Why We Don’t Use Seed Oils – And Why You Might Want to Avoid Them Too

July 03, 2025

Why We Don’t Use Seed Oils – And Why You Might Want to Avoid Them Too

Over the past few decades, seed oils have quietly taken over our food supply. Found in everything from salad dressings to crackers, these oils—often labelled as “vegetable oils”—may sound healthy, but a closer look tells a different story.

If you’re on a journey towards healthy eating, a low-carb lifestyle, or simply want to feel better in your body, it might be time to rethink what you’re cooking with… and snacking on.

What Are Seed Oils?

Seed oils are highly processed oils extracted from seeds like soybeans, corn, and canola. The most commonly used—and most problematic—are often referred to as the “Hateful Eight”:

Canola, Corn, Cottonseed, Soybean, Sunflower, Safflower, Grapeseed, and Rice Bran oil.

These oils are industrially refined using high heat, solvents like hexane, and chemical deodorisers to make them shelf-stable and edible. But just because they’re everywhere, doesn’t mean they’re good for us.

But What About Eating Seeds?

You might be wondering—if seed oils are so problematic, should we also avoid eating seeds?

Not at all. Whole seeds are nutrient-dense and packed with natural antioxidants, fibre, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins & minerals. In their natural form, seeds like chia, flax, pumpkin, and sunflower offer a range of health benefits. The difference comes down to processing.

When you eat whole seeds, you’re getting the complete nutritional package. When you extract and refine their oils—especially with industrial heat and chemicals—you strip away everything good and concentrate the unstable fats.

That’s why eating seeds is a healthy part of a whole-food diet, while consuming industrial seed oils is not.

Why Avoid Seed Oils?

1. They’re High in Inflammatory Omega-6 Fatty Acids

One of the biggest concerns with seed oils—especially the Hateful Eight—is their high concentration of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. While we need small amounts of omega-6s, modern diets are heavily skewed toward them, largely because of processed vegetable oils.

This imbalance can lead to chronic inflammation, a known contributor to heart disease, obesity, metabolic issues, and autoimmune conditions.

2. They Break Down into Harmful Compounds When Heated

Seed oils are unstable and oxidise easily. When cooked at high temperatures—like in deep fryers or during manufacturing—they break down into toxic byproducts such as aldehydes, which can damage cells and DNA.

This is why many people following a seed oil free diet choose to cook with more stable fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee.

3. They’re Ultra-Processed and Stripped of Nutrients

The Hateful Eight are all refined oils, meaning they’ve gone through extensive industrial processing. This not only strips away any natural nutrients but can introduce chemical residues and compounds that our bodies were never meant to process.

What’s Wrong with “Vegetable Oil”?

Don’t be fooled by the name—"vegetable oil" rarely comes from vegetables. It’s usually a blend of cheap seed oils, most often canola, soybean, and sunflower. You’ll find it in salad dressings, dips, sauces, crackers, baked goods, and even “health” foods.

At Wholo Foods, we believe real food should be made with real ingredients. That’s why every product we make is 100% seed oil free—we never touch the Hateful Eight.

Choosing Better Fats

If you’re looking to reduce your intake of inflammatory oils, here are some healthier, more stable alternatives:

Extra virgin olive oil – rich in antioxidants, ideal for cold dishes
Avocado oil – neutral flavour, high smoke point
Coconut oil – great for baking or sautéing
Ghee or butter – nourishing and traditional
Tallow or duck fat – stable and nutrient-dense

These fats support better metabolic health—and they taste better, too.

Wholo Foods: Proudly Seed Oil Free

At Wholo Foods, we’ve made a clear decision to stay away from all industrial seed oils—including the Hateful Eight. Whether you’re snacking on our low carb Seeded Crackers or enjoying our sugar-conscious Amazeballs, you can trust that there are no hidden inflammatory oils inside—just real food, made simply.

And yes, we use real seeds in our products. But not their oils.

Final Thoughts

Seed oils may be marketed as modern and “heart healthy,” but the evidence suggests otherwise. By choosing more stable, traditional fats and ditching the Hateful Eight, you’ll be supporting your energy, gut health, and overall wellbeing.

Looking for seed oil free foods that are also gluten free, low carb/sugar, and nutrient-dense? You’ve found them!