Flag Refined Oils
Our “Hateful Eight” Seed Oils Code makes it easy to identify food containing the most controversial of the processed seed oils, empowering you to make informed choices about your omega-6 intake.
The “Hateful 8”: Canola oil, Corn oil, Cottonseed oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower oil, Safflower oil, Grapeseed oil, Rice bran oil
Why People Care
The “Hateful 8” seed oils are everywhere (25% of packaged foods): in snacks, salad dressings, baked goods, and fried foods. Many families are concerned by how often these oils, refined with chemicals and high in omega-6 fats, appear in ingredient lists.
Studies and nutrition experts increasingly question their impact on inflammation, heart health, and metabolic wellness.
What the Score Means
The product contains little to none of the Hateful 8 seed oils, using healthier fats like olive, avocado, or coconut oil instead.
One or more of the Hateful 8 seed oils appear as key ingredients, be mindful if you’re reducing processed oils or monitoring your omega-6 intake.
What Science Says
The Hateful 8 seed oils are refined through industrial processes for high yield and shelf life, but this can strip away nutrients and increase exposure to heat and chemicals. They are rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats and while some omega-6 is essential to the diet, the typical Western diet includes far more than necessary. Excessive omega-6 intake (especially without balancing omega-3s) has been linked in research to increased inflammation, a factor in chronic conditions such as heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
However, some nutrition experts and major health organizations caution against demonizing all seed oils, as the evidence is still evolving and balance is key.