High Oleic Palm Fruit Oil (HOPO) is gaining recognition as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional seed oils, according to research presented by Del Llano Farms at the Technical Roundtable on High Oleic Palm Oil in Cali, Colombia.
Roberto Herrera, CEO and Co-founder of Del Llano Farms and President of the Cámara Alto Oleico (High Oleic Chamber), shared findings that position HOPO as a superior option to what medical professionals have dubbed the “Hateful Eight” seed oils – canola, corn, soy, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, and rice bran oils.
The research highlighted HOPO’s nutritional advantages, including low saturated fats, high monounsaturated fats similar to olive and avocado oils, and only 12% polyunsaturated fats compared to 35% in canola and 60% in soy. Technical studies confirmed its 450°F smoke point makes it ideal for cooking and frying without creating toxic compounds or unpleasant aftertastes.
“High Oleic Palm Fruit Oil is not just another oil. It is the result of combining technology, sustainability, and nutrition in one product,” said Herrera. “We used to say olive oil was good for everything, except heating. HOPO is good for everything, including heating.”
Medical professionals have increasingly criticized traditional seed oils due to their high Omega-6 content and potential links to chronic diseases, creating market demand for alternatives.
Environmental benefits address sustainability concerns
Industry research revealed significant sustainability advantages for HOPO. The oil produces up to 10 times more oil per hectare than annual crops like soy or corn, with each palm producing for over 40 years. Del Llano Farms produces up to 9 tons of oil per hectare compared to 0.43 tons for soy and 0.73 tons for canola.
Grown under RSPO, ISCC, and EUDR certifications, HOPO requires 93% less land than other oil crops while ensuring no recent deforestation. The year-round harvest provides steady income for farmers while encouraging soil protection and enrichment through regenerative farming practices.
Del Llano Farms, founded in Colombia in 1965, operates thousands of acres across regenerative estates and produces high-yield, non-GMO hybrid High Oleic palms. Arizona-based S&K Oil Sales serves as the exclusive North American distributor for the sustainably-produced oil.
Food industry adoption demonstrates commercial viability
The shift toward seedless oils is already impacting the food industry. Del Llano Farms announced a partnership with Frites Street, making the chef-trusted frozen fry brand the first national manufacturer in the United States to go 100% non-seed oil. The Arizona-based company now exclusively uses the oil for its Belgian-style fries and sells it to culinary customers for commercial kitchen use.
“Our decision to transition to Del Llano Farms’ Tropical High Oleic Oil was based on clear performance advantages – it offers clean label ingredients, seedless composition, and is sustainably grown,” said Flip Isard, Founder of Frites Street. “The oil delivers superior frying results, enhanced flavor profiles, and the golden crisp texture our chefs love.”
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