10 Best Healthy Cooking Oils in India (2024) - Buyer's Guide

Looking for the best oils for cooking in India? Read through this article!
Best_Healthy_Cooking_Oils
Best_Healthy_Cooking_Oils

This article is related to an affiliate advertising program and The New Indian Express's journalists were not involved in production of this article. 

Please note that the prices may vary.

Our Top Picks

Fortune is India’s leading brand in cooking oil not just for its quality and range but also for making its products well within the budget of all. This mustard oil from Fortune is available for Rs. 171 per litre and has seen a very minimum number of complaints regarding the product quality or the goodness of the cooking oil. 

The LOSORBTMTechnology in Saffola Tasty results in up to 29% less oil absorption in food making your food healthier (as compared to other commonly consumed cooking oils, basis frying studies on potato, 2018). 

Since oil is an essential ingredient of Indian cooking, its flavour matters greatly. Figaro Olive Oil is one of the oldest olive oil brands in the country and has a legacy of over 100 years. Its taste and aroma can enhance the taste of Indian food. This oil is processed keeping in mind the Indian delicacies and cooking types and hence can be used for all types of cooking. Alongside it is available in durable packaging which makes its storage more convenient. 

Summary with Best Cooking Oil Price List

Cooking oil is an essential ingredient of food items in Indian food and is important in Indian kitchens. We understand your grocery lists have a budget attached to them. Here we have listed the 10 best oils for cooking and their price per litre. This tabulated list will help you compare the best cooking oil brands in India based on their prices and make a choice that benefits your health and your pocket. 

The cooking oils mentioned in this list are from the top brands in India. We have kept in consideration your health concerns and the requirements of an Indian household while choosing the best oil for cooking. 

If you are always on the lookout for the best cooking oil for your household while shopping for groceries, chances are you are looking for oils that enhance the taste of your food, is great for heart health and cholesterol, and does not harm your health while it falls within your budget. To maintain good health, one looks for maximum health benefits in every food ingredient they purchase and the same is the case with cooking oils. The market offers different types of cooking oils with added goodness and benefits. These options can often be very confusing to choose from. 

In this article, we will share with you the different types of cooking oils and their health benefits and their features. This will help you identify the type of cooking coil for your needs. We will also discuss the best cooking oils for frying for families that enjoy fried delicacies. We will also share with you a guide on how to choose the best oil for cooking. Further in this article, we have listed the goodness and benefits of the best cooking oils from top brands in India to assist you in making a choice. 

Types of Cooking Oils

Indian food is well known for its lip-smacking flavour, aroma and finger-licking experience. One of the key factors of these qualities of Indian delicacies is the cooking oil used in them. The flavour and texture that is the soul of Indian food, is added to it by the cooking oil. Let us look at a few types of the best oil for cooking in India and their goodness and features.

  • Mustard Oil
    Mustard oil is a treasure trove of health benefits. It has high digestive properties, helps in preventing cough and cold and has antibacterial properties. Mustard oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils. 
  • Sunflower Oil
    Sunflower oil has an abundance of vitamin E making it one of the most popular cooking oils in India. This oil can keep its nutritional value intact even at high temperatures. 
  • Olive Oil
    Olive oil is known for being full of antioxidants. Olive oil has a low smoking point and is good for low and medium heating food items. Its benefits include the maintenance of good heart health. 
  • Rice Bran Oil
    One of the most versatile cooking oils, rice bran oil can be used for both frying and baking because of its neutral taste. It has a high smoke point and health benefits like preventing heart problems and improving blood sugar. 
  • Groundnut Oil
    This is also known as peanut oil and is a good choice for Asian foods. This oil also has antioxidant properties for the skin. 
  • Coconut Oil
    Coconut oil is one of the top choices for high heating foods. It does not perish even on storing for months. The food cooked in coconut oil makes you feel fuller for longer durations. Coconut oil is also known for improving cognition. 
  • Soybean Oil
    One of the best types of oil for vegans is soybean oil. It can be used for a variety of purposes. Be it frying, roasting or baking, soybean oil is a great choice due to its high smoking point.

How to Choose the Best Oil for Cooking?

The usage of cooking oils cannot be completely eliminated from Indian kitchens. When we cook for our loved ones we wish to give them the best of flavours and the best of nutrition. Deciding the best cooking oil for your needs is a difficult decision because it is something that is consumed every day. In this section, we will be sharing the features of cooking oil to look for while making a choice.  

You must make sure that the cooking oil of your choice does not get oxidised easily. Also, it must not change colour over some time. Another considerable factor is saturation. Cooking oils have saturated and unsaturated fats. You must look for the best cooking oil for your heart for the well being of your family.  Cooking oil must be stored properly in airtight containers and away from sunlight.

Let us look at which type of oil should be used for which type of purposes.

  • For deep-fried snacks- Oil with a high smoking point.
  • For baking- Neutral flavoured oil.
  • For sauteing- Canola and Sunflower oil are ideal for this purpose
  • For salads- Pure and light oils with a natural aroma like virgin olive oil and extra-virgin coconut oil are a great choice for salads.

10 Best Oils for Cooking in India

Now that we have an idea about the types of cooking oils and how to choose the best cooking oil for our requirements, let us dive into the list of the best oil for cooking.  We have curated this list considering the various purposes of cooking oil, the average budget and the health benefits provided by each product.
 

1. Fortune Rice Bran Health Oil, Cooking Oil for Healthier Heart - Click here for Amazon deal

To begin our list of best cooking oil brands in India, we have India’s leading brand Fortune. Fortune Rice Bran Oil is available in the packaging of a 5-litre jar. This oil has a high smoke point and is highly suitable for frying. 

Pros

Cons

Cholesterol-lowering oil

Leakage from the packaging

  • Price per litre: Rs. 1,075.00
  • Rating: 4.4/5
  • Net Quantity: 5000.0 mL
  • Dimension:  29.6 x 23.7 x 13.6 cm
  • Weight:   4.77 kg

2. Saffola Tasty Refined Cooking Oil - Click here for Amazon deal

Saffola Tasty’s Dual Seed Technology gives you the goodness of 2 oils in 1. It ensures a good balance of MUFA and PUFA for better nutrition through fats, compared to single seed oils. Vitamin A which helps against night blindness & Vitamin D supports strong bones makes it a nutritious alternative. This vegetable oil brings alive the natural flavour of the food cooked & spices used, without altering any flavour, thus complementing your fitness goals as well. 

Pros

Cons

It has a high smoke point which is ideal for all types of cooking

It is fairly expensive compared to other brands

It has a good balance of MUFA and PUFA

Not a prescribed choice for rich cooking

  • Price per litre: Rs. 160
  • Rating: 4.5/5                                                
  • Net Quantity: 1 litre
  • Dimension: 13.1 x 7.8 x 21.8 cm 
  • Weight: 1000 g

3. Figaro Olive Oil – All Cooking Healthy Olive Oil - Click here for Amazon deal 

This Figaro product is available in durable 2-litre tin packaging which makes it safe and convenient for storing. Figaro is the oldest living olive oil brand in India. Olive oil boosts your health. It contains antioxidants. Olive oil is also one of the best cooking oils for the heart. 

Pros

Cons

Suitable for all types of Indian Cooking

 
  • Price per litre: Rs. 1,799.00
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • Net Quantity: 2000.0 mL
  • Dimension:  16.5 x 11 x 17.2  cm
  • Weight:  1.82 kg

4. Saffola Gold Refined Cooking oil - Click here for Amazon deal

Saffola Gold is a Healthy Cooking Oil which is a blend of Rice Bran & Sunflower oil. It helps Keeps Heart Healthy.The best thing about Saffola Gold is that it's a Healthy Cooking Oil which is a blend of Rice Bran & Sunflower oil. It helps Keeps Heart Healthy. Saffola Gold cooking oil comes with LOSORB™ technology which results in upto 33%* lesser oil absorption in foodAnother great thing about Saffola Gold is that it has a specially designed anti-oxidant system that helps improve immunity.

Features : 

-material-features: vegetarian

- Helps Keeps Heart Healthy

-Saffola Gold multisource edible oil helps manage your cholesterol

-Oryzanol that helps maintain cholesterol levels

-LOSORB Technology so that food absorbs upto 33% less oil as compared to other commonly used cooking oils

-good balance of MUFA, PUFA balance helps with right  nuitrution from Fat

-This vegetable oil brings alive the natural flavour of the food cooked & spices used, without altering any flavour

- specially designed anti-oxidant system that helps improve immunity

Pros

Cons

Helps Keeps Heart Healthy

N/A

good balance of MUFA & PUFA

 

Oryzanol helps maintain cholesterol levels

 

LOSORB™ Technology for lesser oil absorption

 

Specially designed anti-oxidant system.

 

5. KLF Coconad Pure Coconut Cooking Oil - Click here for Amazon deal

Coconut oil has a lot of benefits. It can also be used for cooking. This coconut oil from KLF is unrefined and natural and has an authentic aroma of roasted coconuts. 

Pros

Cons

Suitable for the keto diet

Not very highly flavourful

  • Price per litre: Rs. 295.00
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Net Quantity: 1000.0 mL
  • Dimension: 10.7 x 13 x 10.4 cm
  • Weight:  910 g

6. Amazon Brand - Vedaka Cold Pressed Sesame Oil - Click here for Amazon deal

Vedaka Cold Pressed Sesame Oil is one of the best healthy cooking oils available in India. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying and other types of cooking.If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil that is also affordable, Vedaka Cold Pressed Sesame Oil is a great option.

Features :

-Material-features: vegetarian

- 100% Pure and Cold Pressed

- Rich in vitamins and minerals

-Recommanded uses : Cooking,Frying,Sauteing

- Vedaka cold pressed sesame oil contains good fats in the form of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA). Decreasing saturated fatty acids and increasing Monounsaturated fatty acids in diet helps maintain a healthy heart and normal cholesterol levels. 

-Vedaka oils offer a good balance between taste and nutrition to support your lifestyle.

-Easy to store and convenient to use when cooking

-Extracted through no heat process to preserve natural goodness

-Suitable for use in deep frying, sauteing and salad dressings

Pros

Cons

Purity in every drop

None that we could find!

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

 

Anti-spill Packaging

 

This is a Vegetarian product

 

Good for stir-frying and other types of cooking

 

7. Fortune Premium Kachi Ghani Pure Mustard Oil - Click here for Amazon deal

If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil with a high smoke point, then mustard oil is a great option. It has a strong flavor and aroma, and is rich in omega-three and six fatty acids, which can boost your immunity. Mustard oil is also cholesterol-free and naturally high in PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids).So, if you're looking for a healthy and flavorful cooking oil, then mustard oil is a great option. It's also affordable and has a long shelf life. 

Features :  

-High Pungency and Strong Aroma - Mustard Oil with Long Shelf Life

- Rich in Omega 3 & 6 that boost Immunity

-material_features: vegetarian

-Rich in Vitamins A,E and Beta Carotene

-flavour_name: pungent

-High in PUFA (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids)

-Naturally Cholesterol Free

Pros

Cons

Boosts Immunity 

Strong Flavour

High in PUFA

May Cause Allergic Reactions in Some People

Naturally Cholesterol Free

 

Long Shelf Life

 

Affordable

 

8. Vedaka Cold Pressed Peanut (Groundnut) Oil - Click here for Amazon deal

Available in 500 mL bottle packaging, the Vedaka groundnut oil is tasty and flavourful. This oil is one of the best cooking oils for the heart since it helps in maintaining a good balance between taste and nutrition. 

Pros

Cons

Anti-spill packaging

 
  • Price per litre: Rs. 345.00
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • Net Quantity: 1000.0 mL
  • Dimension:  26.7 x 5.9 x 4.7  cm
  • Weight:  480 g

9. Oleev Olive Pomace Oil for Everyday Cooking - Click here for Amazon deal

If you're looking for a healthy cooking oil that has a neutral flavor, Oleev Olive Pomace Oil is the perfect choice. It's rich in MUFA and essential vitamins, which makes it good for your heart health and lowers the effects of bad cholesterol. Additionally, the vitamin E in Oleev Pomace helps shield your body from infections and aids in faster healing. Plus, the vitamin K in Oleev Pomace improves bone density and strength. And because it has a high smoke point, it's ideal for all types of cooking, including frying, sautéing and grilling.

Features :

-Contains natural antioxidant called Polyphenols. These antioxidants strengthen immune system, reduce cellular imbalances and help to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

- Neutral flavor and perfect choice for all types of cooking (frying, sautéing, grilling)

- Rich in MUFA and essential vitamins that strengthens the body with good fat and lowers the effects of bad cholesterol

- Vitamin E in Oleev Pomace shields the body from infections and helps in faster healing

- Vitamin K in Oleev Pomace improves bone density and strength

- High Smoke Point

Pros

Cons

Low absorption

None!

Contains Vitamin E & K

 

Rich with MUFA

 

Good for heart health

 

Lowers cholesterol

 

Improves bone density

 

10. Puvi Cold Pressed Groundnut/Peanut Oil (Virgin, Chekku/Ghani) - Click here for Amazon deal

Another cold-pressed oil, which is the best cooking oil for frying, is Puvi Peanut Oil. This peanut oil is great for Indian kitchens and a healthy substitute for refined and chemically processed cooking oils. 

Pros

Cons

Flavour of the food isn’t altered

The aroma is not very strong

  • Price per litre: Rs. 1,795.00
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Net Quantity: 5000.0 mL
  • Dimension:  33.4 x 17.2 x 16.9   cm
  • Weight:  4.6 kg

How do we shortlist the best products?

As a person who loves cooking and takes care of every little aspect of the ingredients, the cooking requirements and the flavour, it must be fairly hard for you to choose the best oil for cooking when you consider the health benefits, the flavour, the texture and your budget while buying oil for cooking. You must also be wondering how we shortlist the best cooking oil brands in India, whether we keep in mind a budget or if we just go with the health benefits and the brand names. Read ahead to find answers to your questions.

When we shortlist products for our list of the best cooking oils, we consider certain standards to make sure that you have a variety of the best products, within your budget and that is good for your health. Let us look at the criteria followed by us while curating this list.

1. Specifications And Features

Cooking oil is an essential part of every Indian Delicacy. It is not just used in deep frying Indian snacks but also an ingredient in everyday food items. When we shortlist the best oils for cooking for you, we consider the goodness of the ingredients of the oil, its health benefits for most types of people and the brand reliability. Since cooking oil is meant for consumption, we make sure that the products are reliable and safe for all. 

2. Customer Reviews

Just like you, a lot of cooking and food enthusiasts have chosen and tried cooking oils from different top brands in India. Verified reviews from these existing users of a product can be quite useful in choosing the cooking oil suitable for you. We carefully analyse customer reviews to find out the products most liked by Indian consumers.    

3. Complaints

Brands that address the issues of their existing customers are more likely to provide an improvised service and product. New customers are also more attracted to brands that solve consumers’ problems and bring up a solution. We have shortlisted the brands that have either the minimum number of complaints against their product or the brands that believe in resolving all customer issues and improving with feedback. 

4. Pricing

Budget is a major aspect that requires consideration while shopping for groceries. Similarly cooking oil has an assigned budget for most of us. We have shortlisted products that are not only the best for your health but also good for your pocket. The products have been carefully chosen to provide value for your money.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Oil for Cooking

We hope that all the skilled chefs reading this article have benefited from the product options mentioned in this list. We have discussed the cooking oils for frying and even the best cooking oils for the heart. After discussing the types of oils for cooking and how to choose the best cooking oil as per your requirement. In case you have any more questions or doubts, we have answered a few commonly asked questions about the best cooking oils in India. 


1. Can Cooking Oil Be Reused?

Yes, cooking oil is safe for reuse. It just needs to be cleaned and stored properly. After using the cooking oil for frying, you must let the frying oil cool down. After the oil has reached a safe temperature, you must use a strainer to remove any leftovers from the previous frying. Use a fine-mesh strainer to pour out this oil into a clean container. Store this container in a cool and dry place. You can then use this cooking oil for future use. 


2. Which Cooking Oil Is The Healthiest?

The cooking oils listed in this article have all been shortlisted keeping in mind the health of the consumer. Depending on your usage of oil in food, cooking oil can be healthy or unhealthy for you. One of the healthiest cooking oil options for Indian households is sunflower oil. This type of cooking oil is extracted from the seeds of a sunflower. Vitamin E is present in high quantities in this cooking oil. Sunflower oil can be used for frying as well as it can hold onto nutritional content at higher temperatures.


3. Which Cooking Oil Is Cholesterol-Free?

Cholesterol-free cooking oil is great for the health of the heart. It is one of the best cooking oils for the heart.  Canola oil is produced from field mustard. This oil is a heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Canola oil has zero cholesterol. 

Conclusion

Cooking oil is an unmissable ingredient of Indian delicacies. But it can be harmful to the health of a few people depending on any previous conditions. Cooking oil cannot be eliminated from Indian kitchens but surely the type of cooking oil involved can be changed and the most healthy and suitable oil can be chosen. We hope our list of the best oil for cooking has helped you shortlist the best oils for you and your family. If you have any further doubts or need any more help, you can get in touch with us. We would be happy to assist you in this process.

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