The Hidden Dangers of Soybean Oil

If you read the ingredients labels, you’ll have noticed soybean oil is hiding everywhere. Sometimes, you might even see it in a “partially hydrogenated” form, or listed as “may contain canola oil and/ or soybean oil” – as if it’s of no importance what you’re actually consuming. I’ve written before about the problem with soy, but soybean oil is another level.

Soybean oil is high in linoleic acid, as the fatty acid break-down of soybean oil is highly skewed towards PUFA’s (poly-unsaturated fatty acids) – not a healthy ratio and unstable at high heats. On top of this it is commonly genetically modified and highly processed. In other words to be avoided.

The problem is soybean oil is everywhere – and for some reason I’ve noticed it in far more foods in Australia that I did living in the UK. For example, the exact same product, Heinz Salad Cream contains Soybean oil in Australia – and not in the UK version:

Australian Heinz Salad Cream Ingredients:

Soya Bean Oil [Protected with Antioxidant (319)], White Vinegar, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Salt, Mustard, Food Acid (270), Stabiliser (412), Colours (171, 101), Herb Extract.

UK Heinz Salad Cream Ingredients:

Spirit Vinegar, Rapeseed Oil (25%), Water, Sugar, Mustard, Pasteurised Egg Yolks (3%), Modified Cornflour, Salt, Stabilisers – Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum, Colour – Riboflavin.

OK so neither have good ingredients, but it’s interesting how they are so different between the two countries. So different that they’re a completely different product. My salad cream tip? Avoid Heinz and make your own easy paleo mayonnaise.

Where else is Soybean oil hiding?

I’ve also seen it in:

• Vinaigrettes/ salad dressings
• Mayonnaise
• Sauces
• Hummus
• Crackers

Some brands such as Paul Newman’s seem to use Soybean oil across almost all of their products.
If you’re committed to a Paleo lifestyle, learning how to spot harmful ingredients is an essential part of protecting your health. Soybean oil in particular is an ingredient to keep an eye out for, as it can be surprisingly sneaky in its appearances.

The rise of soybean oil in Australian products

Soybean oil has become the oil of choice for many manufacturers in Australia, thanks to its low cost and long shelf life. However, unlike natural fats from animals or fruits, soybean oil undergoes extensive processing. It’s often extracted using chemical solvents such as hexane, then refined, bleached, and deodorised — none of which are steps you’d consider remotely natural.

Even worse, much of the soybean oil used in food products is derived from genetically modified soybeans. In Australia, GM labelling is not required if the altered genetic material is no longer detectable in the final product — which means oils are often unlabelled despite their GM origin.

Health impacts of excess linoleic acid

The high concentration of linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) in soybean oil may cause imbalances in the body. While omega-6 is essential in small amounts, modern diets tend to be disproportionately rich in it, especially when consuming processed foods. This imbalance can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even chronic conditions like obesity and metabolic syndrome.

In traditional Paleo eating, we aim to mimic the ancestral ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, which is estimated to be close to 1:1. Modern Western diets, however, often have ratios of 20:1 or more — largely due to industrial seed oils like soybean oil.

Misleading labelling and deceptive marketing

One of the most frustrating aspects of avoiding soybean oil is how often it is disguised on labels. You’ll see terms like “vegetable oil,” “blended oils,” or even “natural oil blend,” all of which could mean soybean oil. Sometimes it’s listed as “may contain canola and/or soybean oil,” offering no clarity on what’s actually in the product.

Manufacturers are allowed to get away with these vague descriptions because the law permits grouped labelling for similar ingredients. This might make life easier for the manufacturer, but it leaves consumers completely in the dark.

Homemade alternatives for Paleo peace of mind

One of the best things you can do is take control of your ingredients and make your own staples. Not only do you avoid hidden seed oils, but you also cut out other nasties like preservatives, gums, and thickeners.

Here are a few easy swaps:

• Mayonnaise: Use free-range eggs, olive oil or macadamia oil, lemon juice, and mustard powder. You can make a fresh batch in under 5 minutes with a stick blender.
• Salad dressing: Combine extra virgin olive oil with apple cider vinegar, a touch of mustard, herbs, and garlic for a zesty dressing that’s free from seed oils.
• Hummus-style dip: Try using zucchini or cauliflower in place of chickpeas, and blend with tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Fast food and takeaway traps

Eating out or grabbing takeaway is often a minefield when it comes to hidden seed oils. From salad dressings to grilled meats and even scrambled eggs, soybean oil is frequently used behind the scenes.

When dining out, don’t be afraid to ask questions:

• What oil is used for cooking or dressings?
• Can you have your food prepared in butter, olive oil, or without added fats?

The more people ask, the more awareness spreads — and restaurants are more likely to offer alternatives when they realise customers care.

Is organic any safer?

Many people assume that organic automatically means better. While this is true in many respects, organic soybean oil is still soybean oil. It’s still rich in omega-6, and it’s still processed. The only difference is that the soybeans were not sprayed with synthetic pesticides or grown from GM seeds.

For optimal health, even organic seed oils should be avoided on a Paleo diet.

Other names soybean oil may appear under

It’s worth noting that soybean oil may appear under different aliases depending on the product and manufacturer. Keep your eyes peeled for these alternatives:

• Vegetable oil (unless otherwise specified)
• Lecithin (typically used as an emulsifier)
• Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated soybean oil
• Glycine max oil (the Latin name for soybean)

Reading labels carefully and understanding ingredient aliases is one of the most powerful tools you have when shopping.

The bottom line: empower your food choices

Avoiding soybean oil isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness and making informed choices. When you take the time to read ingredient labels, understand the implications of different oils, and make your own staples at home, you reclaim control over your health and wellbeing.

Every time you choose a better alternative, you cast a vote for a different kind of food industry — one that values real ingredients, transparency, and nourishment.

Have you spotted soybean oil in any surprising places? What changes have you made to eliminate it from your pantry? I’d love to hear your thoughts and discoveries in the comments below.

So the moral of the story is – check the ingredients carefully – and if you can’t find a good version – make your own!