What is the most common type of oil used in cooking?

The most common type of oil used in cooking is vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is a generic term for a variety of plant-based oils, including canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and more. These oils are all relatively affordable, have a high smoke point, and a neutral flavor, which makes them ideal for a variety of cooking applications.

While vegetable oil is the most common type of oil used in cooking, other oils are also popular depending on the dish and the region. For example, olive oil is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and is a staple of Italian cooking. Coconut oil is often used in Asian cuisine and is popular in vegan and plant-based diets.

When choosing an oil for cooking, it's important to consider the smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke and break down. Oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil and canola oil, are better for high-heat cooking methods like frying, while oils with a low smoke point, like olive oil and sesame oil, are better for low-heat cooking methods like sautéing or making salad dressings.