Previous studies have suggested variability in soybean oil quality depending on geographic origin of the soybeans. In this study, 1,035 crude degummed soybean oil 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 U.S.-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 U.S. soybeans also exhibited the highest iodine values, likely reflecting cooler growing temperatures. 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 (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus). These differences may stem from greater moisture exposure or heat damage during harvest and storage in tropical regions. Differences in unsaponifiable matter, saponification value, iron content, and Lovibond red color were minimal or inconsistent across origins. The chlorophyll content varied primarily by year and environmental conditions rather than geographic source. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that soybean oil quality differs significantly among growing regions, with potential economic implications for processors and traders.

Previous reports indicate variable soybean quality parameters exported from different geographic regions. This review compares soybean and soybean co-products grown under diverse environmental conditions. While numerous studies have been conducted on whole soybean and soybean meal (SBM) composition by origin, similar analysis of soybean oil is lacking. This review has two objectives: 1) summarize soybean and SBM quality by origin using a meta-analysis approach, and 2) analyze collected crude degummed soybean oil samples that originate from the US, Brazil and Argentina for key quality attributes. Soybeans from Brazil have higher levels of protein (P < 0.05) than US soybeans, but US soybeans have lower heat damage (P < 0.05) and total damage (P < 0.05) than soybeans from Brazil. US and Brazil SBM have higher crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) than SBM from Argentina. At equal CP content, US SBM had less fiber (P < 0.0001), more sucrose (P < 0.0001) and lysine (P < 0.0001) and better protein quality than South American SBMs. Methionine, threonine, and cysteine levels were similar in soybean protein from US and Argentina and higher than that in soybean protein from Brazil. Crude degummed soybean oil from Brazil had more (P < 0.05) free fatty acids, neutral oil loss, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium than crude degummed soybean oil from the US or Argentina. Our analysis suggests that environmental conditions under which soybeans are grown, stored, and handled can have a large impact on chemical composition and nutrient quality of soybean meal and soybean oil.

Previous reports indicate variable soybean quality parameters exported/shipped from different geographic regions. This review compares the quality of soybeans grown under diverse environmental conditions from the US, Brazil and Argentina, the three main exporting countries. While various studies have been conducted on whole soybean and soybean meal composition by origin, similar analysis of soybean oil is lacking. This review includes analysis of crude degummed soybean oil samples, providing a holistic analysis of soybean and soybean co-product quality by origin. Furthermore, a meta-analytical approach was conducted to quantify the relation between US and Brazil soybean meal chemical composition, nutritional value, minerals, and limited amino acid composition. Soybeans from Brazil have higher levels of protein than those from the US but the US soybeans have lower heat and total damage than soybeans from Brazil. US and Brazil soybean meal have higher crude protein than soybean meal from Argentina. At equal crude protein content, US soybean meal had less fiber, more sucrose and lysine and better protein quality than South American soybean meals. Methionine, threonine, and cysteine levels were similar in soybean protein from US and Argentina and higher than that in soybean protein from Brazil. Degummed soybean oil from Brazil had higher free fatty acids, neutral oil loss, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium than degummed oil from the US or Argentina. Our analysis suggests that environmental conditions under which soybeans are grown and stored as well as their handling can have a large impact on chemical composition and nutrient quality of soybean oil.