	Serbia	53,741
41	Belarus	53,600
42	Belgium	48,900
43	Costa Rica	39,900
44	Greece	39,700
45	Austria	31,500
46	Nepal	27,400
47	Philippines	27,035
48	Hungary	24,000
49	Ghana	23,300
50	North Korea	22,000
51	Lebanon	21,800
52	Uruguay	21,100
53	Poland	18,400
54	Malawi	17,500
55	Cameroon	15,934
56	Uganda	15,100
57	Myanmar	14,900
58	Kazakhstan	14,165
59	Benin	13,900
60	Zimbabwe	11,000
61	Cuba	10,678
62	Ethiopia	10,500
63	Chile	10,400
64	Slovakia	9,800
65	United Arab Emirates	9,600
66	Venezuela	9,440
67	Czech Republic	9,287
68	Togo	8,900
69	Morocco	8,900
70	Guatemala	7,200
71	Panama	7,000
72	Australia	6,600
73	Croatia	6,200
74	Dominican Republic	5,700
75	Mozambique	5,100
76	Ecuador	4,900
77	Bosnia and Herzegovina	4,900
78	Finland	4,500
79	Barbados	3,739
80	Iraq	3,700
81	Singapore	3,700
82	Cambodia	3,500
83	Uzbekistan	3,426
84	Jordan	3,100
85	Sweden	2,975
86	Belize	2,920
87	Ireland	1,900
88	Nicaragua	1,800
89	Georgia	1,700
90	Peru	1,290
91	Switzerland	1,226
92	Sri Lanka	1,204
93	Syria	1,100
94	Bulgaria	1,000
95	Gabon	885
96	Denmark	845
97	Lao PDR	728
98	Moldova	638
99	Lithuania	500
100	Azerbaijan	336
101	Honduras	239
102	Albania	88
103	Trinidad and Tobago	40
104	Kuwait	11
105	Jamaica	7
106	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	1

Process of Making Soybean oil

The process of making soybean oil involves several steps, including cleaning, dehulling, conditioning, extracting, refining, and sometimes hydrogenation. Here is a general overview of the process:

Cleaning: The soybeans are thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities such as dirt, stones, and stems.
Dehulling: The outer shells of the soybeans are removed through a process called dehulling. This step helps improve the oil extraction efficiency.
Conditioning: The dehulled soybeans are conditioned by adjusting their moisture content and temperature. This step helps facilitate the subsequent oil extraction process.
Extraction: The conditioned soybeans are then subjected to an extraction process to separate the oil from the solid material. The most common method is solvent extraction, where a solvent, usually hexane, is used to dissolve and extract the oil from the soybean flakes. The resulting mixture is called "miscella."
Distillation: The solvent is evaporated from the miscella using heat and vacuum distillation, leaving behind crude soybean oil.
Refining: The crude soybean oil undergoes refining processes to remove impurities, including free fatty acids, colorants, and odors. Refining typically involves processes such as degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. These processes help improve the quality, flavor, and stability of the soybean oil.
Hydrogenation (Optional): In some cases, hydrogenation may be performed to convert some of the unsaturated fatty acids in the oil to saturated fatty acids, resulting in a more solid and stable product. This process creates partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which can have different properties and uses.

After these steps, the soybean oil is usually packaged and distributed for various applications, such as cooking, food manufacturing, biodiesel production, and industrial uses.

It's important to note that specific variations and additional processes may exist depending on the desired end product and specific production methods employed by different manufacturers.

Health Benefits of Soybean oil

Soybean oil offers several potential health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet:

Heart Health: Soybean oil is low in saturated fat and contains a good amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. These healthier fats can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Antioxidant Properties: Soybean oil contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E can contribute to reducing inflammation in the body and support overall immune function.
Source of Essential Fatty Acids: Soybean oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for the body, it's important to maintain a proper balance with omega-3 fatty acids. Both types of fatty acids play vital roles in the body, including supporting brain function, regulating blood pressure, and promoting healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin K Content: Soybean oil contains small amounts of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. Adequate vitamin K intake can help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

It's worth noting that while soybean oil can provide health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation, as it is calorie-dense and high in fat. Additionally, individuals with specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating soybean oil into their diet.

Nutritional Information of Soybean oil

Soybean oil is a source of nutrients, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. A 100-gram serving of soybean oil provides approximately:

Energy: 884 kilocalories (3,697 kilojoules)
Fat:100 grams, of which:
- Saturated fat: 13.6 grams
- Monounsaturated fat: 23 grams
- Polyunsaturated fat: 53.3 grams
Vitamin E: 7.6 milligrams (51% of the recommended daily value)
Vitamin K: 30.3 micrograms (25% of the recommended daily value)

It's important to note that soybean oil is a high-calorie food and consuming large amounts can contribute to weight gain and other health problems if not balanced with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Additionally, excessive consumption of highly processed oils like soybean oil, which are often high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to chronic health problems such as inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Regional Variety of soybean oil

Soybean oil production varies across different regions, and there can be regional varieties based on factors such as cultivation practices, climate, soil conditions, and local preferences. Here are a few examples of regional varieties of soybean oil:

North American Soybean Oil: North America, particularly the United States and Canada, is a major producer of soybean oil. The region is known for its high-quality soybeans and advanced extraction methods. North American soybean oil is often refined and has a mild flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.
Brazilian Soybean Oil: Brazil is one of the largest producers of soybeans globally, and its soybean oil production is significant. Brazilian soybean oil is known for its relatively high linolenic acid content, which gives it a distinct flavor profile. It is commonly used in cooking and frying applications in Brazil and exported to various countries.
Argentine Soybean Oil: Argentina is another major soybean and soybean oil producer. Argentine soybean oil is often characterized by its high oleic acid content, which enhances its stability and shelf life. It is commonly used in industrial food processing and frying applications.
Asian Soybean Oil: Various countries in Asia, including China, India, and Indonesia, are prominent soybean oil producers and consumers. Asian soybean oil can vary in terms of production methods and flavor profiles. In some regions, unrefined or cold-pressed soybean oil is preferred for its more pronounced flavor and potential health benefits.

It's important to note that the availability and characteristics of regional soybean oil varieties may vary over time due to factors such as market demands, agricultural practices, and global trade dynamics. Additionally, these are general observations, and specific variations can exist within each region based on local agricultural practices and processing techniques.

Types of soybean oil

There are different types of soybean oil available, each with its own unique characteristics and production methods. Here are a few common types of soybean oil:

Refined Soybean Oil: This is the most widely available and commonly used type of soybean oil. Refined soybean oil undergoes a refining process to remove impurities, such as free fatty acids, odor, and color. It has a light color, mild flavor, and a high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods.
Unrefined or Cold-Pressed Soybean Oil: Unrefined soybean oil is produced through a less intensive process compared to refined oil. It is typically cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, which means that no heat or chemicals are used during extraction. This type of soybean oil retains more of the natural flavor, color, and nutrients of soybeans, but it has a lower smoke point and may not be suitable for high-heat cooking.
Organic Soybean Oil: Organic soybean oil is produced from soybeans that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is certified organic by relevant regulatory bodies, ensuring adherence to strict organic farming practices.
High-Oleic Soybean Oil: High-oleic soybean oil is produced from soybean varieties that have been bred to have a higher concentration of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. This type of soybean oil has improved stability and longer shelf life, making it suitable for commercial food processing and frying applications.

These are just a few examples of the different types of soybean oil available. The choice of soybean oil depends on factors such as intended use, flavor preferences, and nutritional considerations.

Uses of soybean oil

Soybean oil has a wide range of uses in various industries. Here are some common applications of soybean oil:

Cooking and Food Preparation: Soybean oil is a popular cooking oil due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. It is used for frying, sautéing, baking, and as a base for salad dressings and marinades. Its versatility and ability to blend well with other ingredients make it a staple in many kitchens.
Food Manufacturing: Soybean oil is widely used in the food manufacturing industry. It is used as an ingredient in the production of snacks, margarine, mayonnaise, sauces, dressings, baked goods, and processed foods. It acts as a flavor carrier, emulsifier, and stabilizer in many food products.
Biodiesel Production: Soybean oil is a significant feedstock for the production of biodiesel, which is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel made from soybean oil can be used in diesel engines with little to no modification, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Industrial and Commercial Applications: Soybean oil finds use in various industrial applications. It is used in the manufacturing of paints, inks, solvents, lubricants, plastics, and bio-based polymers. Soybean oil-based products are often chosen as eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based products.
Personal Care and Cosmetics: Soybean oil is also utilized in the personal care and cosmetic industry. It is found in a range of products, including soaps, lotions, creams, hair care products, and lip balms. Soybean oil's moisturizing properties and its ability to improve skin texture and elasticity make it a popular ingredient in skincare formulations.

These are just a few examples of the diverse uses of soybean oil. Its versatility, availability, and functional properties make it an essential ingredient in numerous industries.