This post contrasts EU/UK and US perspectives on rapeseed oil, highlighting cultural, regulatory, and health-related differences. It also presents an objective summary of why MYOM uses rapeseed oil in its oat milk. For further reading: MYOM Oat Drink and Rapeseed Oil. And Why We Chose it...
Regulation & Cultivation
EU/UK:
- Rapeseed oil is non-GMO and widely accepted. Genetically modified rapeseed is prohibited or tightly regulated in some EU countries.
- Viewed as locally sourced, sustainable, and endorsed by health bodies like the NHS and EFSA.
US:
- Most canola crops are GM, often herbicide-resistant fuelling concerns among health-focused communities.
- Typically uses industrial processing (hexane-extraction, refining, bleaching), often criticized for creating oxidised fats or solvent residues.
Cultural Framing & Public Trust
EU/UK:
- Seen as a neutral, everyday oil — healthy, widely used, and trusted, especially in unrefined or lightly refined forms.
- Any concerns focus on broader dietary patterns and processing levels rather than demonising rapeseed alongside seed oils.
US:
- A vocal anti-seed-oil movement groups canola with sunflower and soybean oils as potentially “inflammatory.”
- Public discourse informed by social media hype, mistrust in industrial food systems, GMOs, and chemical processing.
Processing & Labelling
|
Aspect |
EU/UK |
US |
|
GMO Use |
Non-GMO, heavily |
Commonplace, often herbicide-tolerant varieties |
|
Processing |
Cold-pressed and lightly refined versions |
Primarily refined, solvent-processed, UPF |
|
Public Trust |
High |
Divided; wellness groups are sceptics |
Why MYOM Chooses Rapeseed Oil
A. Taste & Texture
- Brings a distinct flavour and mild sweetness that enhances oat notes.
- Imparts a rich, velvety mouthfeel ideal for coffee and desserts.
B. Nutrition & Health
- Favorable fatty acid profile with one of the lowest omega‑6:omega‑3 ratios (~2:1).
- Source of omega‑3s (heart and brain health), low in saturated fat.
- Contains vitamin E (~35 µg/100 g) for antioxidant benefits.
- MYOM oat drink is low-fat (about 1.4 g per 100 ml; just 0.2 g saturated).
- A June 2025 study ranked rapeseed oil as the best of all seed oils.
C. Psychological & Ethical Assurance
- Certified GM‑free, in line with EU regulations.
- Clean-label assurance: Kosher, non-GMO, and rigorously tested for quality.
Summary
- EU/UK: Rapeseed oil is largely trusted—non-GMO, regulatory-approved, and nutritionally endorsed.
- US: Canola oil faces criticism over GM and processing, especially in wellness groups.
- MYOM’s Strategy: High-quality rapeseed oil offers smooth texture, balanced flavour, and health benefits, backed by transparency and regulation. We believe MYOM is better positioned to retain our recipe due to our:
- Balanced health profile
- Regulatory and labelling compatibility
- Local sourcing advantages
- Neutral sensory properties
Sources and References
MYOM Blog: https://myom.shop/blogs/our-blog/rapeseed-oil-in-oat-milk
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority): www.efsa.europa.eu
NHS Guidance on Healthy Fats: www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well
Policy on the Menu: Nation’s Restaurant News, May 2025
True Food Kitchen goes seed-oil free: Nation’s Restaurant News, February 2025
Weill Cornell Medicine, 'Omega-6 Fatty Acid Promotes the Growth of an Aggressive Type of Breast Cancer', April 2025
