Vegetable oils contain endogenous linear hydrocarbons, namely n-alkanes, ranging from n-C21 to n-C35, with odd chain lengths prevalent.Different vegetable oils, as well as oils of the same type, but of different variety and provenience, show typical n-alkane patterns, which could An inexact multiple-recourse hybrid-fuel management model with considering carbon reduction requirement for a biofuel-penetrated heating system be used as a fingerprint to characterize them.In the first part of this review, data on the occurrence of n-alkanes in different vegetable oils (total and predominant n-alkanes) are given, with a focus on obtaining information regarding variety and geographical origin.The second part aims to provide the state of the art on available analytical methods for their determination.In particular, a detailed description of the sample preparation protocols and analytical determination is reported, pointing out the main drawbacks of traditional sample preparation and Sovereign CDS Premiums’ Reaction to Macroeconomic News: An Empirical Investigation possible solutions to implement the analysis with the aim to shift toward rapid and solvent-sparing methods.