Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus), one of the leading oilseed crops globally. It is a light-coloured, neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying, cooking, and food processing. Rich in vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids, sunflower oil is often promoted as a heart-healthy choice. Different grades, such as high-oleic sunflower oil, offer enhanced stability for commercial frying and packaged foods. In addition to culinary use, sunflower oil is applied in cosmetics, skincare, and pharmaceuticals for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

Sunflower meal is also a feedstock for biodiesel and oleochemicals. After extraction, it provides protein-rich feed for livestock and poultry. Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, and the EU are the leading producers, shaping global supply and trade. With rising demand for healthy and versatile edible oils, sunflower oil plays a vital role in household and industrial markets.