4 Best Cooking Oils to Use in The Kitchen 2024

The Nutrition Insider is starting to explore the growing trend of interest in seed oils, particularly the concerns around their potential adverse health effects.

As part of our research, next month, we’ll speak with the Seed Oil Free Alliance (SOFA), a new certification body looking to revolutionize the way we shop for food by allowing us to see which products are seed-oil-free. (Stay tuned for the upcoming article and video!)

However, in our initial conversation, I was struck by a response to a question I had about what kinds of products we might see this certification on. Outside of processed food, one category of interest was actually cooking oils.

Yup, that’s right. That bottle of oil on your counter may not be 100% pure avocado or olive oil and might be mixed with seed oils like canola.

So, until the SOFA certification goes mainstream, you might be wondering if there are cooking oil brands you can trust. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that our team has compiled a list of the best cooking oils you can find. 

By “best,” we mean these oils are sustainable, organic, 100% pure (do not contain additional additives or seed oils), and are healthy fats for you to consume. So, let’s dive in!

Insider Picks

Best Olive Oil: La Tourangelle Olive Oil

Best Avocado Oil: Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil 

Best Coconut Oil: Artisana Organics Coconut Oil

Best Overall Cooking Oil: Zero Acre Farms Oil 

Why Trust Our Reviews?

The Nutrition Insider prides itself on being a neutral third party that only reviews products we believe in. Our team consists of doctors, registered dietitians, and food experts dedicated to providing you with the best science-backed takes on the latest food and nutrition trends and health products.

Our content dives deeper than surface-level branding and marketing claims, providing value-added “industry insider” information. For more information about how The Nutrition Insider conducts its reviews and other aspects of our business, please feel free to read our Editorial Policy.

1. Best Olive Oil: La Tourangelle Olive Oil (A+)

As one of our Trusted Brands, La Tourangelle has been a favorite for some time—and not just because of its cool tin can packaging. This single-origin EVOO is one of the best options for making salad dressings, marinating salmon, and even adding to baked goods.

Nutrition & Ingredients

La Tourangelle sources its Spanish Picual Olives from Andalucia, Spain, which are harvested earlier in the season and processed quickly after being picked to preserve their nutrients.

Per their website, extra virgin olive oil made in the Puente de Genave region is called “mountain olive oil.” The trees here are slightly more stressed due to the climate, resulting in an oil much higher in antioxidants and oleic acid. The final product is a high-quality olive oil that is not only healthier but more stable, meaning it can withstand higher cooking temperatures. 

Unlike some olive oil brands, La Tourangelle’s olive oil is single-origin—meaning it only uses one type of olives from one area—and is 100% olive oil with no additional fillers.

The nutritional value of this olive oil is not much different from others. However, you do benefit from higher levels of antioxidants, oleic acid, and monounsaturated fats—all of which provide various health benefits, particularly for heart health.

Serving: 1 Tbsp

Calories: 130

• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated: 2g
  • Polyunsaturated: 2g
  • Monounsaturated: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Product Experience

When you look at the oil section in the grocery store, you’ll see that most high-quality oils in the US are packaged in glass bottles. However, this isn’t the best option for preserving oil. It’s especially not good for olive oil, which oxidizes when exposed to UV radiation (sunlight). 

This is why we love to see La Tourangelle use tin packaging for all its oils. Not only does tin packaging offer olive oil more protection from oxidation, but it is also more easily recyclable and lighter, saving fuel when shipping and reducing CO2 emissions. 

The experience of using this olive oil was also perfectly pleasant. The top popped open easily with the thumb, coming in handy for when you’re in the middle of cooking and have only one clean hand. 

The one and only downside of the packaging is that you can’t see how much you have left. Instead, you have to go by the weight of the bottle. So, be sure to have some back up olive oil on hand if you’re using this oil frequently (which we’re confident you will). Additionally, the cans we received were dented. This tells us that they can get easily damaged if shipping it to your home.

Finally, as someone who is not an olive oil connoisseur, the taste doesn’t stand out to me. With that said I do get some of the peppery notes, but I’m not sure if I would have noticed were it not in the name of the product itself.

Transparency

La Tourangelle is refreshingly transparent about their ingredients, olive harvesting, and production process. You can find everything you need to know directly on their website, in the About Us section, on the product pages, and on the Sustainability page.

Sustainability

La Tourangelle lives up to their artisan label through their sustainability efforts. Not only do they create high-quality oils that are good for you, they also give back to local communities and only uses farming and production practices that are sustainable, organic, and regenerative.

For example, a portion of their oil production is fully powered by a 350kWH solar farm, which runs the cast iron hydraulic presses, kettles for nut oils, a cold press for virgin seed oils, and a molecular distillation unit that refines oils by removing contaminants.

Additionally, the trees used for olive oil production in particular are grown organically in a natural park, which allows them to grow olives in an environment free of the contaminants you might find in conventional farming. The farms are also owned by multiple families and contribute to the olive oil production as a co-op, ensuring the profits are shared equally among the families in the region.

Value

At $16.99 for the 500ml (17 fl oz) or $1.01/ounce and $22.99 for the 750ml (25.4 fl oz), $0.91/ounce, I think this is a great deal. Other brands that use almost the exact same type of olive and production process charge quite a bit more. The only difference? They have better marketing.

2. Best Avocado Oil: Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil (A)

Chosen Foods does not mess around when it comes to purity. This brand goes above and beyond to ensure their avocado oil is 100% just that—avocados.

Nutrition & Ingredients

The number one reason Chosen Foods makes this list is their impeccable commitment to purity. Each batch is tested for its fatty acid profile, which is unique to each type of oil. This way, Chosen Foods can confirm that there is only avocado oil in each bottle.

To achieve this, Chosen Foods tests the oil internally at their facilities as well as externally. While there are no exact details about what “externally” means, we can assume this testing is done where the avocados are harvested or where they make the crude oil before it is refined at their facility.

In the refining process, Chosen Foods uses natural refining methods that do not use excess heat or chemicals to produce a high-quality product with a great nutritional profile. In fact, this study from UC Davis found that Chosen Foods was one of only two brands with pure and non-oxidized avocado oil.

Serving: 1 Tbsp

Calories: 120

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated: 2g
• Polyunsaturated: 2g
• Monounsaturated: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Product Experience

Firstly, I enjoy the design of the glass bottle. The heavier weight definitely gives it that ‘luxury feel’ of a high-quality product. The bottle is also a nice, dark green, which helps protect its contents from UV rays that could otherwise lead to oxidation.

The oil itself is also a beautiful green color and has a neutral flavor. Nothing to write home about, but this allows it to be used for a variety of dishes. One of my favorite uses for avocado oil, though, is sauteeing vegetables and fish, which this was perfect for.

Transparency

Chosen Foods does a fabulous job of being transparent regarding the purity and quality of its avocado oil. I have no concerns about consuming unwanted additives or filler oils with this product. 

However, I do wish they provided more details about their external testing process, the source(s) of their avocados, and how they’re addressing climate and social impacts throughout their supply chain.

Sustainability

Unfortunately, this is the criteria that brought down Chosen Foods’ grade. Not necessarily because I think they’re unsustainable—they are a Certified B Corp—but because I don’t think they make enough effort to explain what exactly they’re doing to improve the sustainability of their production.

According to its website, as part of its efforts to become a Certified B Corp, Chosen Foods:

• Reduces food waste
• Practices environmental stewardship through sustainable practices
• Purchases carbon offsets
• Uses eco-friendly packaging. 

If I’m being honest, this feels a bit greenwashy to me, particularly the carbon offsets. Wanting to see if they had more information about their practices, I took a closer look at their website.

At the bottom of their website, they have a teeny, tiny link to their “ESG Mission” (Environmental, Social, and Governance), which takes you to a page with a few vague paragraphs about what they’re doing for ESG. However, at the bottom of this page, some fine print says these “objectives are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that these goals will be met.”

With the increasing concern for sustainability, especially as it pertains to the impact of the avocado trade on communities in Central and South America, I think Chosen Foods can do better.

Value

For 33.8 fl oz of Chosen Foods avocado oil, you’ll pay a mere $25.59 (or $0.76/fl oz), making it the least expensive oil on this list. I think this is a pretty good value, especially considering it takes 15-22 avocados to make one 500ml bottle! 

Chosen Foods goes to great lengths to certify the purity and quality of its oil, and it is incredibly versatile, meaning you’ll certainly get your money’s worth out of it.

3. Best Coconut Oil: Artisana Organics Raw Virgin Coconut Oil (A)

Artisana Organics Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is the best choice for consumers seeking versatile, high-quality coconut oil for cooking, baking, and beauty.

Nutrition & Ingredients

As you’ll see in this round-up of the 7 Best Coconut Oils, Artisan Organics has been a favorite of ours for quite some time. 

One of the primary reasons we like this coconut oil is that it is certified R.A.W. and C.L.E.A.N. This ensures that it is processed at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and guarantees that it is free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and artificial additives.

If you’re curious about these certifications (as I was), you can learn more about them here. In short, these standards were developed by the International Center for Integrative Systems (ICIS), a research organization that applies scientific methods to create frameworks for integrating, understanding, and visualizing complex, large-scale systems. 

Many stakeholders—including farmers, manufacturers, nutritionists, physicians, retailers, and government agencies—provided feedback during the development of these standards. They follow current Good Manufacturing Practices, FDA rules and standards, and USDA Organic standards and require products to be non-GMO.

TL;DR: These are rigorous certifications that likely require a significant investment of time and resources, so kudos to Artisana for their commitment and effort in achieving them!

Finally, if you’re searching for a good coconut oil, you probably already know about its health benefits. If not, here’s a refresher: coconut oil is low in linoleic acid (2%), high in a unique medium-chain saturated fat called lauric acid that raises HDL or “good” cholesterol levels, and contains Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may support weight management and cognitive function.

Serving: 1 Tbsp

Calories: 120

• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated: 14g
  • Polyunsaturated: 0g
  • Monounsaturated: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Product Experience

I love a reusable glass jar, so this is a big bonus for me (though my partner might disagree, as my jar collection is getting a bit out of hand). The wide mouth makes scooping out the oil easy, and its shape fits conveniently in most cupboards—unlike some shorter, bulkier containers.

The consistency of the product is as expected, and the more solid form melts quickly.

Transparency

There’s not much to say here as there is very little information on Artisana’s website about their production process. However, considering they have earned a plethora of certifications, such as USDA Organic, non-GMO verified, Certified C.L.E.A.N, and Certified R.A.W, it’s likely that their production is above reproach. 

That said, I would love to see more information about where they source their ingredients from and what goes into the production of their oils and other products.

Sustainability

Sustainability has the same story as transparency. However, they do participate in a few programs to “give back,” such as the Save a Manatee Club and Amazon Watch.

On their About Us page, they say, “We strive to minimize our environmental impact throughout our production process, from sourcing, to packaging, to shipping.” However, beyond that, there is no further information or details. 

Value

At $10.99 for a 14-fl oz jar ($0.79/oz), this coconut oil is a great deal and the second least expensive oil on this list. Considering that this jar will likely last you a good while, I think this is an excellent value.

4. Best Overall Cooking Oil: Zero Acre Farms Oil (A+)

If you’re looking for a neutral oil that can withstand high cooking temperatures, is high in healthy fats, has a neutral flavor, and is better for the environment, the search stops here with Zero Acre.

Nutrition & Ingredients

Zero Acre Farms Oil is unique from any oil in this list (and likely any oil you’ve ever seen at the supermarket). It is crafted from cultured (fermented) sugarcane, resulting in a neutral, high-stability oil suitable for high-temperature cooking up to 485°F. 

Unlike traditional seed oils and vegetable oils, it is extremely low in linoleic acid (less than 2%), producing fewer harmful byproducts when exposed to heat above 365°F. Additionally, each serving contains more healthy monounsaturated fats than olive and avocado oil, which supports heart health and metabolic functions.

It also contains a minimal amount of saturated fat (0.5g) and polyunsaturated fat (0.5g) per tablespoon, making it a balanced choice for those looking to avoid the typical drawbacks of conventional seed oils and vegetable oils. 

Finally, the added mix of tocopherols (Vitamin E) provides antioxidant benefits. This is naturally found in other foods like olive oil, nuts, and seeds, providing resistance to oxidation. Pretty neat!

Serving: 1 Tbsp

Calories: 120

• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated: 0.5g
  • Polyunsaturated: 0.5g
  • Monounsaturated: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Product Experience

I’ve cooked extensively with this oil the past couple of days, using it for everything from sauteing fish to roasting veggies in the oven and even baking some muffins. 

I found it to be a perfect analog to your typical canola or vegetable oil (there was no detectable flavor), with the added comfort of knowing I’m using a product that is good for me and the environment.

The bottle, made of 100% recyclable aluminum, is lightweight but completely opaque, preventing UV oxidation. As an added bonus, I think it looks pretty cool sitting on the counter! 

Transparency

Zero Acre is one of those brands doing transparency right. The more I learned about it, the more impressed I was. 

On their website, you can find everything you’d want or need to know about the product, from what and how it’s made to why they test for purity and quality. 

On their “Our Mission” page, you can read about where their non-GMO sugarcane is sourced from (Brazil) and what they do to protect the region and prevent any deforestation associated with their crop. 

You can also read about how they convert sugar into oil by fermentation using algae and yeast.

Finally, they also explain that their testing process proves they are 100% pure and authentic with zero impurities or seed oil additives (unlike many avocado and olive oils on the market).

They also share a sustainability report and a health report explaining how their oil compares to other plant and animal-based oils and fats.

Sustainability

When I said Zero Acre has nothing to hide, I meant it. Their approach to sustainability should totally change how we view the production and consumption of other cooking oils. 

Unlike traditional oil production, which relies heavily on resource-intensive crops like soybeans, corn, and palm, Zero Acre’s oil uses non-GMO sugarcane.

While sugarcane, in general, requires fewer resources, Zero Acre’s additional sustainability efforts have resulted in an oil that uses significantly less land and water, produces far fewer greenhouse gases, and actively works against contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss. This is in contrast to every other conventional oil crop on the market.

Here’s how they do it:

Through supply chain partners in Brazil, Zero Acre Farms uses satellite imaging via Global Risk Assessment Services (GRAS) to monitor growing regions. They have confirmed that sugarcane harvesting involves no deforestation, and no protected areas are used for cultivation.

Beyond its supply chain, Zero Acre also ensures that production has a small carbon footprint. The 100% recyclable aluminum bottle provides an eco-friendly packaging alternative to plastic and is lighter than glass bottles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, I do wish they had slightly more information about the actual oil fermentation process, as I couldn’t find that on their website. Specifically, I’d love to know what resources go into making it and how they treat or dispose of byproducts.

That said, Zero Acre has an entire sustainability report detailing how its oil compares to others on the market and how it’s reducing its impact.

Value

Zero Acre Farms Oil is priced at $29.99 for a 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottle, or approximately $1.87 per ounce, making it the most expensive option on this list by far. 

Why is it so expensive? Higher costs are often a barrier for companies when considering sustainable sourcing and production methods. Although Zero Acre’s commitment to eco-friendly practices sets them apart, this dedication is also reflected in premium pricing.

To save some money, you could purchase their “Subscribe & Save” option, which saves you 10%. You can choose their 30-, 60-, or 90-day option.

If you have the funds, buying a 4-pack lowers the price to $21.99 per bottle, for a total of $87.96 for a one-time purchase or $79.16 if you subscribe and save.

The Nutrition Insider Methodology

Here at The Nutrition Insider, we utilize bespoke selection and testing criteria to help us find products that we believe are the best the market has to offer.

Some of these products are from our trusted brands, which we have reviewed in the past and can subsequently count on to offer high-quality products.

Others we’ve found in an extensive search using good old-fashioned search engine sleuthing, perusing internet forums, and consulting consumer reviews.

Here’s a breakdown of how this selection and testing process was carried out.

Selection Criteria

These products were selected based on the quality of ingredients, ingredient sourcing, quality testing (particularly for purity, meaning no added seed oils), sustainability, nutritional value (high in healthy monounsaturated fats and low in unhealthy saturated fats), cooking temperature, versatility, and packaging.

How We Determine Our Grades

For each product category, we utilize unique rubrics that contain product attributes graded on a 0-100 scale. This number is then turned into a letter grade, which is a more quickly digestible metric for readers. 

For Food & Beverage products, I base my grades on the following attributes: nutritional value, ingredient quality, taste & flavor, texture, packaging, transparency & labeling, sustainability, accessibility, and value.

Best Cooking Oils FAQs