Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil: RBDW Explained
Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil RBDW is a natural, high quality nutritive oil produced from 100% sunflower seeds. It has become a preferred choice of food & beverage manufacturers and consumers for its neutrality, stability, and clean label appeal.
In an older post, we explored the benefits of Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil RBDW across industries. We touched on the value that high oleic acid content brings to applications in terms of oxidative stability, nutritional value and shelf life.
But what does RBDW stand for—and why does it matter for formulations?
Let’s break it down.
What is RBDW?
RBDW stands for Refine, Bleach, Deodorize and Winterize, and represents a four-stage filtration and purification process. Sunflower oil that is labeled as RBDW undergoes this special process after it’s been mechanically pressed from organic sunflower seeds.
Each of the four steps are carefully designed to enhance product stability, clarity and neutrality. Once the RBDW process is complete, the end product is a neutral, light yellow odorless shelf-stable oil. Organic high oleic sunflower oil RBDW is suitable for various applications from snacks and dressings to pharmaceuticals and natural cosmetics.
Stage One: Refining
The first step of the RBDW process is the refining stage. This step focuses on removing phospholipids, free fatty acids, any trace metals and impurities. It is typically done using a combination of steam and natural alkaline solutions. This is the first important step in extending product shelf life. It also helps improve oxidative stability while creating a neutral base for the additional processing stages.
In Certified Organic oils, only non-synthetic agents are permitted—ensuring compliance with USDA Organic and EU Organic standards.
Stage Two: Bleaching
The next step involves treating the oil with non-synthetic agents such as natural clay or diatomaceous earth. The bleaching stage requires these materials to assist with purification. Both naturally occurring substances adhere to USDA Organic and EU Organic standards. This stage helps remove heavy metals, pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids, oxidative precursors and environmental contaminants.
The result is a cleaner, more transparent oil that offers high performance across high-heat applications.
Stage Three: Deodorizing
In step three, the oil is exposed to a high temperature steam distillation process that helps remove undesirable compounds. This deodorizing process includes the removal of any residual odors, flavors or protein fragments. Stage 3 is particularly important across flavor-sensitive applications such as dairy and milk alternative products. This stage is also largely beneficial for applications where neutrality is vital (cosmetics) and consistency is crucial (pharmaceuticals).
Because deodorization requires precision, it’s one of the most controlled RBDW phases. This stage is vital to ensuring a neutral sensory profile.
Stage Four: Winterizing
The final step of RBDW is winterizing. This stage is vital for inclusion in refrigerated and cold chain products. Cold chain products require a temperature-controlled environment, and range from frozen popsicles to vaccines.
During this step, the oil is slowly chilled to allow naturally occurring waxes and saturated fats to solidify. These unwanted solid substances rise and aggregate, and are then removed through filtration. Winterization results in transparent clarity and improved mouthfeel, as well as excellent stability for cold chain products.
RBDW for Clean, Consistent Application Performance
Once all four steps of the RBDW process are complete, the result is a light yellow, transparent oil that is:
- High in Oleic Acid content (>80%) which largely contributes to oxidative stability
- Neutral in odor and taste for flexibility across different formulations
- Clean product label compliant with no synthetic residues or additives
- Shelf stable and heat resistant with a high smoke point of >445°F (>230°C) for challenging applications
Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil RBDW: Use Across Industries
Whether your next project involves developing a new functional snack food or scaling a clean beauty line, Austrade’s Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil RBDW delivers performance across applications.
- Food & Beverage: Use as a clean label fat across baked goods, snacks, frying applications, salad dressings, sauces, meat substitutes and dairy alternatives.
- Cosmetics: Ideal for premium cold storage serums, creams and lotions; skin balms, cream deodorant, natural baby care products, weight management products, aromatherapy and massage oils.
- Pharmaceuticals: Serves as a stable carrier oil for medicinal formulations and nutraceuticals; ointments, ear drops, soft gel capsules, pediatric and/or geriatric oral suspensions.
Reformulate with RBDW: A Clean Label Organic Oil
Connect with us today to discover the full potential of Austrade’s Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil RBDW.
From functional stability to high heat performance, this neutral oil is the ideal complement to your next organic application.
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