Is Canola Oil Gluten Free? What We Know About It. 

Canola oil is now commonly used to cook many lip smacking dishes. Farmers harvest canola oil by plant crossbreeding. The name canola comes from two words- “Canada” and “Ola,” meaning oil. 

Although canola oil has been a staple cooking ingredient for ages, recently, people have become conscious of its health effects. One of the main questions people are raising is if canola oil is gluten free. 

How to find gluten free canola oil? How do I know if the canola oil I got is safe for gluten-sensitive people? To find answers to all these questions, keep reading this article. 

Is Canola Oil gluten free? 

People extensively use canola oil in a variety of products- both food and non-food-based. We have been using canola as cooking oil for a long time now. But the recent buzz about canola oil being harmful to health has raised various concerns. 

Moreover, most people nowadays have become aware of gluten sensitivity. People diagnosed with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease are worried if they can have canola oil or not. 

Canola oil is absolutely gluten free. It is a vegetable plant-based oil that naturally contains no gluten substance. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, barley, etc., which gives shape to food items. 

But canola oil is extracted from canola seeds that naturally have no gluten, and canola seeds do not fall under gluten-producing plants. If you buy a canola oil where the label says pure/organic canola oil, it means it’s completely gluten free. 

But finding pure gluten free canola oil may always not be that easy. The places manufacturing canola oil may add gluten for texture and taste. Hence, whenever you buy canola oil, make sure it’s pure canola oil without any additives. 

Related Post:- Is Sesame Oil Gluten Free? Explained

About Canola Oil: An Overview 

Canola oil is produced from rapeseed, which is a plant breeding technique. The breeding technique ensures that canola oil is safe for human consumption. The procedure to produce canola oil was developed around the 1970s, and it reduced the amount of uric acid to less than 5%. 

Experts say canola oil is currently one of the safest edible oils for us. The breeding technique has reduced the number of glucosinolates, and it has a much lower content of saturated fatty acid and a higher monounsaturated fat amount.  

Canada is the largest producer of canola oil, and Canadians use it widely for their cooking. Let’s have a look at how pure gluten free canola oil is produced- 

• At the first stage, manufacturers clean the canola seeds thoroughly. They make sure there are no pods, stems, weeds, etc. 
• After cleaning, the seeds go through a process of heating and flaking at a high temperature. 
• Then these seeds are passed through rollers where their cells rupture. 
• Now they process the seeds through heating drums or cookers. 
• This cooking process ensures that the seeds are at their right moisture stage and ready for the next stage. 
• In this stage, the seeds undergo a pressing process to extract the oil. 
• They refine the oil to improve self-life and add flavor and color in the final stage. Moreover, unimportant substances like fatty acids, gums, lipids, metal particles, etc., are removed from the oil. 

Nutritional information of canola oil per tablespoon:

Many studies show that canola oil is healthier than other vegetable oils because it has a very low amount of saturated fatty acids. It’s a heart-healthy alternative to other oils, which is another plus point of canola oil. 

Is Canola Oil Safe For Gluten Sensitive People? 

As pure canola oil is gluten free, it should be safe for gluten sensitive people. People who experience side effects due to gluten consumption do not have to worry about having canola oil. 

But whenever you pick any product, make sure it is pure canola oil. Don’t forget to check the ingredient label to check if there are any gluten substances. 

Brands that make other oils in the same factory may have chances of cross-contamination. Hence, if you have high gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you should double-check the product. 

Types of Canola Oil 

In the market, you’ll find different varieties of canola oil. Here are a few commonly found ones- 

• Regular canola oil or canola salad oil (produced from canola plant seeds)
• Expeller pressed canola oil (produced using expeller pressing method and with traditional canola seeds)
• Non-GMO expeller pressed canola oil (produced using a mechanical press and by using organic canola seeds)
• Organic canola oil (chemical-free and produced using organic canola seeds)

Brands With gluten free Canola Oil 

If you are looking for gluten free canola oil options, let us solve the issue for you. Here is a list of canola oils that are absolutely gluten free and safe for people with gluten intolerance. 

Simple Truth Organic Expeller Pressed Canola Oil 

Nutritional facts per tablespoon 

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Canola Cooking Oil 

Nutritional facts per tablespoon 

Avola Natural Canola Gas-Free Cooking Spray 

Nutritional facts per spray 

Conclusion 

Here’s our take on whether canola oil is gluten free. As you can see, natural canola oil is completely gluten free and a healthier alternative to most cooking oils. If you have gluten intolerance, make sure to pick the product that says pure canola oil, as there are always chances of cross-contamination otherwise. 

FAQs 

Is canola oil toxic for humans? 

No, canola oil is not toxic for humans. The oil is extracted from canola plant seed and is safe for everyday consumption.  

Can I replace canola oil with vegetable oil? 

You can replace canola oil with vegetable oil. Canola oil has low saturated fat and is a healthier alternative to most cooking oils. 

Is canola oil bad for celiacs? 

Canola oil is not bad for celiacs. Pure canola oil is gluten free, so people with celiac disease should not worry about any side effects from it.