Calories in Vegetable Oil: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
How many calories are in vegetable oil? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Vegetable oil is one of the most commonly used cooking oils in kitchens around the world. In the United States, the label "vegetable oil" almost always refers to soybean oil or a soybean-based blend, which is high in polyunsaturated fat. Here is a complete breakdown of vegetable oil nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | MUFA | PUFA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | ~4.5 g | 40 kcal | 4.5 g | 0.7 g | 1.0 g | 2.6 g |
| 1 tablespoon | ~13.6 g | 120 kcal | 13.6 g | 2.1 g | 3.1 g | 7.8 g |
| 2 tablespoons | ~27.2 g | 240 kcal | 27.2 g | 4.2 g | 6.2 g | 15.7 g |
| 1 cup | ~218 g | 1927 kcal | 218 g | 33.8 g | 49.9 g | 125.5 g |
Vegetable oil provides a small amount of vitamin E and vitamin K per serving. Its neutral flavor and relatively high smoke point make it one of the most versatile oils for everyday cooking, baking, and frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a tablespoon of vegetable oil?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil (about 13.6 grams) contains approximately 120 calories. All calories in vegetable oil come from fat, with polyunsaturated fatty acids making up the largest portion at about 7.8 grams per tablespoon.
What is vegetable oil actually made from?
In the United States, vegetable oil is almost always made from soybeans or a blend of soybean oil with other oils like canola or corn. The term "vegetable oil" is a generic label and does not refer to a specific plant source, so it is important to check the ingredient list if you have allergies or dietary preferences.
What is the smoke point of vegetable oil?
Refined vegetable oil (soybean oil) has a smoke point of approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). This high smoke point makes it well suited for deep frying, stir-frying, and other high-heat cooking methods.
How does vegetable oil compare to olive oil?
Vegetable oil and olive oil both contain about 120 calories per tablespoon, but their fat profiles differ significantly. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat (about 10 g per tablespoon), while vegetable oil is higher in polyunsaturated fat (about 7.8 g per tablespoon). Olive oil also contains polyphenol antioxidants that vegetable oil lacks.
Is vegetable oil unhealthy?
Vegetable oil is not inherently unhealthy, but it is very high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Consuming excessive omega-6 relative to omega-3 fats may promote inflammation over time. Using it in moderation alongside other oils like olive oil or avocado oil can help maintain a more balanced fatty acid intake.
How many calories are in a tablespoon of vegetable oil?
What is vegetable oil actually made from?
What is the smoke point of vegetable oil?
How does vegetable oil compare to olive oil?
Is vegetable oil unhealthy?
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