A Closer Look at Simple Mills' Oil Choices
When consumers ask, "Do Simple Mills use seed oils?" they are often concerned about the potential inflammatory properties of highly refined polyunsaturated seed oils, such as traditional sunflower or canola oil. However, Simple Mills takes a deliberate and ingredient-conscious approach, which distinguishes their products from many conventional brands. While they do use an oil derived from seeds, the variety and processing method are key to understanding their nutritional stance.
The Role of High-Oleic Sunflower Oil
Simple Mills explicitly states that they use organic, expeller-pressed, high-oleic sunflower oil in many of their products, including their popular crackers. This is a crucial distinction. Traditional sunflower oil is rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be problematic when consumed in large quantities and out of balance with omega-3s. In contrast, high-oleic sunflower oil is predominantly composed of monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids, similar to those found in olive oil. This makes it more stable and less prone to oxidation, even during baking.
Simple Mills' Rationale for High-Oleic Sunflower Oil
- Oxidative Stability: High-oleic oil's stability means it maintains more of its nutritional properties throughout the baking process, resisting breakdown from heat.
- Improved Fatty Acid Profile: The higher percentage of monounsaturated fats and lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-9 fatty acids is intentional, offering a better nutritional profile compared to standard seed oils.
- Expeller-Pressed: The oil is extracted using a physical press, avoiding the chemical solvents often used in the refinement of conventional seed oils.
- Neutral Flavor: It provides the desired texture and mouthfeel in their products without compromising on flavor, especially in savory snacks.
Comparing Simple Mills to Other Snack Brands
To understand why this choice matters, it's helpful to compare Simple Mills with more traditional, mass-market snack producers. Many conventional brands use a blend of highly refined seed oils, which may include canola, soybean, or standard sunflower oil. These oils are chosen for cost-effectiveness and functionality, but they often lack the thoughtful processing and favorable fatty acid composition of Simple Mills' chosen oil.
| Feature | Simple Mills (High-Oleic Sunflower Oil) | Conventional Snack Brands (Refined Seed Oils) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Type | High-oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil, palm oil | Soybean oil, canola oil, standard sunflower oil |
| Fatty Acid Profile | Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated omega-9s | Often higher in potentially inflammatory polyunsaturated omega-6s |
| Processing Method | Expeller-pressed (physical method), organic | Solvent-extracted (chemical process), highly refined |
| Oxidative Stability | Excellent stability during baking | Lower stability, more prone to oxidation |
| Ingredient Philosophy | Purposeful, simple, nourishing ingredients | Functional, cost-effective, prolonged shelf life |
Expanding Beyond Crackers: Other Oils Used by Simple Mills
While high-oleic sunflower oil is prominent in their crackers, Simple Mills uses a variety of other high-quality, less-processed oils across its product line. These include:
- Coconut Oil: Used in some baking mixes and sweet items, valued for its stability and potential health benefits.
- Palm Oil: When used, Simple Mills is committed to sourcing it sustainably through RSPO-IP (identity preserved) certification.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Recommended by Simple Mills for use with their baking mixes.
This variety demonstrates a commitment to using oils appropriate for each product's application while maintaining a core philosophy of simplicity and purpose.
The Verdict on Simple Mills' Oil Usage
Based on a review of ingredient lists and corporate information, the answer to the question, "Do Simple Mills use seed oils?" is affirmative, but with important caveats. They intentionally use organic, high-oleic sunflower oil, a seed oil with a more favorable fatty acid profile and cleaner processing method than the refined seed oils found in many competing products. Their commitment to simple, purposeful ingredients extends beyond just the oils they select. For instance, their crackers also include a blend of nut and seed flours, like almonds, sunflower, and flax, for added nutrients. This approach aligns with their overall brand mission to create healthier, clean-label snacks. For those concerned about the standard, heavily processed vegetable oils, Simple Mills provides a deliberate alternative that prioritizes ingredient quality.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while Simple Mills incorporates a seed oil—specifically high-oleic sunflower oil—into its products, their practice is fundamentally different from using conventional, highly refined seed oils. Their conscious selection of an organic, expeller-pressed, and heart-healthy high-oleic variant demonstrates a clear alignment with their clean-label ethos. This makes their products a distinct and transparent choice for consumers scrutinizing the ingredients in their snack foods.
How Simple Mills Uses Oils for Better Snacks
- Purposeful oil selection: Simple Mills consciously chooses oils with better nutritional profiles for their snacks.
- Organic and high-oleic: The use of organic, high-oleic sunflower oil in crackers is intentional, prioritizing stability and beneficial fats.
- Expeller-pressed for purity: The expeller-pressing extraction method avoids harsh chemical solvents used in typical oil refining.
- Avoids common refined oils: They intentionally steer clear of highly processed oils like conventional canola or soybean oil.
- Diverse oil use across products: Different products use different high-quality oils, such as coconut or palm oil, chosen for their specific properties.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, but with High-Oleic: Yes, Simple Mills uses seed oils, but specifically organic, high-oleic sunflower oil, which has a better fatty acid profile than standard versions.
- Expeller-Pressed Process: The oil is extracted using a physical press, not harsh chemical solvents, ensuring a cleaner final product.
- Intentional Ingredient Choice: The selection of oils is a deliberate part of Simple Mills' commitment to using simple, purposeful ingredients for better health.
- Not All Seed Oils Are Equal: High-oleic sunflower oil is higher in monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) and lower in omega-6s than conventional, highly refined seed oils.
- Brand Transparency: Simple Mills is transparent about its oil usage, explaining the reasoning behind its ingredient choices on its website.
- Diverse Oils Used: While sunflower oil is prominent, other wholesome oils like coconut and ethically sourced palm oil are used across various products.
- Beyond Just Oils: Their overall focus on whole food ingredients, including almond and seed flours, contributes to a healthier snack option.
