Many cooking oils are available on the market, and it's challenging to determine which ones are the healthiest to use. You also want one with a flavor that enhances your food. Some oils are better for certain dishes than others. Here's our overview of everything from the healthiest to the tastiest oils to help you make the best choice for your cooking needs.
Extra virgin olive oil
This oil is made from 100% pure, cold-pressed olives. It's the healthiest and, in our opinion, the most delicious olive oil you can buy! Try it in salads, pasta dishes, and more for a healthy and flavorful meal. An excellent brand is Pompeian extra virgin olive oil. We use it for sauteing and stir-frying, specifically chicken, beef, and shrimp. It has a smoking point of 410 degrees Fahrenheit. We don't recommend you cook everything in extra virgin olive oil because it has a low smoke point. This means it can start to smoke and break down at high temperatures.
Canola oil
Canola oil comes from a type of rapeseed. It's an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. We like the neutral flavor that won't overpower your food. Canola oil is perfect for stir-frying, baking, and more. A top brand to consider is La Tourangelle. When possible, we always suggest a certified-organic non-GMO canola oil. The smoking point of canola oil is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it's excellent for frying and baking, avoid using it for high-heat cooking.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is a fatty acid extracted from avocados. It's a good-for-you, delicious oil that may be used in salads, pasta, and more. It's also high in monounsaturated fats, which benefit your heart. A top brand is Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil. The smoking point is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Avocado has an acquired taste, so it might not be for everyone. It's also pricier than other oils.
Coconut oil
This oil is made from the flesh of coconuts. It has a high smoke point, so it's good for frying and sauteing. Coconut oil also has a neutral flavor, making it ideal for baking. A good brand to consider is Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. It's non-GMO, certified organic, and has a smoking point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it's excellent for taste, coconut oil isn't heart-healthy, so we suggest using it in moderation.
Vegetable oil
This is a generic term for any plant-based oil. It's usually a blend of different oils, like soybean, and canola oil. While it's a versatile cooking oil, it's not the healthiest option. However, we think it's okay to indulge sometimes. A good brand of vegetable oil is Crisco. It has a smoking point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use it for high-heat cooking, but it's not as healthy as other oils on this list.
So, what's the best oil to cook with? It depends on your needs. We always try to have one of each type of oil on hand and use them depending on the dish you're making. Be sure to read the labels and choose non-GMO, certified organic, and cold-pressed oils when available.
But when it comes down to the wire, we believe the best oil to cook with is extra virgin olive oil. It's healthy, delicious, and versatile. While canola oil may be less expensive, it's not the same. We love coconut oil for its flavor and high smoke point, but it's not the healthiest option. And while we think vegetable oil is okay in moderation, it's not our first choice. So, there you have it! The best oils to cook with, according to us. Now, go forth and cook up something delicious!