Vegetable and olive oil are both common oils, but they have their differences. Vegetable oil is made from a range of ingredients and it’s generally neutral tasting.

Since vegetable oil has a higher smoke point, it's good for cooking with medium to high heat. While you can use it for lower-heat cooking, you should opt for olive oil instead.

Olive oil is unsuitable for grilling or frying, as it has a lower smoke point. However, it’s great in recipes that don’t involve heat, like salad dressings or dips.

When it comes to baking, the lines get blurred; olive oil can be a great addition whereas vegetable oil might give a more plain end result as it can be a substitute for butter.

When deciding to use olive oil, consider its distinct floral or fruity taste, which complements Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.

Extra-virgin olive oil is better suited for cold dishes due to its strong flavor and lower heat tolerance, while regular olive oil is more suitable for cooking.