Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which products can be made from sunflower oil?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Asteraceae
The flowering head of a sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is formed of yellow, petal-like ray flowers and a brown center of minute disk flowers.
Sunflower oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus), is a versatile product used in a variety of applications.
Its primary uses include:
- Food Products: The oil is widely used for table use, often considered comparable to olive or almond oil. It is also utilized in the production of food items such as salad oils and shortening.12
- Industrial Applications: The oil is used in the manufacturing of soaps, varnishes, and paints.31
- Lubricants: It serves as a functional lubricant.1
Additionally, the byproduct of oil extraction, known as sunflower oil cake, is used as feed for stock and poultry.1