Peanut Oil: Nutrients, What Research Shows and Safety
Peanut oil as a food: USDA fat values, refined vs crude oil and peanut allergy, what the FDA labeling rules say, animal heart studies, and safety.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Peanut oil is pressed or extracted from peanuts, the seeds of Arachis hypogaea (family Fabaceae). Botanically the peanut is a legume, not a tree nut. The oil is a liquid used for frying and stir-frying and in some dressings. [1] The big question for this oil is allergy, so most of this page is about that. It also keeps the oil apart from whole peanuts and from hype.
Read this first
- Peanut allergy is the main safety point. Highly refined peanut oil contains very little protein, but traces have been measured, and less refined (crude or cold-pressed) oils carry far more. [2] [3] If you have a peanut allergy, ask your allergist before using any peanut oil. For trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, call 911 (or your local emergency number).
- Labels: the FDA exempts highly refined oils (refined, bleached, deodorized) from major-allergen labeling, but oils that are not highly refined must declare peanut. The source must always be in the oil's name. [4]
- It is pure fat and energy dense. USDA lists about 119 kcal in 1 tablespoon (13.5 g). [1]
- More saturated fat than the other seed oils. USDA lists 16.9 g saturated fat per 100 g, with about 46 g monounsaturated. [1]
- Evidence in one line: we found no human trial of peanut oil on heart outcomes in the sources we read; the animal work is favorable but is not proof for people. [5] [6]
What is in it (USDA values)
The values below are for peanut oil, salad or cooking, USDA FoodData Central item 171410, SR Legacy. [1] The serving column is the USDA household portion of 1 tablespoon, 13.5 g. [1]
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per 1 tbsp (13.5 g) | % Daily Value per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 884 kcal | 119 kcal | not set |
| Total fat | 100 g | 13.5 g | 17% |
| Saturated fat | 16.9 g | 2.3 g | 11% |
| Monounsaturated fat | 46.2 g | 6.2 g | no DV |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 32 g | 4.3 g | no DV |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 15.7 mg | 2.1 mg | 14% |
| Vitamin K | 0.70 mcg | 0.094 mcg | <1% |
| Phytosterols | 207 mg | 27.9 mg | no DV |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate, protein, fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sodium, potassium, phosphorus | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
% Daily Value uses the FDA 2016 Daily Values. Serving figures are the 100 g values multiplied by 0.135. USDA lists zero for the last three rows. [1] USDA also lists a vitamin D value for this item, but it looks like a database artifact for a plant oil, so we do not report it. USDA lists no trans fat value for this item.
Plant compounds: USDA lists plant sterols at 207 mg per 100 g and vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol. [1] We did not read a human trial showing these compounds change health at the amount found in cooking oil.
What research says
| Health goal | What the sources found | Strength of evidence | What was studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety for people with peanut allergy | In a double-blind crossover study, 10 peanut-allergic people ate up to 5 mL of peanut oil (and olive oil as a control) with no reactions. [7] A later lab study found traces of allergenic protein (0.1-0.2 microgram per gram) in commercial refined peanut oil, and these proteins bound IgE antibodies and triggered skin tests in allergic patients. [2] A 2007 review noted crude oils hold about 100 times more protein than refined oils, and that the dose that triggers symptoms by mouth is as low as 0.1-1 mg of peanut allergen. [3] | Mixed (small old trial; lab traces; no proof of safety for every allergic person) | Refined peanut oil, allergic patients |
| Skin use | 14 peanut-sensitive people showed no skin test reactions to a refined peanut oil in a skin medicine. [8] A review said reports of reactions to skin products exist, and that whether skin contact causes sensitization is speculation. [3] | Insufficient evidence | Topical products, not food |
| Cholesterol and atherosclerosis | In cynomolgus monkeys, more peanut oil in the diet lowered total cholesterol and aortic plaque lipids. [5] In hamsters, diets with peanut oil, peanuts or peanut flour lowered plasma cholesterol and slowed plaque growth. [6] We did not read a human trial of peanut oil. | Lab or animal only | Monkeys and hamsters |
| LDL cholesterol (replacing saturated fat) | The American Heart Association advisory said replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fats lowers LDL cholesterol and, with polyunsaturated vegetable oil, reduced cardiovascular disease by about 30%. [9] Peanut oil is about 17% saturated fat by USDA, so the swap works only if it replaces something higher in saturated fat. [1] | Established for the swap in general; Insufficient evidence for peanut oil itself | Mixed vegetable oils |
| Heart disease events | We did not find a trial of peanut oil on heart attacks or strokes in the sources we read. | No good evidence of benefit found in the sources we read | Not applicable |
Eaten as food vs other forms. Allergy results apply to the oil as eaten. Cold-pressed, gourmet or unrefined peanut oils are not the same as refined oils and were not the subject of the old challenge study. [7] [3]
How much is a normal serving
The USDA household portion is 1 tablespoon (13.5 g), with about 119 kcal. [1] That is information from USDA data, not a prescription. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines say saturated fat should in general stay under 10% of daily calories and name olive oil, butter and beef tallow as cooking fat options; peanut oil is not named in the pages we read. [10] The NHS lists peanuts as a monounsaturated fat source and says men should have no more than 30 g and women no more than 20 g of saturated fat a day. [11]
Safety, allergy and medicines
- Peanut allergy: peanut is one of the nine major US allergens. [12] The FDA says highly refined oils from major allergens are exempt from allergen labeling, and an oil that is not highly refined must declare its source. [4] A 1981 study found no reaction to refined peanut oil in 10 allergic people, [7] but later work found traces of allergenic protein in refined oil, [2] the 1998 study noted that allergic reactions to peanut oil are much debated, [2] and a 2007 review noted crude oils hold much more protein. [3] The sources we read did not settle whether every peanut-allergic person can use refined oil safely. Ask your allergist. Peanut allergy is different from tree nut allergy. See peanuts and nut and seed allergy basics.
- Emergency: trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat after eating is an emergency. Call 911 (or your local emergency number).
- Heating and frying: we did not read a study of heated peanut oil. Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. One kitchen test compared palm, olive and soybean oils, not peanut oil. [13]
- Saturated fat: 2.3 g in a tablespoon, 11% of the Daily Value. [1]
- Vitamin E: USDA lists about 2.1 mg a tablespoon (14% of the Daily Value). Vitamin E from food is considered safe. [14]
- Medicines: we found no source linking peanut oil as a food to a medicine interaction.
- Pregnancy, children, kidney disease, diabetes: we did not find official advice restricting culinary peanut oil in these groups apart from allergy. USDA lists zero potassium, phosphorus and sodium. [1] See foods in pregnancy, food allergy basics and kidney disease and foods.
Choosing, storing and food safety
- If you must avoid peanut, check the label for "peanut oil", "cold-pressed", "gourmet" or "unrefined", and ask the maker how the oil is processed. The FDA says oils that are not highly refined must declare the source. [4]
- Cooked food from restaurants may be fried in peanut oil; ask. We did not read a source on cross-contact from fryers.
- We did not read a source on storage or smoke point for peanut oil. See smoke points and cooking with oil.
Related pages
Health connections for Peanut Oil
What research links to eating or drinking this food, and how strong the evidence is. Many studies are observational or use juice, powder, oil or extracts rather than the food as eaten; each card says which.
Peanut oil and cholesterol or plaque in animals
Lab or animal research onlyIn monkeys and hamsters on high-cholesterol diets, peanut oil lowered cholesterol and slowed plaque growth. Human trials were not read.
Supplements: Food-oil diets in animals.
Peanut oil in place of saturated fat and LDL cholesterol
Preliminary or mixedReplacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat lowers LDL cholesterol. Peanut oil is about 17% saturated fat, so it helps only if it replaces something higher.
Supplements: Food-oil swap.
Skin products with peanut oil
Not enough evidenceNo skin reactions were seen in 14 peanut-sensitive people tested with a refined peanut oil product; a review said whether skin contact causes sensitization is speculation.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Monounsaturated and saturated fat profile
Established roleUSDA lists about 46 g monounsaturated, 32 g polyunsaturated and 17 g saturated fat per 100 g.
Supplements: Dietary role only.
Vitamin E from peanut oil
Established roleUSDA lists about 2.1 mg of vitamin E in 1 tablespoon, 14% of the Daily Value.
Supplements: Dietary role only.
Calories and energy density
Established roleOne tablespoon has about 119 kcal and no carbohydrate, protein or fiber.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Heating peanut oil
Not enough evidenceWe did not read a study of heated peanut oil. A kitchen study of other oils found emissions depend on the fat profile.
Supplements: Not applicable.
Connected topics
Open a group to see how each topic connects and how strong the evidence is.
Body systems (1)
- Immune SystemDocumented risk
Peanut allergy is a major food allergy; refined oil holds traces of allergenic protein and crude oil holds more.
Body parts (1)
- Immune SystemDocumented risk
Peanut protein left in the oil can trigger the immune system in allergic people.
Habits (1)
- Balanced NutritionPreliminary or mixed
Fits advice to swap saturated for unsaturated fat when it replaces butter or lard; it is a calorie-dense food.
Conditions & symptoms (2)
- Allergy To PeanutsDocumented risk
Peanut allergy: refined peanut oil has traces of allergenic protein and crude oils hold about 100 times more; a small old study found no reactions to refined oil in 10 allergic people.
- Food AllergyDocumented risk
Peanut is one of the nine major US allergens; highly refined oils are exempt from allergen labeling but must name the source.
Documented risks and interactions (2)
- Peanut oil and peanut allergy. Highly refined peanut oil has traces of allergenic protein and crude oils have far more. A small 1981 study found no reactions to refined oil in 10 allergic people. People with peanut allergy should ask an allergist.
- Allergen labeling of refined vs unrefined oils. In the US, highly refined oils are exempt from major-allergen labeling but must name their source; oils that are not highly refined must declare peanut.
Frequently asked questions
Is peanut oil safe if I have a peanut allergy?
The sources we read do not give a simple yes. A small 1981 study found no reactions to refined peanut oil in 10 allergic people, [7] but refined oil has been found to hold traces of allergenic protein, [2] and crude oils hold much more. [3] Ask your allergist.
Does peanut oil have to be labeled as an allergen?
Highly refined oils are exempt from major-allergen labeling in the US, but the plant source must be in the ingredient name. Oils that are not highly refined must declare peanut. [4]
Is peanut oil good for your heart?
We found no human trial in the sources we read. In monkeys and hamsters it lowered cholesterol on high-cholesterol diets. [5] [6] It is about 17% saturated fat. [1]
Is peanut oil a tree nut oil?
No. Peanut is a legume. Tree nut allergy and peanut allergy are different conditions. See peanuts.
How many calories are in peanut oil?
About 119 kcal in a tablespoon (13.5 g) per USDA. [1]
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central: Oil, peanut, salad or cooking (SR Legacy, FDC 171410). 2018. Read 2026-10-24.
- Clin Exp Allergy (Olszewski A et al.). Isolation and characterization of proteic allergens in refined peanut oil. 1998 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol (Ring J, Mohrenschlager M). Allergy to peanut oil: clinically relevant?. 2007 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements (guidance for industry, question D.9 on labeling oils). Edition 5, January 2025. Read 2026-10-24.
- Arteriosclerosis (Alderson LM et al.). Peanut oil reduces diet-induced atherosclerosis in cynomolgus monkeys. 1986 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- J Food Sci (Stephens AM et al.). Peanuts, peanut oil, and fat free peanut flour reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors and the development of atherosclerosis in Syrian golden hamsters. 2010 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- J Allergy Clin Immunol (Taylor SL et al.). Peanut oil is not allergenic to peanut-sensitive individuals. 1981 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- Cutis (Yunginger JW, Calobrisi SD). Investigation of the allergenicity of a refined peanut oil-containing topical dermatologic agent in persons who are sensitive to peanuts. 2001 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- American Heart Association (Sacks FM et al.). Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory. 2017 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and USDA. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 (consumer summary pages). 2025-2030 edition. Read 2026-10-24.
- NHS. Fat: the facts (different fats in our diet). Read 2026-10-24.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FASTER Act: Sesame Is the Ninth Major Food Allergen. Read 2026-10-24.
- npj Science of Food (Chiang KM et al.). Particulate matters, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced from deep-frying emissions: comparisons of three cooking oils with distinct fatty acid profiles. 2022 (abstract read via Europe PMC). Read 2026-10-24.
- MedlinePlus. Vitamin E in diet. Read 2026-10-24.