Peanut Oil

What is Peanut Oil?

Peanut oil, also known as Groundnut oil, is a popular vegetable oil that is derived from peanuts, which are native to South America. The oil has a mild flavor and is widely used in cooking, particularly in South Asian, Southeast Asian, and African cuisines. Peanut oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying and sautéing. It is also used as a salad dressing and in the preparation of various sauces and marinades.

Peanut oil is a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against oxidative damage. Peanut oil is also a good source of phytosterols, which have cholesterol-lowering properties.

In addition to its culinary uses, peanut oil is also used in some non-food applications, such as in the production of soaps, cosmetics, and biofuels. It is a versatile and widely available oil that is used in many different ways around the world.

Peanut Oil Production in the World

The global production of Peanut Oil plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2022, China is the top producer, contributing 1,888,100 tonnes, which accounts for 36.31% of the total global production. India ranks second, producing 894,200 tonnes, representing 17.20% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Nigeria, Sudan, and Myanmar, with production levels of 377,300, 254,000, and 215,000 tonnes, respectively. Cuba has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 31 tonnes in 2022. In total, global production of Peanut Oil reached approximately 5,199,859 tonnes in 2022.

Top 10 Countries by Peanut Oil Production in 2022

Countries Ranked by Peanut Oil Production in 2022

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)
1	China	1,888,100
2	India	894,200
3	Nigeria	377,300
4	Sudan	254,000
5	Myanmar	215,000
6	Senegal	163,800
7	Brazil	154,800
8	Guinea	132,849
9	United States	122,000
10	Argentina	82,284
11	Ghana	78,945
12	Chad	64,000
13	Cameroon	63,800
14	Malawi	52,000
15	Netherlands	48,258
16	Niger	38,700
17	Benin	32,000
18	Angola	30,872
19	Vietnam	29,000
20	Central African Republic	28,000
21	Algeria	27,368
22	Nicaragua	24,200
23	Mali	23,800
24	Pakistan	23,628
25	Guinea-Bissau	23,492
26	Bangladesh	23,285
27	Burkina Faso	22,980
28	Democratic Republic of the Congo	22,944
29	Poland	21,060
30	Indonesia	20,488
31	Cote d'Ivoire	17,700
32	Morocco	16,832
33	Egypt	12,776
34	Philippines	12,679
35	Sierra Leone	12,085
36	Thailand	12,000
37	Rwanda	11,680
38	Zimbabwe	8,700
39	Uganda	8,608
40	The Gambia	8,000
41	Iraq	6,771
42	Belgium	6,473
43	Taiwan	5,500
44	Lao PDR	5,208
45	Greece	5,165
46	Italy	5,000
47	Mexico	4,900
48	Zambia	4,178
49	Malaysia	4,093
50	Lebanon	4,042
51	Mozambique	3,851
52	Nepal	3,647
53	Portugal	3,500
54	Ethiopia	3,451
55	Republic of the Congo	2,726
56	Paraguay	2,400
57	Dominican Republic	2,086
58	Tanzania	1,974
59	Australia	1,900
60	Madagascar	1,693
61	South Korea	1,349
62	Burundi	1,284
63	Switzerland	1,245
64	Czech Republic	1,200
65	United Arab Emirates	1,125
66	Saudi Arabia	1,112
67	Kuwait	1,105
68	Togo	1,062
69	Denmark	934
70	South Africa	900
71	Venezuela	854
72	Singapore	800
73	Sri Lanka	534
74	Cambodia	527
75	Trinidad and Tobago	527
76	Mauritania	483
77	Japan	390
78	Uruguay	305
79	Botswana	302
80	Guatemala	301
81	Slovakia	200
82	Tonga	180
83	Albania	143
84	St. Vincent and the Grenadines	58
85	Turkiye	57
86	Russia	43
87	St. Kitts and Nevis	37
88	Cuba	31

Composition of Nutrients in Peanut Oil

The composition of peanut oil varies depending on the type and quality of the oil. However, in general, peanut oil is composed of:

Fatty acids: Peanut oil is primarily composed of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid (about 48-74%), linoleic acid (about 14-40%), and palmitic acid (about 7-15%).
Vitamins: Peanut oil is a good source of vitamin E(3-11 mg/100 g), which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against oxidative damage.
Phytosterols: Peanut oil contains phytosterols(250-400 mg/100 g), which are plant-based compounds that have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Other minor components: Peanut oil also contains small amounts of other components such as lecithin, tocopherols, and squalene.

It is important to note that the exact composition of peanut oil can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the peanuts, the processing method used to extract the oil, and the storage conditions.

Nutritional Information of Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a good source of healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins, and other nutrients. Here are some of the key nutrients found in peanut oil:

Calories: One tablespoon (about 14 grams) of peanut oil contains around 120 calories.
Fatty acids: Peanut oil contains mainly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats. These fats help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
Vitamin E: Peanut oil is a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Phytosterols: Peanut oil contains phytosterols, which are plant-based compounds that help lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Other nutrients: Peanut oil also contains small amounts of other nutrients, such as magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

It is important to note that peanut oil is high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Different Types of Peanut Oil

There are different types of peanut oil available in the market, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the common types of peanut oil include:

Refined peanut oil: This is the most commonly used type of peanut oil. It is refined, bleached, and deodorized, which removes impurities and gives it a neutral taste and aroma. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for deep-frying and other high-temperature cooking methods.
Cold-pressed peanut oil: This is an unrefined type of peanut oil, which is made by pressing the peanuts at low temperatures. This retains the natural flavor, aroma, and nutrients of the peanuts. However, it has a lower smoke point and is not suitable for high-temperature cooking.
Roasted peanut oil: This is made by roasting the peanuts before pressing them. It has a stronger flavor and aroma compared to other types of peanut oil and is often used in Asian and African cuisines.
Organic peanut oil: This is made from organic, non-GMO peanuts and is free from any chemical additives or preservatives. It is often more expensive than other types of peanut oil.
High-oleic peanut oil: This type of peanut oil has a higher content of oleic acid, which makes it more stable and suitable for use in commercial food products, such as salad dressings, margarine, and baked goods.

Uses of Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has a variety of uses in cooking, as well as in other industries. Here are some common uses of peanut oil:

Cooking oil: Peanut oil is commonly used as a cooking oil due to its high smoke point, which means it can be used at high temperatures without burning. It is often used in deep frying, stir-frying, and sautéing.
Salad dressing: Peanut oil can be used to make salad dressings, as it has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with many types of salad.
Baking: Peanut oil can also be used in baking as a substitute for other oils or butter.
Beauty and skincare: Peanut oil is used in many beauty and skincare products due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is often found in soaps, lotions, and hair care products.
Industrial uses: Peanut oil is also used in the manufacturing of various products, such as paints, varnishes, and lubricants.

It is important to note that some people may be allergic to peanuts, so it is important to use caution when consuming or using peanut oil.