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This rise can largely be attributed to economic factors. Seed oils are significantly cheaper than healthier alternatives such as olive oil. The low cost incentivizes manufacturers to use them in processed foods, often at the expense of nutritional quality.
Environmental Concerns
The environmental footprint of seed oils cannot be ignored. The production of these oils requires extensive land, water, and pesticide use, all of which contribute to water scarcity, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Currently, approximately 32 million hectares of land are devoted to oil seed crops, with soybean cultivation dominating this landscape. With the rise of genetically modified varieties, the agricultural landscape has become increasingly homogenous, resulting in a loss of crop diversity.