Camelina: The Forgotten Oilseed with a Bright Future in Omega-Rich Applications

Camelina: The Forgotten Oilseed with a Bright Future in Omega-Rich Applications

As the demand for clean-label, plant-based, and nutrient-dense ingredients continues to surge, manufacturers are rediscovering lesser-known oilseeds with untapped potential. One such seed is camelina—an ancient oilseed crop now making a comeback in the modern food and supplement industries.

At Laketown Mills, we’re excited about camelina’s potential as a sustainable, omega-rich ingredient ideal for innovative brands looking to differentiate with both nutrition and environmental impact.

What Is Camelina?

Camelina (Camelina sativa), also known as “false flax”, is a hardy, fast-growing oilseed crop native to Europe and parts of Central Asia. Once used in ancient civilizations as a food and lamp oil, it faded from popularity with the rise of higher-yield crops like soybean and canola.

Today, camelina is making a comeback thanks to its exceptional oil profile, adaptability to cold climates, and low environmental impact.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Omega-3s and Antioxidants

Camelina oil is gaining attention for its impressive fatty acid composition and stability:

  • Up to 40% Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) – A plant-based omega-3 essential for heart and brain health

  • Low Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio – Helps reduce inflammation

  • Naturally High in Vitamin E – Acts as a natural antioxidant, extending shelf life

  • Rich in Phytosterols – May help lower cholesterol

Unlike flax or fish oil, camelina oil has a mild, pleasant taste and excellent oxidative stability, making it suitable for both food and supplement use.

Functional Benefits for Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Camelina oil’s stability and nutrition profile make it a versatile ingredient in:

  • Dressings, dips, and oil blends

  • Omega-enriched bakery and snack products

  • Capsules and softgels in the nutraceutical space

  • Alternative dairy and beverage formulations

Its neutral flavor and extended shelf life give it a significant edge over more volatile oils like flax, making it easier to incorporate into a wide range of applications.

Sustainability at Its Core

Camelina is also a win for regenerative agriculture:

  • Low Input Crop – Requires minimal fertilizer and water

  • Cold Climate Tolerant – Thrives in northern latitudes like Minnesota

  • Quick to Grow – Short lifecycle, ideal for crop rotation and cover cropping

  • Pollinator Friendly – Supports biodiversity and soil health

For brands focused on carbon footprint and sustainable sourcing, camelina checks all the boxes.

Laketown Mills: Your Partner in Emerging Oilseeds

We’re proud to offer cold-pressed camelina oil and camelina seed processing solutions for innovative brands. Whether you’re exploring functional foods, clean-label cooking oils, or supplement formulations, Laketown Mills provides:

  • Mechanically extracted oil (no chemicals or solvents)

  • Custom packaging and toll processing services

  • Bulk and organic formats

  • Traceable, food-safe production (SQF Certified)

Curious about bringing camelina into your next formulation?
Contact Laketown Mills to request a sample or discuss how camelina can elevate your brand’s nutritional profile and sustainability story.

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