Seed Oils vs Olive Oil: Why We Don't Fry Our Crisps in Extra Virgin (Science-Backed)

One question we're asked again and again: "Why don't you use olive oil instead of rapeseed oil?"

It’s a fair question! But, one that’s rooted in a lot of online noise and not enough solid science. There’s been a recent wave of confusion about seed oils like rapeseed (also known as canola oil), with many corners of the internet branding them “toxic.”

At Spudos, we're not just about big flavour and bold crunch. We care about what goes into our crisps. So when it came to choosing the oil to fry our spuds, we did our homework. 

So let's break it down: no fear mongering, no nonsense. Just facts, good science, and better crisps.

Let's Talk Nutrition

The British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, and the NHS agree that rapeseed oil is actually one of the healthiest oils available (when used in moderation like all oils should!)

Nutritional Breakdown of Rapeseed (Canola) Oil:

• Low in saturated fat (just 7%)
• Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (oleic acid and others)
• Beneficial level of polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart health)
• High in antioxidants (vitamin E and polyphenols)
• Many anti-inflammatory benefits

So, rapeseed oil = a heart-healthy choice backed by actual doctors. Not just influencers with questionable qualifications and really good lighting.

Another of the healthiest oils highlighted by these sources is of course: Olive Oil. Here's how it compares:

Nutritional Breakdown of Olive Oil (Extra Virgin):

• Low in saturated fats (approximately 13.8%)
• Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (oleic acid—great for keeping cholesterol in check)
• Presence of polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids for brain and heart health)
• High in antioxidants (vitamin E and polyphenols)
• Anti-inflammatory benefits 

As you can see,  they're pretty much the same when it comes to levels of nutrition (except for rapeseed oil’s slightly lower level of saturated fat and higher level of healthy omegas). So why did we choose rapeseed oil to cook our spuds?

The answer lies in their "smoke points." And no, that's not a euphemism.

Smoke Points: Why Frying Matters, and Why Rapeseed Prevails

Now that we've covered the science-backed benefits of both oils, let's talk heat. 

To get that perfect Spudos crunch, our crisps are fried at 190°C. To use olive oil for this would be entering some pretty dangerous territory. 

Don’t get us wrong, we love olive oil too. But when it comes to crisps, our oil gets hot. And olive oil at high temperatures? It's a big no for our bodies.

Olive Oil Smoke Points:

• Extra Virgin olive oil typicalls falls between 175°C - 210°C
• Refined olive oil holds a slightly higher smoke point of 200°C - 240°C

At these smoke points, compounds in the oil break down into harmful ones. Toxins such as Acrolein and Polar compounds are linked to cellular damage, which is thought to lead to health issues like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and more. That’s a pretty big risk just for some crisps don't you think?

You're right! Frying in Refined olive oil would avoid the development of those nasty toxins at high temperatures. However, in refining, it loses most of the nutrients that make olive oil so great in the first place! 

The antioxidants? Gone.
The polyphenols? Mostly stripped.
That famous anti-inflammatory power? Reduced to almost nothing.

Nutritional Breakdown of Refined Olive Oil:

• Low in saturated fats (approximately 13.8%)
• Rich in monounsaturated fats (oleic acid - great for low cholesterol levels)
• Reduced polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids)
• Most antioxidants lost (vitamin E and polyphenols)
• Minimal anti-inflammatory benefits 

You can see all those amazing reasons that we love olive oil? They're pretty much wiped out when refined. You’re left with… a neutral-tasting oil that’s lost its benefits. 

But luckily, we have another neutral-tasting oil that maintains its benefits: rapeseed oil!

That makes it ideal for frying crisps like ours: crispy on the outside, golden on the inside, (and way better for you than you’ve been led to believe). So yes, the choice is deliberate. Thoughtful, even. We chose rapeseed oil because it does everything we need it to: keeps things crisp, keeps things clean, and keeps your snack-time nourishing.

The Misconception: Aren't Seed Oils "Inflammatory"?

Not exactly. The problem with some seed oils (like sunflower or soybean) is that they’re very high in omega-6 fats, and if you’re already eating loads of processed food, that can throw your balance off.

But rapeseed oil has a much better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio; especially when used in moderation, like we do. Plus, it’s low in saturated fat and supports healthy cholesterol levels (see British Heart Foundation). So no, it’s not inflammatory when part of a balanced diet.

Let's Recap (Because We Know You've Been Skimming)

• Rapeseed oil: Heart and brain healthy, nutrient-rich, and absolutely perfect for high-heat cooking.
• Olive oil: Delicious and nutritious when used cold.
• Refined olive oil: Might survive the heat, but its health benefits don't.
• Seed oils are not the enemy—misinformation is the real villain here
• When it comes to crisp frying: Rapeseed oil wins. Every. Single. Time.

Final Crunch: The Truth About Our Oil Choice

Olive oil? Amazing on a cold plate.
Rapeseed oil? Built for frying, backed by science.

We love both; but only one gives us Spudos-level crunch without compromising on health, flavour, or function. And that’s why our spuds are cooked in rapeseed oil, proudly.

You bring the appetite; we’ll bring the heart-healthy (and deliciously crunchy!) crisp.

Trusted Sources for the Curious Crisp Lover:

British Heart Foundation:

• Is rapeseed oil healthy?
• Omega-3 Foods and your Heart
• Study shows rapeseed oil could help reduce cholesterol
• Which is the healthiest fat for cooking?
• 5 cholesterol-lowering foods
• Watch: What does fat do and what is saturated fat?
• Fats explained
• The truth about fat
• Healthy eating
• How do I lower my cholesterol? Your 5 top questions answered
• Why everything you know about healthy eating is wrong