In Australia, are canola oil and vegetable oil the same?

Canola oil and vegetable oil are not exactly the same, but they are often used interchangeably in cooking. Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil, specifically derived from the seeds of the canola plant. However, vegetable oil is a broader category that can include oils from various plant sources such as soybean, sunflower, corn, safflower, and more.

In many cases, when you see "vegetable oil" listed as an ingredient, it's typically a blend of different oils, which may include canola oil among others. Canola oil is popular due to its neutral flavor and relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods like frying, baking, and salad dressings. So, while they're not exactly the same, they can often be used interchangeably depending on the recipe.