With 54% of Americans buying prepared foods and take-home meals on a regular weekly basis1, food manufacturers have a tremendous opportunity to expand their product line-up and their sales. Whether you are creating appetizers, entrees, plant-based or free-from foods, consumers want healthier take-home choices, so formulating your products with non-GMO sunflower oil makes a lot of sense.
What makes sunflower oil healthy?
Sunflower oil is an excellent source of Vitamin E and is high in monounsaturated fats (oleic fatty acids). As a result, USA sunflower oil is eligible for a new qualified health claim that was approved by the FDA in late 2018. The claim suggests that daily consumption of 1 ½ tablespoons of oils containing high oleic acid may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.2 All high oleic sunflower oil and some mid oleic sunflower oil qualify for this claim.
What else does sunflower oil have to offer?
If you are interested in extending the shelf-life of your prepared foods and take-home meal products, research has shown that sunflower oil has a longer shelf life than many other oils. Since sunflower oil contains only a trace of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fat, it doesn't break down as quickly as other oils. In addition, most refined sunflower oil contains natural antioxidants, which are proven to be just as effective in maintaining stability as previous synthetic antioxidants. Sunflower oil's superior stability is also a benefit if you are creating fried foods, since the high MUFA content gives sunflower oil a longer fry life than many other oils.
What about the taste factor?
Since taste is one of the most important reasons why consumers will choose your prepared foods over others, sunflower oil is an optimal choice. Its light, neutral taste won't interfere with the flavors and seasonings in your products. In fact, in a recent survey, 71% of consumers indicated that they are interested in purchasing prepared foods made with sunflower oil.3
Sunflower oil is also Kosher and Halal certified, so if you are curious about how sunflower oil will perform in any type of prepared and take-home food formulations, contact a sunflower oil supplier or contact the National Sunflower Association at: 701-328-5100.
- Lyons Wyatt, S. and J. Parker. Balancing the Cross-Aisle Pendulum. IRI's 2019 Fresh trends educational plan. Webinar October 24, 2019. Information Resources Inc.
- Edible oils must contain at least 70% oleic acid and need to be substituted for saturated fats.
- Omnibus survey conducted by Maru/Blue Research with 1,500 online respondents on Oct. 30, 2018.