The Impact of War on Sunflower Oil Supply
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking a devastating war and humanitarian crisis. Ukraine, long known as "the breadbasket of Europe," is not only a major grain exporter but also Europe’s largest supplier of sunflower oil. Two-thirds of the sunflower oil on European supermarket shelves comes from Ukraine, amounting to over €600 million in imports each year.
Due to the war, supply chains have been disrupted, and sunflower oil exports have come to a halt. Supermarkets quickly saw empty shelves, and food manufacturers were forced to search for alternatives.
Searching for Substitutes
Sunflower oil plays a key role in both home cooking and processed foods like margarine and cookies. In the rush to replace it, manufacturers often turn to less healthy options such as palm oil or coconut oil.
Consumers looking to fry fries, meatballs, or snacks at home are being advised to use peanut oil, rapeseed oil, or soybean oil. But there's one healthier alternative that’s often overlooked.
Olive Oil: A Healthy, Overlooked Option
Though considered too expensive for large-scale producers, olive oil is a perfect substitute for home use. Especially Tunisian olive oil, which is ideal for frying and rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. According to the Nutrition Center, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Even the well-known consumer program Radar supports this choice, calling olive oil “the best alternative to sunflower oil.”
A Chance to Embrace the Mediterranean Diet
Switching to olive oil might also encourage a broader lifestyle shift: more vegetables, less meat, more fish, and maybe the occasional glass of wine. A small change in your oil could be the first step toward a healthier, more Mediterranean way of eating.
