Macadamia nut oil is derived from the macadamia nut tree, a small evergreen discovered in Australia. Now planted in Hawaii for industry, its oil is cold-pressed and highly unsaturated.

Macadamia nut oil contains 80% monounsaturated fatty acids, and a higher percentage of palmitoleic acid than other vegetable oils.

It has been suggested that palmitoleic acid may act as an anti-oxidant, thereby protecting cell membranes from deterioration.