12 World’s Most Produced Vegetable Oil

 

12 World’s Most Produced Vegetable Oil-According to FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, there are 12 world’s most produced vegetable Oil in 2023. This vegetable oil is widely used by people in the World because of the beneficial aspects. Many of the vegetable oil can be used as frying/ cooking oil, cosmetics, healthy products, fuels industries, and many other products.

As of now, most of the countries have planted many different plants for producing oils due to the different culture, habits, and history. Basically, vegetable oil is extracted oils from seeds or other parts of a plant's organ. After the harvesting process, some of the chemical processes must be taken to make the desired substance. This can be done via mechanical extraction using tools and some chemical extraction or commonly known as solvent. Afterward, the extracted oil can be purified, refined, and another chemical processed until it can be used by humans.

 

The Rank of 12 World’s Most Produced Vegetable Oil

 

Rank	Types of Vegetable Oil	Vegetable Oil Production in 2022	Vegetable Oil Production in 2023
		(Tons)	(Tons)
1	Palm Oil	79,031,128	79,567,198
2	Soybean Oil	59,054,274	59,911,090
3	Rapeseed Oil	27,579,726	31,399,693
4	Sunflower-Seed Oil	20,168,677	22,655,348
5	Groundnut Oil	6,595,933	6,430,826
6	Cottonseed Oil	4,071,255	4,173,834
7	Coconut Oil	3,313,824	3,122,675
8	Maize Oil	3,053,514	3,079,477
9	Olive Oil	2,689,407	2,629,863
10	Sesame Seed Oil	1,154,891	1,201,842
11	Linseed Oil	736,579	780,981
12	Safflower Oil	86,267	77,543
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

 

 

This rank above was obtained from FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026. The production of the vegetable oil was then ranked. All the data was obtained from production in 2023. The selection is arranged based on the highest productions. The higher production of the oils showed the higher demand of the oils.

 

The Brief Description of 12 World’s Most Produced Vegetable Oil

 

1. Palm Oil

 

Palm Oil still become the world’s most produced, consumed, and traded vegetable oil in the World. Commonly, the palm oil is derived from the mesocarp (reddish pulp) of the fruit of the oil palms, primarily the African oil palm species or Elaeis guineensis. In 2024, based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database in (FAOSTAT), the production of Palm Oil from all over the world reached 79,567,198 tons in 2023. Statistically, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Columbia, Nigeria are some of the world’s biggest country producers of palm oil in 2024 according to FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT). Compared to all nations, Indonesia and Malaysia contribute approximately 85% of the world's palm oil supply.

Functionally, palm oil can be used as some useful products to people and makes some benefits. In the food industries, palm oil can be processed into cooking oil, margarine, ice cream, chocolate, cookies, instant noodles, and breads. Meanwhile in the Consumer Goods industries, the palm oil can be processed into soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Furthermore, in the fuel industry, palm oil also can be a source of biofuel.

 

2. Soybean Oil

 

Soybean oil is the 2^nd most produced vegetable oil in the world extracted from the soybean seeds (Glycine max). In 2023, according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of soybean oil from all over the world reached 59,911,090 tons.

Functionally, in daily life, soybean oil is used in some industries as indispensable ingredients. In food industries, Soybean oil can be processed as cooking oil. Furthermore, soybean oil can be processed into margarines, shortenings, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. In the fuel industries, some countries used soybean oil as biodiesel. In common life, Soybean is one of the most important crops in the world. Many people plant this crop due to the huge demand of human consumption. Statistically, China, United States of America, Brazil, and Argentina are some of the biggest countries producers of Soybean Oil in 2024 according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT).

 

3. Rapeseed Oil

 

Rapeseed oil is the 3^rd most produced of vegetable oil in the world extracted from the seeds of the rape plant (Brassica napus) and this plant still belong to the mustard or cabbage family. Commonly, in some regions, many confused terminologies of rapeseed and Canola. In North America, the edible version is called Canola ("Canadian Oil, Low Acid") oil. Meanwhile, in Europe/UK, it is often still labeled as "Rapeseed Oil" or "Vegetable Oil," although it meets the same safety standards as Canola.

Statistically, based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of rapeseed oil from all over the world reached 31,399.693 tons in 2023. Functionally, rapeseed oil can be used as cooking oils, lubricant (machinery), and diesel fuel. Statistically, Canada, China, India, Germany, France are some of the biggest country producers of Rapeseed Oil in 2023.

 

4. Sunflower seed oil  

Sunflower oil is the world’s 4th most produced vegetable oil in 2023 derived from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus), a plant native to North America. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of sunflower oil reached 22,655,348 tons. Functionally, sunflower seed oil can be used as a cooking oil. Nutritionally, this vegetable oil contains unsaturated fats which are good for the heart organ because it contains Vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and other substances. Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, some countries which have huge production of sunflower-seed oil are Russian Federation, Ukraine, Argentina, Türkiye, and Hungary.

 

5. Groundnut Oil/ Peanut Oil

 

Groundnut oil or commonly known as peanut oil is the 5^th world’s most produced vegetable oil in 2023 derived from the seed of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea), a plant species belonging to Fabaceae (Legume family). According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of groundnut oil reached 6,430,826 tons. Functionally, groundnut oil/ peanut oil can be processed as cooking oil and this oil is an alternative for deep frying because of its high smoke point (450°F / 232°C). In the no-culinary industry, groundnut oil can be used as massage oil, soap, and alternative biofuel. Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, China, Nigeria, India, Guinea, Myanmar are some of the biggest country producers of Groundnut Oil in 2024.

 

6. Cottonseed Oil

 

Cottonseed Oil is the 6^th world’s most produced vegetable oil in 2023 derived and extracted from the seeds of the cotton plants; a plant belongs to the Family of Malvaceae. Functionally, cottonseed oil is frequently used in fast food frying in many fast-food restaurants for French frying fries, chicken, and onion rings. Furthermore, cottonseed also is used in processed foods in the making process of potato chips and crackers, baking industry, and as a Condiment (a popular base for mayonnaise, salad dressings, and sauces). According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of cottonseed oil in the world reached 4,173,834 tons in 2023. Statistically, China, India, France, Pakistan, Brazil are some of the biggest country producers of Cottonseed oil in 2023.

 

7. Coconut Oil

 

Coconut oil is the 7^th world’s most produced vegetable oil in 2023 derived from kernel or meat of mature coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera), a plant species belonging to the Family of Arecaceae. Commonly, the types of coconut oil can be differentiated into Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Refined Coconut Oil. The virgin coconut oil (VCO) is made from fresh coconut meat, usually through a "wet-milling" process. Meanwhile, the refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut meat (copra) through a bleached and deodorized process to remove impurities until it results in a neutral scent and flavor and a higher smoke point.

According to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database, the production of coconut oil in 2023 all over the world reached 3,122,675 tons. Functionally, coconut oil can be used for cooking oil, and cosmetic industries. Statistically, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Mexico are some of the biggest producers of coconut oil in 2023 based on FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT).

 

8. Maize Oil

 

Maize oil, also commonly known as corn oil, is the 8^th world’s most produced vegetable oil in 2023. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of maize oil reached 3,079,477 tons. Functionally, Maize oil is derived and extracted from the germ (the embryo) of the corn kernel from a maize plant (Zea mays). Functionally, it could be used as cooking oil which has a high smoke point approximately 450°F (232°C) and Neutral Flavor (a mild, almost tasteless profile). Furthermore, besides being used in the food industry as cooking oil, Maize oil also can be used in many industries such as Biofuel, Cosmetics (moisturizer and carrier oil), Pharmaceuticals (liquid medications), manufacturing (paints, varnishes, rustproofing materials, and inks).

Statistically, according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), some nations including the United States of America, China, Brazil, South Africa, Türkiye, Italy, and Japan are some of the biggest country producers of maize oil in 2023.

 

9. Olive Oil

 

Olive Oil is the 9^th world’s most produced of Vegetable Oil in 2023, and olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from the fleshy, ripened fruit (drupes) of the olive tree (Olea europaea), a plant species belonging to Oleaceae family. Commonly, olive oil can be differentiated by grades namely Nature olive Oils, Refined Olive Oils and Blends, and Pomace (waste) olive oil. Specifically, Nature Olive Oils consist of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO, Virgin Olive Oil, and Lampante Olive Oil. Furthermore, refined olive oils and blends consist of Refined olive oil, olive oil, and Extra light & Pure Olive Oil. Lastly, Pomance (Waste) Olive Oil consists of Crude Olive-Pomace Oil, refined Olive-Pomace Oil, and Olive-Pomace Oil.

Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of olive oil reached 2,629,863 tons. Functionally, some people use it for cooking oils, fuels, soap, or medicine. Statistically, Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Turkey are some of the biggest producers of Olive Oil in 2023.

 

10.Sesame Seed Oil

 

Sesame seed oil is the 10^th world’s most produced vegetable oil of 2023 obtained from the seeds of sesame plant (Sesamum indicum), a plant species belonging to the family of Pedaliaceae. Commonly, there are some types of sesame oil, namely Toasted Sesame Oil (made from roasted sesame seeds), Light (Plain) Sesame Oil (Made from raw, untoasted sesame seed), Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil (made without heat or chemical solvents). According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of sesame seed oil reached 1,201,842 tons with China, India, Myanmar, Japan, and Nigeria still to become some biggest country producers of Sesame Oil in 2023.

 

11.Linseed Oil

 

Linseed oil or commonly known as flaxseed oil, is the 11^th world’s most produced vegetable oil in 2023 derived from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Commonly, some types of Linseed Oil are Raw Linseed Oil (the purest form), Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO), and Polymerized (Stand) Oil. Nowadays, the extraction oil from seed can be used to paint binder, putty, wood finish, and gilding. Statistically, according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Linseed oil reached 780,981 tons in 2023. Specifically, China, Belgium, United States of America, Russia, Germany, Ethiopia are some of the biggest country producers of linseed oil in 2023.

 

12.Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is the 12^th world’s most produced vegetable oil in 2023 extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius). According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Safflower Oil reached 77,543 tons. Nowadays, Safflowers oil is one of the derivative products from Safflower seeds, commonly used as frying cooking oil and in production of margarine and salad dressing. In healthy aspects, the Safflowers oil can be used for cosmetics due to high content of vitamin E. Furthermore, Safflower Oil is a rich source of various saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid), or essential n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) linoleic acid but it depends on the flower type. Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, the United States of America, Mexico, Argentina, and India are some of the biggest country producers of Safflower Oil in 2023.

 

The Histogram Summary of 12 World’s Most Produced Vegetable Oil

 

 

The Table Summary of 12 World’s Most Produced Vegetable Oil

 

Bibliography of 12 World’s Most-Produced Vegetable Oils

FAOSTAT. 2026. Production of Vegetable Oil; top 10 producers 2023. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on January 3th, 2026.

 

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