Low erucic acid rapeseed oil is one of the most widely used oils in the world and one of the healthiest, but it often flies under the radar. That’s probably because you know it by a more familiar name: canola oil. We know this oil can be misunderstood, but the expeller-pressed, non-GMO version we use is thoughtfully sourced and naturally rich in unsaturated fats, making it one of the most heart-healthy oils available.
So, what’s the difference between low erucic acid rapeseed oil and canola? Let’s break it down.
Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil vs. Canola Oil: What’s the Difference?
Rapeseed oil comes from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, which is part of the Brassica family—alongside vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and mustard. Early versions of rapeseed oil contained high levels of erucic acid, a compound that raised health concerns.
The low erucic acid rapeseed oil we use today has been specially bred to have much lower levels of erucic acid, making it safe and healthy for cooking. Canola oil is a type of low erucic acid rapeseed oil that was developed in Canada; the name is short for Canadian Oil, Low Acid.
The rapeseed plant grows in fields across Canada, the UK, and Australia, with bright yellow flowers that are often a familiar sight in these regions. Over time, rapeseed oil has evolved into the healthy cooking oil many people use today.
From Industrial Use to Kitchen Staple
Originally, rapeseed oil was mostly used for industrial purposes, such as lubricating machinery, rather than for cooking. In the 1970s, Canadian researchers developed a food-grade, low erucic acid rapeseed oil that was high in beneficial fats. This oil, named canola oil, quickly became a popular choice in kitchens worldwide.
How It’s Made Matters
The nutritional value of low erucic acid rapeseed oil depends on how it’s processed. Most vegetable oils are extracted using high heat and chemical solvents, which can reduce nutrient content. While this method is efficient, it can also diminish the oil’s health benefits.
At Eclipse, we take a different approach. We use expeller-pressed, non-GMO low erucic acid rapeseed oil. This means the oil is extracted using mechanical pressure and steam distillation rather than chemical solvents. This gentler process helps retain more nutrients and results in a cleaner, more neutral flavor. Although it’s a bit more expensive to produce, we believe the quality is worth it.
Why We Value It: Nutrition and Health Benefits
Low erucic acid rapeseed oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils available, even when compared to olive oil. Here’s why:
- It is very low in saturated fat, even lower than olive oil.
- It contains high levels of unsaturated fats, including:
- Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
- Linolenic acid, an omega-6 fat that supports heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fat. Low erucic acid rapeseed oil is one of the richest sources, second only to flaxseed oil.
Many people associate omega-3 fats mainly with fish, but they are also found in plants like rapeseed. Since most Americans don’t get enough omega-3s, this oil helps fill that nutritional gap in a simple way.
Additional Nutrients: Antioxidants and Phytosterols
Because rapeseed belongs to the same family as broccoli and cabbage, it naturally contains helpful micronutrients such as:
- Vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports the nervous system and may help reduce inflammation.
- Beta-carotene and lutein, which support immune and eye health.
- Phytosterols, plant compounds that resemble cholesterol and can help block its absorption, leading to lower cholesterol levels over time.
While these nutrients are present in modest amounts, they add to the overall healthfulness of expeller-pressed low erucic acid rapeseed oil.
Addressing Common Questions
There is sometimes confusion about rapeseed oil, so here are some important points:
We use non-GMO low erucic acid rapeseed oil. Although some rapeseed crops are genetically modified to reduce pesticide use, which benefits farmers and the environment, we understand that many customers prefer non-GMO options, so we choose non-GMO sources.
Modern low erucic acid rapeseed oil is not the same as the older industrial version. It is now low in erucic acid and has been shown to support heart health.
Seed oils are not toxic. Despite some online rumors, there is no credible scientific evidence that low erucic acid rapeseed oil or other seed oils harm health. When used instead of saturated fats, they have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Why We Use Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil at Eclipse
Creamy, smooth, and completely plant-based.
Low erucic acid rapeseed oil helps us achieve the rich, indulgent texture you love in our non-dairy products, without relying on animal ingredients or high levels of saturated fat. It’s one of the key reasons Eclipse products are so satisfying, and why you can enjoy them with confidence. Great taste and a feel-good choice, all in one.
This was written by Laura M. Ali, MS, RDN, LDN, in collaboration with the Eclipse team. To learn more about Laura and her work, please visit www.lauramali.com
Sources
https://www.nmcd-journal.com/article/S0939-4753(21)00002-8/fulltext
https://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(22)00114-5/fulltext
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9962526
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10870979
https://advances.nutrition.org/article/S2161-8313(24)00110-8/fulltext