Why Is Starbucks Removing Canola Oil From the Menu?

Starbucks has pledged to remove canola oil from its menu amid the growing misinformation about the risks of seed oils. But is canola oil actually bad for you? Here's what science suggests.

Starbucks is working to eliminate canola oil from its food offerings, including egg bites, and to replace it with avocado oil, Bloomberg reports.

In an interview about the industry's efforts to make food healthier, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr called Starbucks 'very clean food' and said the company will phase out canola oil from its menu.

JFK's statement was criticized by health professionals, who questioned whether removing one ingredient can make foods more nutritious.

Praising Starbucks for clean food shows how performative the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign really is, according to Jake Scott, MD, a board-certified infectious diseases specialist at Stanford Medicine.

Praising Starbucks as a “clean food” partner while going after canola oil says a lot about how performative the MAHA campaign really is.

Instead of addressing the deeper issues that shape people’s diets and health — like affordability, marketing, and access — it’s leaning on… https://t.co/WUUKG8LJPq

undefined Jake Scott, MD (@jakescottMD) July 12, 2025

"Instead of addressing the deeper issues that shape people's diets and health — like affordability, marketing, and access — it's leaning on feel-good branding and scapegoat ingredients," Scott wrote on X, a social network.

Kevin C. Klatt, PhD, RD, compared the MAHA's efforts to fight chronic diseases with the 'industry-friendly marketing with a dash of chemophobia.'

"Starbucks – a purveyor of largely sugar-sweetened and creamy coffee beverages, baked goods, and sodium/refined grain-loaded sandwiches – has 'very clean foods' per the HHS secretary, and he's asking him to get rid of canola oil," Klatt wrote on X.

Starbucks - a purveyor of largely sugar-sweetened and creamy coffee beverages, baked goods, and sodium/refined grain-loaded sandwiches - has 'very clean foods' per the HHS secretary and he's asking him to get rid of canola oil..

History will look back on the misspent MAHA… https://t.co/EwR6Km99VZ

undefined Kevin C. Klatt, PhD, RD (@KCKlatt) July 11, 2025

Despite the ongoing fear-mongering on social media, the use of canola oil is endorsed by professional health organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA).

So, let's deep dive into what canola oil is and what experts are saying about its potential health benefits and risks.

What is canola oil?

Canola oil is made of pressed seeds of canola, a yellow flower-looking crop that is a relative of turnips and cabbage in the mustard family.

Canola is not the same as rapeseed, although they look the same on the outside. Canola was developed by Canadian plant scientists in the 1970s using traditional plant breeding techniques to get rid of rapeseed's undesirable qualities – erucic acid and glucosinolates, both of which have been associated with toxic effects.

As a result, the levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates detected in canola seeds used for oil are extremely low.

Is canola oil a seed oil?

Yes, canola oil is a seed oil, the type of oil that has been surrounded by misinformation in recent years.

Top-tier medical organizations, such as the AHA and the Mayo Clinic, have repeatedly debunked myths about seed oils' 'toxic' effects.

Is canola oil bad for you?

Canola oil isn't bad for your health, unless it is consumed with highly processed foods, where it is a common ingredient.

Studies conducted over the last two decades involving thousands of participants demonstrated that when used as a part of a balanced diet, canola oil may help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of clot formation, decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

A 2025 study that analyzed 33 years of data for more than 200,000 adults in the U.S. concluded that replacing a tablespoon of butter with plant-based oils, including canola oil, may reduce the risk of death from all causes and death from cancer by 17%.

However, nutrition studies where participants recall their food intake may lack reliability, as people may have difficulty remembering exactly what they ate a week or a month ago. Moreover, they tend to report eating healthier than they actually do.

Canola oil contains just 7% saturated fat compared to 15% for olive oil, 19% from peanut oil, and 12% for sunflower oil, according to the Oklahoma State University calculations. Eating too much saturated fats can lead to weight gain and increase blood cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart disease.

A common argument against seed oils is that they are 'pro-inflammatory' due to their high content of omega-6 fatty acids. The body needs omega-6s in small amounts, and a 2017 systematic review concluded that increased dietary intake of linoleic acid, the most common omega-6, did not significantly affect blood concentrations of inflammatory markers.

The problem arises when canola oil is consumed with ultra-processed foods, which commonly contain omega-6s. Eating a lot of highly processed foods has been associated with over 30 health problems.

Moreover, canola oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

From a nutritional point of view, canola is considered one of the more heart-friendly oils due to its unsaturated fat profile, according Suzanne Hyslop, a nutrition specialist at Ocean Recovery.

However, because canola oil is refined, it is essential not to overconsume it. When used excessively or in the context of a diet high in processed foods, it can contribute to an imbalance of fats.

There's also debate around the fact that most canola oil is heavily processed, which can affect its nutritional quality, though in moderation, it is generally considered safe and acceptable as part of a balanced diet.

Suzanne Hyslop

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy diet should focus on nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and lean meat.

At the same time, it should limit foods and beverages that are higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages.

What is canola oil's smoke point?

Canola oil has a smoke point of 400°F (204°C), slightly higher than extra virgin olive oil (350°F/176°C) but lower than sunflower oil (450°F/232°C) and avocado oil (520°F/271°C).

Smoke point is the temperature at which oil begins to smoke, produces toxic compounds, and potentially destroys valuable nutrients.

Is canola oil banned in Europe?

Canola oil isn't banned in European Union countries, but is used under a different name - 'rape oil' or 'rapeseed oil,' because they call canola 'oilseed rape.'

Canola oil vs avocado oil

Starbucks is planning to replace canola oil with avocado oil, according to Bloomberg. But is it necessarily a healthier alternative to canola oil?

Hyslop says avocado oil is generally less processed and is naturally rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. It contains vitamin E and antioxidants, while its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. Most importantly, it has a more favorable fat profile than canola oil.

Compared to canola oil, avocado oil may be seen as a more whole food option, with fewer processing steps and potentially more health benefits, especially if used in its cold-pressed form.

Suzanne Hyslop

However, avocado oil is significantly more expensive and not always practical for commercial kitchens or consumers on tighter budgets.

The verdict

Canola oil can be good for you when consumed as part of a balanced diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. However, it is a common ingredient in ultra-processed foods, which are associated with a wide range of health issues.