Sam's Club Seed Oil Free: Healthy Snacks Fall 2024

Fall is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your pantry with wholesome, seed oil-free snacks and foods from Sam’s Club. Whether you’re on a health journey, following a specific diet, or simply looking to make healthier choices, finding products without seed oils can be a game-changer. Here’s your guide to navigating Sam’s Club for the best seed oil-free options this season.

Background & Inspiration

While I was pregnant, I deep dived into a lot of books about pregnancy and nutrition. I wanted to understand more about what I’m putting into my body so that I could make help make better choices for my family. Now, while I was pregnant, did I actually make better choices? I don’t know. You’ll have to ask the several empty bags of Hostess chocolate frosted doughnuts.

However, after pregnancy, I made a concentrated effort to find foods that are better for our family. One of the areas I focused on was seed oils. I have a history of inflammation, where every 2-3 years, I break out into hives for several months. I noticed that the food I eat definitely makes a difference in how serious the hives are. The biggest contributor being seed oils.

So, over the last six months, I’ve specifically aimed to get items that are seed oil-free. I found some amazing healthy, seed-oil free foods and snacks from my local Sam’s Club!

What are Seed Oils?

Seed oil is any vegetable oil that comes from the seed of a plant – sunflower, canola, linseed, grapeseed and sesame oils are all common seed oils. Alternatives these are olive, avocado, or coconut oil! Something to keep an eye out for when you’re at the grocery store.

The Seed Oil Free Alliance is a great resource for additional information!

Why are Seed Oils Bad?

Industrial (mechanically and chemically extracted) vegetable and seed oils are the most common fats in the American diet. They have a concentration of omega-6 content which promotes inflammation. The increase in omega-6 fats skews our omega-6/omega-3 ratio, and omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory.

High Omega-6 Fatty Acid Content

Seed oils are often high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). While omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, consuming them in excessive amounts relative to omega-3 fatty acids can lead to an imbalance that promotes inflammation. A high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.

Oxidation and Free Radicals:

The polyunsaturated fats in seed oils are more prone to oxidation when exposed to heat, light, and air. Oxidized fats can produce harmful compounds known as free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease processes.

Processing Methods

Many seed oils are extracted and processed using high heat and chemical solvents like hexane. These processes can strip the oil of beneficial nutrients and create harmful trans fats and other undesirable byproducts.

Refined vs. Unrefined

Refined seed oils often undergo bleaching and deodorizing, which can remove beneficial antioxidants and other nutrients. This refining process can make the oils more stable and suitable for high-heat cooking but may reduce their nutritional value.

Presence of Additives

Some commercially produced seed oils may contain additives and preservatives to extend shelf life, which may have adverse health effects for some people.

Potential Allergens

Certain seed oils, like soybean oil and peanut oil, can be allergenic to some individuals, leading to allergic reactions.

It’s important to note that not all seed oils are created equal, and the health impact can vary based on the type of oil, how it’s processed, and how it’s used in the diet. Moderation and a balanced intake of different types of fats, including omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, can help mitigate some of these concerns. Choosing less processed oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or cold-pressed oils, can also be a healthier option.

You’ll find that some of these snacks are organic food, gluten-free, or and/or non-GMO. Add these snacks and food to your Sam’s Club grocery list for your next trip!