Fatty acid composition was determined among seven U.S. runner-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars: Florunner, Sunrunner, GK-7, Southern Runner, Sunbelt Runner, Okrun, and Langley. Significant year and cultivar differences were found within these fatty acid profiles. Southern Runner had the best oleic to linoleic ratio and iodine values; whereas Florunner, Sunrunner, and Langley were the highest in unsaturated and lowest in saturated and long-chain fatty acids. For the future, breeding programs need to continue developing peanut cultivars with improved oil quality. © 1990 AOCS Press.