10 Unhealthiest Oil Brands You Should Never Buy & 10 Healthier Ones To Cook With
These Oils Are Adding Way Too Many Calories
You might think you’re making a great choice for your heart, but many common brands use processing methods that strip away nutrients or introduce unstable fats. It’s not just about the calories; it’s about how the oil reacts to heat and how it affects your body’s natural balance. By learning which bottles to skip and which ones to keep in your pantry, you’ll be able to whip up delicious meals that actually support your well-being without any of the hidden downsides.
1. Wesson Vegetable Oil
This classic kitchen staple is usually a blend of highly refined oils like soybean or corn that have been treated with high heat and chemicals. You’ll find that these processing methods can create inflammatory compounds that aren’t great for your long-term health. It’s often best to avoid this one if you’re looking for an oil that retains its natural nutritional integrity.
2. Crisco Purified Canola Oil
While canola oil itself is fine in small amounts, this Crisco-brand version is intensely deodorized to remove the natural aroma of the oil. This process can create small amounts of trans fats that end up in the final product (even if the label reads 0 grams trans fats). Opt for a brand of canola oil that doesn’t strip away all of the natural nutrients.
3. Mazola Corn Oil
Corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to imbalances if you’re consuming too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s. Additionally, most of the corn that’s produced in the U.S. for this oil is genetically modified and sprayed with pesticides while growing.
Skip the corn oil and use an oil with more health benefits than sluggishness.
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4. LouAna Peanut Oil
If you want to fry something, peanut oil is great because it has a high smoke point. However, this oil is extracted with chemicals instead of being cold-pressed, so you aren’t getting the antioxidants your body would get from eating peanuts. Additionally, you could be consuming traces of hexane, a solvent used in the extraction process.
5. Planters Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil isn’t as healthy as people think. It’s quite unstable when heated. Planters sunflower oil is also high in linoleic acid, which can oxidize when heated and cause harm to your body by creating oxidative stress. Skip the sunflower oil for cooking and go for an oil with higher stability when heated.
6. Bertolli Extra Light Olive Oil
Extra light olive oil isn’t extra healthy. The “extra light” refers to how refined the oil is. The longer olive oil goes through the refining process, the fewer antioxidants and polyphenols remain in the final product.
7. Star Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is extracted from grapes during wine production. Like other highly processed oils, grapeseed oil extracted with high heat goes rancid easily. Avoid grapeseed oil because it’s high in omega-6 fatty acids and can disrupt heart health.
8. Crisco Vegetable Shortening
Shortening is solid at room temperature but is still used for many cooking and baking purposes.
Partially hydrogenated oils were a major source of fats in shortenings until recently, but even the newer formulas are packed with processed oils and other additives.
9. Hollywood Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is frequently marketed as a high-heat hero, but the reality is a bit more complicated. Most commercial versions, like Hollywood Safflower Oil, are highly refined and chemically extracted. Unless it is specifically labeled as “High Oleic,” safflower oil is incredibly high in omega-6 fatty acids. When these fats are heated, they can become unstable and oxidize, potentially contributing to systemic inflammation.
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10. Smart Balance Cooking Oil Blend
Smart Balance cooking oil is simply a blend of other vegetable oils that are highly processed. While this oil has been fortified with vitamins, you’re still consuming processed oils that don’t offer many health benefits and can be inflammatory. When it comes to cooking oils, you’re better off using one quality oil rather than a blend of unknown oils.
Now that we’ve talked about the unhealthiest oils, here are 10 healthier options to indulge in.
1. California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is a fantastic option because it’s consistently fresh and meets strict standards for being truly “extra virgin”. You can actually taste the peppery finish, which indicates the oil is packed with the healthy antioxidants your body loves.
It’s perfect for drizzling over salads or finishing off a piece of grilled fish right before serving.
2. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is great because it has one of the highest smoke points of any cooking oil, around 500 degrees. This brand is 100% pure and naturally refined, meaning no chemicals or solvents were used during the process. Whether you’re searing a steak or baking a moist loaf of bread, you can trust this oil won’t break down.
3. Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
If you like the taste of coconut, then this cold-pressed coconut oil is a great source of saturated fat. Look for MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, in the nutrition facts; these fatty acids are rapidly converted into energy for your brain and body. Coconut oil is especially great for vegan baking or medium-heat stir-fries.
4. Kerrygold Pure Irish Grass-Fed Ghee
You may have heard that ghee is basically clarified butter. It’s free of milk solids, making it lactose-free and super stable when heated to high temperatures. This brand comes from grass-fed cows, so you can enjoy nutrients from fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2.
5. La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil
Toasted sesame oil is a great way to add big flavor to anything from stir-fry to basic grain bowls. It’s made from toasted seeds, so it is best used as a finishing oil to capture the delicate nutrients. Toasted sesame oil contains unique antioxidants that studies show may protect your cells from damage.
6. Spectrum Organic Unrefined Walnut Oil
If you’re looking to boost your intake of plant-based omega-3 fats, walnut oil has you covered. Look for a cold-pressed version like this one so that all of the delicate nutrients are preserved. Keep it refrigerated for maximum freshness.
7. Primal Kitchen Organic Extra Virgin Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is packed with healthy fats, but this unrefined version takes it to the next level. It will be a deeper green color and have a much stronger flavor. Since the oil isn’t refined, it’s ideal for low-to-medium heat cooking or as a base for a super healthy homemade mayo.
8. Dr. Bronner’s Whole Kernel Virgin Coconut Oil
The difference between this virgin coconut oil and others is that the kernel, or skin, of the coconut is left intact. This provides more of a nutty flavor and increases the mineral content. It’s also sustainable and fair trade, so you can feel great about your morning toast ritual.
9. Barlean’s Organic Highest Lignan Flax Oil
Flax oil is one of the best options for getting more alpha-linolenic acid into your diet. It’s especially useful if you’re not a fan of eating fish. This particular brand offers flax oil with the lignans still intact, allowing you to enjoy the positive plant compounds that promote hormonal health.
10. Ancient Organics Ghee
Ancient Organics produces small batches of this high-quality ghee using traditional methods.
Not only will it taste great, but it has one of the highest smoke points of all the ghees on the market. This means you can heat it to a very high temperature without creating toxic smoke.
