Production Country Origin Impact on Soybean Oil Quality

ABSTRACT Previous studies have suggested variability in soybean oil quality depending on geographic origin of the soybeans. In this study, 1035 crude degummed soybean oil (raw oil unrefined except for degumming) samples collected from vessels and crushers over five harvest years (2020–2024) were analyzed for 11 key quality attributes. Soybean oil samples were sourced from soybeans that originated from the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. The results indicate that US‐grown soybeans consistently produce the highest‐quality oil, characterized by the lowest free fatty acid (FFA) levels and lowest neutral oil loss (NOL). Oils from US soybeans also exhibited the highest iodine values. In contrast, Argentine oil quality was intermediate, showing moderate FFA and NOL levels, while Brazilian soybean oil displayed the lowest overall quality, with elevated FFA, NOL, and mineral content. Differences in unsaponifiable matter, saponification value, iron content, and Lovibond red color were minimal or inconsistent across origins. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that soybean oil quality differs significantly among growing regions, with potential economic implications for processors and traders.