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Top 8 Best Healthy Cooking Oils

UpdatedFebruary 29, 2024

Cooking oil is an essential ingredient in every kitchen. It is used in almost every type of cooking, from sautéing to baking, and is a crucial element that can make or break a dish. However, not all cooking oils are created equal. Some are healthier than others, and choosing the right one can make a significant impact on your overall health.

When it comes to healthy cooking oils, there are many options available in the market. Some of the popular ones include olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and canola oil. However, with so many choices, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your needs.

When choosing a healthy cooking oil, it is essential to pay attention to the type of fat it contains. Unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are considered healthy and can help lower your risk of heart disease. On the other hand, saturated and trans fats are unhealthy and can increase your risk of heart disease.

We spent hours researching and testing various healthy cooking oils to identify the best options available. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using healthy cooking oils and provide a detailed review of the top five best healthy cooking oils that you can use in your kitchen.

Top 3 Best Healthy Cooking Oils

  1. Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil
  2. BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil
  3. ETHNOS Avocado Oil

As health-conscious individuals, we understand the importance of choosing the right cooking oil. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to select the best one. That's why we have put together a list of the best healthy cooking oils to help you make an informed decision. Our list includes oils that are low in saturated fats and high in healthy fats, making them a great addition to your diet. So, without further ado, let's take a look at our top picks.

Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil

The Editor's Choice

Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil offers a healthier cooking oil alternative, free from harmful processing. With a longer shelf-life and flavor stability, it's perfect for stocking up. Ideal for turkey fryers, it's certified non-GMO. Recommended for health-conscious cooks valuing natural antioxidants.

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We highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a healthy cooking oil that retains its natural antioxidants.

Pros

  • Farm fresh and naturally processed to retain antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E
  • No trans-fats, chemicals, or hydrogenation
  • Longer shelf-life and increased flavor stability

Cons

  • Slight cloudy appearance due to the lack of dewaxing
  • Not suitable for high-heat cooking above 450 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Only available in one-gallon size

Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils. This oil is naturally processed without any chemicals, hydrogenation, or other damaging processing methods, ensuring that it is free from trans-fats and other harmful substances. It is also traceable to the farm of origin, making it a great choice for those who value food with integrity.

One of the best things about this oil is that it has a longer shelf-life and increased flavor stability, thanks to the superior processing methods used by Healthy Harvest. This makes it a great choice for those who want to stock up on cooking oil without worrying about it going bad too quickly.

Another great thing about Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil is that it is amazing in turkey fryers. It is the best-certified non-GMO oil for turkey fryers, ensuring that you are using only the best for your meals.

The only downside to this oil is that it has a slight cloudy appearance due to the lack of dewaxing. It is also not suitable for high-heat cooking above 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may not be the best choice for those who frequently cook at high temperatures.

Overall, we highly recommend Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil for anyone looking for a healthy cooking oil that retains its natural antioxidants and is free from harmful substances.

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If you're looking for a healthy and versatile cooking oil, we highly recommend BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil.

Pros

  • Great for high-heat cooking techniques (up to 500°F)
  • Naturally refined with no additives, non-GMO and gluten-free
  • Subtle and smooth flavor that enhances the flavors of food

Cons

  • Cloudy appearance in cold temperatures, but can be resolved by placing the bottle in a hot tap-water bath
  • Slightly more expensive than traditional vegetable oil
  • May not be suitable for those with avocado allergies

We've had the pleasure of using BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil in a variety of dishes, from frying to baking, and it has never let us down. With its high smoke point, we can safely sear, stir-fry, and saute without the oil breaking down. Its subtle and smooth flavor has complemented every dish we've used it in, from homemade salad dressings to pestos and sauces.

One thing to note is that the oil may appear cloudy or thick when exposed to cold temperatures, but this doesn't affect the flavor or quality of the oil. To resolve this, simply place the bottle in a hot tap-water bath until the cloudiness dissipates.

Overall, we highly recommend BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil for those looking for a healthy and versatile cooking oil. Its clean ingredients and high smoke point make it a great alternative to traditional vegetable oil, and its subtle flavor enhances the flavors of any dish.

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If you're looking for a healthy and versatile cooking oil, ETHNOS Avocado Oil is a great option.

Pros

  • High smoke point of 480°F makes it ideal for high heat cooking
  • Neutral taste and light yellow color makes it perfect for delicate sauces and dressings
  • High content of monounsaturated fatty acids makes it a healthier option compared to other vegetable oils

Cons

  • Some may find the price to be higher compared to other cooking oils
  • Availability may be limited in some areas
  • May not be suitable for those with avocado allergies

ETHNOS Avocado Oil is a great addition to any kitchen. Its high smoke point makes it perfect for frying, sautéing, and stir-frying. It also has a neutral taste, which means it won't overpower the flavors of your dishes. Plus, its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids makes it a healthier option compared to other vegetable oils.

Apart from its culinary uses, ETHNOS Avocado Oil is also commonly used in skincare and hair care products because of its mild scent, flavor, and color. So, you can also use it to nourish your skin and hair.

Overall, if you're looking for a healthy and versatile cooking oil, ETHNOS Avocado Oil is definitely worth considering.

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We highly recommend Smart Balance Omega Oil for those who are health-conscious and want to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Pros

  • Smart Balance Cooking Oil Blend is perfect for those who are conscious about cholesterol-free cooking.
  • It is made with canola oil, soybean oil, and olive oil which makes it a healthier option than regular vegetable oil.
  • It offers a great source of omega-3 with 990 mg omega-3 ALA per serving.

Cons

  • It is a bit pricey compared to other cooking oils.
  • Some people may not like the taste of the blend.
  • It may not be easily available in local markets.

Smart Balance Cooking Oil Blend is a great alternative to regular vegetable oil. It is perfect for sauteing, frying, and baking. We found that it has a mild taste and doesn't overpower the other flavors in the dish. It is also cholesterol-free, which is a plus for those who are health-conscious.

The oil is packaged in a convenient cooking oil bottle, making it easy to use and store. We appreciate that it offers a great source of omega-3 with 990 mg omega-3 ALA per serving. This makes it a healthier option compared to regular vegetable oil.

However, we do acknowledge that it is a bit pricey compared to other cooking oils. Some people may also not like the taste of the blend, which can be a personal preference. Lastly, it may not be easily available in local markets, which can be inconvenient for some.

Overall, we highly recommend Smart Balance Omega Oil for those who are looking for a healthier cooking oil option. With its cholesterol-free blend and great source of omega-3, it's a great addition to any kitchen.

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If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil that can be used for frying, cooking, and dressings, then Healthy Harvest Canola Oil is a great choice.

Pros

  • Our Canola Oil is naturally processed, using physical refining methods that retain the natural antioxidants, Omega-3, and fatty acids.
  • Our oil has a longer shelf-life, extended fryer-life, and increased stability due to our superior cold-press processing method.
  • Our expeller pressed Health Harvest Canola cooking oil will give you confidence that our Canola oil contains no toxic chemicals found in most commercial oils.

Cons

  • Some customers report not liking the odor of the oil while frying.
  • Although not organic, it is the best natural cooking oil at a reasonable price and in a large container.
  • The bottle liner and cap were not securely on the gallon bottle of oil for some customers.

We have used Healthy Harvest Canola Oil in our cooking and frying, and we've found that it has a superb flavor that makes our dishes taste better. We appreciate that it is traceable to the farm of origin and that it is naturally processed, using refinement methods to ensure all the natural antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin E are retained.

We also like that our oil has a longer shelf-life and increased flavor stability, which means less waste and more taste. We have used it in our turkey fryer and have enjoyed a longer fryer life and no oily aftertaste.

Overall, we recommend Healthy Harvest Canola Oil for those looking for a healthy cooking oil that is versatile and can be used for various culinary endeavors.

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If you want a healthy and versatile cooking oil, Salute Sante! Grapeseed Oil is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • This oil is healthy and delicious, with a mild, neutral flavor that won't overpower other ingredients.
  • With a high smoke point of 485F, it can be used for practically any cooking method, including baking and stir-frying.
  • Salute Sante! Grapeseed Oil is cold-pressed, non-GMO, Kosher, and made from upcycled grape seeds, making it a zero-waste food.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported difficulty opening the bottle.
  • This oil may not be suitable for those with grape allergies.
  • The large size may not be practical for all households.

In our experience, Salute Sante! Grapeseed Oil is a healthy and delicious oil that can be used for a wide variety of cooking methods. The neutral flavor allows other ingredients to shine, and the high smoke point ensures that it won't burn or smoke during cooking. We appreciate that it is cold-pressed, non-GMO, and Kosher, and the fact that it is made from upcycled grape seeds is a bonus for those who value sustainability.

That said, some customers have reported difficulty opening the bottle, which could be frustrating. Additionally, those with grape allergies should avoid this oil. Finally, the large size may not be practical for all households, especially those with limited storage space.

Overall, we would recommend Salute Sante! Grapeseed Oil to anyone looking for a healthy and versatile cooking oil.

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If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil that's versatile and convenient to use, Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray is worth considering.

Pros

  • 100% pure, naturally refined, and never diluted
  • Contains good fats from avocados, making it a nourishing superfood
  • No propellants or chemicals, making it a healthier option

Cons

  • Could be a bit stickier and doesn't adhere well to cooking surfaces
  • Not a true spray like Pam, but more of a squirt
  • Some users may prefer a different flavor or oil for certain recipes

We've been using Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with its quality and versatility. It's perfect for high-heat cooking, sautéing, frying, and baking, thanks to its neutral flavor and up to 500°F smoke point.

One of the things we appreciate about this cooking oil is that it's made from 100% pure avocados that are ripened to perfection. It's naturally refined and never diluted, which means you're getting the full benefits of avocado oil without any additives or chemicals.

We also like that this avocado oil spray is free from propellants and emulsifiers. It delivers a fine mist of pure and delicious avocado oil for simple and convenient cooking. It's also certified non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free, and soy and canola oil-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

While we find the Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray to be a great cooking oil for most recipes, it does have a few drawbacks. It could be a bit stickier and doesn't adhere well to cooking surfaces, which can be frustrating when trying to evenly coat a pan or baking dish. Additionally, it's not a true spray like Pam, but more of a squirt, which may not work as well for some users.

Overall, we recommend Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray for anyone looking for a healthy and versatile cooking oil that's easy to use and delivers great results. Give it a try and see for yourself!

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If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil that's perfect for everyday use in the kitchen, you should definitely try Mantova Ghee Oil.

Pros

  • The "bag in bottle" system helps you spray lightly and evenly without any propellants, aerosols, or additives.
  • It has a rich, buttery flavor with a high smoke point and lots of health benefits.
  • Mantova Ghee Oil is perfect for Keto, vegetarian, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.

Cons

  • It's a bit light on flavor.
  • It's a bit expensive.
  • Some people may not like the taste of ghee.

We've been using Mantova Ghee Oil for a while now, and we're very happy with it. The spray bottle dispenser is very convenient, and it helps preserve the taste, aroma, and healthy attributes of the oil. We've used it for cooking, grilling, frying, sautéing, and baking, and it works great for all of them. We also like the fact that it's non-GMO, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and rich with natural healthy fats, Omega-3, Vitamin E, oleic acid, and antioxidants.

The high smoking point is perfect for frying, caramelizing, and sautéing foods, and you can also spray it onto finished foods for a beautiful look and a great taste. We've used it with eggs, omelets, quesadillas, salads, and hot sandwiches, and it always adds a nice touch.

If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil that's easy to use and has a great taste, you should definitely try Mantova Ghee Oil. It's perfect for everyday use in the kitchen, and it's also great for special diets like Keto, gluten-free, and vegetarian. Plus, Mantova offers oil sprays for cooking in several exciting flavors, so you can experiment and find your favorite.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best healthy cooking oil, there are a few things to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting the right oil for your needs:

Smoke Point

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a cooking oil is its smoke point. This is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke and break down, which can release harmful compounds and create an unpleasant taste. Oils with high smoke points are best for frying and high-heat cooking, while oils with lower smoke points are better for sautéing and lower-heat cooking methods.

Fat Content

Different oils have varying levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. While some types of fat are healthier than others, it's important to remember that all fats contain calories and should be consumed in moderation. Look for oils with a balanced mix of fats and avoid those that are high in saturated or trans fats.

Nutritional Value

Some oils contain vitamins and nutrients that can benefit your health. For example, olive oil is high in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, while coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been linked to improved heart health. Consider the nutritional value of different oils and choose one that fits your dietary needs.

Flavor and Aroma

Different oils have distinct flavors and aromas, which can enhance the taste of your dishes. For example, sesame oil has a nutty flavor that's great for stir-fries, while avocado oil has a mild taste that won't overpower other ingredients. Consider the flavor and aroma of different oils and choose one that complements the flavors of your dishes.

Price

Finally, consider the price of different oils. While some types of oil may be more expensive than others, it's important to remember that quality is often reflected in the price. Look for oils that fit your budget and provide the nutritional value and flavor you're looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the healthiest oil for cooking?

The healthiest oil for cooking depends on the type of cooking and personal preferences. Oils that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are generally considered healthier than oils high in saturated fats. Some examples of healthy oils include olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil.

Which brand of cooking oil is best for health?

The brand of cooking oil that is best for health depends on the type of oil and personal preferences. It is important to choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality oils. Some popular brands of healthy cooking oils include California Olive Ranch, Chosen Foods, and La Tourangelle.

Is avocado oil better than olive oil?

Avocado oil and olive oil are both healthy cooking oils that have similar health benefits. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, which makes it a better choice for high-heat cooking. Olive oil has a more distinct flavor than avocado oil, which may make it a better choice for certain dishes.

Is avocado oil better than canola oil?

Avocado oil and canola oil are both healthy cooking oils that have similar health benefits. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than canola oil, which makes it a better choice for high-heat cooking. Canola oil has a more neutral flavor than avocado oil, which may make it a better choice for certain dishes.

Is peanut oil healthy?

Peanut oil is a healthy cooking oil that is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It has a high smoke point, which makes it a good choice for high-heat cooking. However, some people may be allergic to peanuts, so it is important to be cautious when using peanut oil.

Is canola oil healthy?

Canola oil is a healthy cooking oil that is low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It has a high smoke point, which makes it a good choice for high-heat cooking. However, some people may prefer to use other oils because of concerns about genetically modified crops or processing methods used to produce canola oil.

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