Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Canola (Rapeseed) Oil?
Updated: 8 hours ago
Run out of canola oil, or wondering whether to swap it for olive oil? The short answer is yes: in most recipes you can use olive oil instead of canola oil, measure for measure. Here's when it works best and when to think twice.
In the UK, canola oil is usually sold as rapeseed oil, or simply as "vegetable oil". Canola is a variety of rapeseed bred in Canada, and the two are used in the same way.
Where olive oil works perfectly
Frying and sautéing: extra virgin olive oil is stable enough for everyday home frying, and it adds flavour
Roasting vegetables, potatoes and meat
Marinades and salad dressings: olive oil is the better choice here, because rapeseed oil adds little flavour
Savoury bakes: focaccia, flatbreads, savoury muffins and pastry for pies
When to think twice
Delicate cakes and sweet bakes: extra virgin olive oil has a fruity, sometimes peppery taste you may notice. Choose a milder, fruitier extra virgin oil, or keep the swap for recipes such as lemon, orange or chocolate cakes, where it works well
Deep frying large quantities: it works, but rapeseed oil is cheaper for filling a fryer
How to swap
Canola or rapeseed oil → olive oil: use the same amount
Butter → olive oil in baking: use about three-quarters of the amount, so 75g of olive oil for 100g of butter
How they compare
Both are mostly unsaturated fat. Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. The main differences:
Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined, made from olives solely by mechanical means, and mostly monounsaturated fat
Canola and rapeseed oil are usually refined, with a neutral taste, low saturated fat and some omega-3
For a fuller comparison, read our guide to olive oil vs vegetable, sunflower and rapeseed oil.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil in baking?
Yes, measure for measure. A fruity extra virgin olive oil works well in citrus and chocolate cakes; for very delicate cakes, choose a milder oil.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil for frying?
Yes. Extra virgin olive oil is suitable for normal home frying and roasting.
Is canola oil the same as rapeseed oil?
Canola is a variety of rapeseed. In the UK it is usually sold as rapeseed oil or vegetable oil.
Which olive oil is best for everyday cooking?
A fruity, well-balanced extra virgin olive oil such as our Master Miller.
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