A multi-purpose lubricant is described. In accordance with one implementation, a lubricant comprises food grade based oils substantially complying with USDA H-1 specifications for incidental contact with food, wherein at least one oil is selected from the group consisting of food grade plant oil, food grade poly-alpha-olefin, polyalkylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In accordance with another implementation, a lubricant comprises canola oil, castor oil and a poly-alpha-olefin. In accordance with yet another implementation, a lubricant comprises canola oil, castor oil and a polyalkylene glycol. In accordance with yet another implementation, a lubricant comprises an oil substantially complying with USDA H-2 specification wherein the oil is at least one item selected from the group consisting of plant oil, poly-alpha-olefin, polyalkylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In some implementations, the multi-purpose lubricant may be applied to areas of a bicycle chain.