In India you will find it is very common that every home use oil for different types of cooking. As more and more Indians are becoming health conscious these days, they would settle for nothing but the best when it comes to choosing the best cooking oil brands for their family.
There are a number of cooking oil brands in the market, which claim to protect consumers from problems like cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, and consumers have established their preferences today with smart decision making.
List of top ten edible cooking oil brands in India:
10. Mahakosh
Mahakosh is one of the best selling edible oil brands in India. It is a brand of the well known company called Ruchi Soya Industries Limited which came into the Indian market in 1986 and has been regarded as one of the healthiest cooking oils.
9. Sweekar
Sweekar cooking oil is a reputed brand from the house of Cargill, a trusted American brand which dates back to 1865 and came to India in 1987. This brand brings different variants in cooking oil.
8. Nutrela
Nutrela is another product of Ruchi Soya Industries and this brand has a large consumer base because of its exceptional health value. Ruchi Soya Industries is regarded as one of the biggest manufacturers in edible oil segment, operating through its 20 manufacturing units.
7. Vimal
The next name on the list of top 10 best cooking oil brands in India is that of Vimal, which entered the market in 1993 and has developed a trusted reputation since then. The brand boasts of a strong distribution network, with as many as 1500 supplier throughout the country. It is available in mustard, soybean, sunflower and groundnut oil variants.
6. Nature Fresh
Another presentation of Cargill is NatureFresh cooking oil, which ensures good health for consumers because of its heart healthy as well as cholesterol lowering properties.
5. Dhara
Another popular brand of cooking oil in India is Dhara, which is being manufactured by Mother Dairy since 1988 and is one of the brand leaders today. Dhara brand brings mustard, soybean and groundnut oils, which are manufactured using Low Absorb Technology to ensure good health for consumers.
4. Dalda
Dalda can be regarded as one of the oldest brands of cooking oil in the country, bringing a wide array of choices for the consumers. These include mustard oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil and vanaspati oil, which happens to be the most popular one.
3. Sundrop
Sundrop is amongst the oldest in the cooking oil market in India, dating back to 1989. Available in healthy variants like Sundrop Heart, Sundrop Lite and Sundrop NutriLite, this refined oil is enriched with vitamins, oryzanol and essential fatty acids.
2. Saffola
Featuring next on the list of top 10 best cooking oil brands in India is the trustworthy name of Saffola, which comes from the house of Marico. It is manufactured with the innovative Losorb technology, which minimizes the absorption of oil in the body. Saffola comes in variants like Saffola Active, Saffola Gold and Saffola Total.
1. Fortune
Fortune is one of the best selling edible oil brands in the Indian market today. this brand has a reputed history since 2000, when it was launched by Adani Wilmar Group. The brand brings a variety of cooking oils such as rice bran, mustard oil, sunflower oil and groundnut oil. Being rich in antioxidants and hearth friendly fatty acids, the oil has an excellent health value.
Some other well known cooking oil brands in India are Gemini, Rath, Sunflower Vanaspati, Ruchi Gold and Ambuja.
Types of Cooking Oil with Benefits
There are several types of cooking oils available, each with its own unique set of benefits. Here are some commonly used cooking oils and their advantages:
1. Olive Oil: Olive oil is widely known for its health benefits. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which can protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. It is suitable for sautéing, roasting, and dressing salads.
2. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are metabolized differently in the body compared to other fats. It is known to increase good cholesterol levels (HDL) and has antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying and baking.
3. Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is another healthy option. It is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. This oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods, including sautéing, grilling, and roasting.
4. Canola Oil: Canola oil is low in saturated fat and contains a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It has a relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and baking. Canola oil has a neutral flavor, making it versatile for different types of dishes.
5. Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is commonly used in Asian cuisines for its high smoke point and distinct nutty flavor. It contains monounsaturated fats and resveratrol, which has antioxidant properties. Peanut oil is ideal for deep-frying and stir-frying due to its ability to withstand high temperatures.
6. Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a low smoke point, so it is best used for low-heat cooking, stir-frying, or as a finishing oil for flavoring dishes. Sesame oil contains antioxidants and healthy fats.
7. Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is a good source of vitamin E and low in saturated fat. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying, baking, and sautéing. It is often used in dressings, marinades, and deep-frying.
8. Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. It is rich in polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. Grapeseed oil is suitable for high-heat cooking methods, such as sautéing, stir-frying, and grilling.
It’s important to note that the health benefits and suitability of cooking oils may vary based on individual dietary needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to choose oils that align
How to Choose a Good & Healthy Cooking Oil
When you look for cooking food that is healthy and safe for the consumption of you and your family. The first and foremost thing that comes yto your mind is the type of oil that you use. You need to be really careful while taking a decision as to which cooking oil should be used. This article lays down some factors for determination.
- Go for cooking oil that does not oxidize itself easily. If an oil is such that it easily oxidizes, it releases harmful chemicals that you would want to avoid.
- Another factor to be kept in mind is the extent of saturation the oil has. If you need to avoid damage to heat by a oil, you should go for the one that has more fats in the saturated form. You should always avoid going for the oil variety that has polyunsaturated fats as they arenot resistant to heating.
Best Oils:
- If you want to go for cooking at high heat, the coconut oil is the best option for you.
- Although olive oil is known to contain a certain quantity of monounsaturated fat, it is reasonable well resistant to heating. Besides, it also goes a long way in helping you get other health benefits. Hence, olive oil is another good option to cook with
- Fish oil also offers a number of health benefits. It can, however, be heat sensitive. Hence, you need to be really careful when you are cooking fish at a very high temperature.
The following are some of the best practices to be followed when it comes to suing and storing cooking oil:
Best Practices:
- When you purchase oil, ensure that you but in small bottles so that the same remains fresh for a longer period of time
- You should buy unrefined oils
- Oil should preferably be kept in a cool place that is away from the light
Do keep the above in mind while you are trying to make a choice as to which cooking oil should you choose from and how do you need to maintain the same.
The choice for Indian consumers is wide as far as cooking oils are concerned and it would be feasible to consult your health care provider before choosing the right one according to your fitness requirement.
Cooking Oil FAQs
Q1. Which cooking oil is the healthiest?
Ans: There isn’t a single “healthiest” cooking oil, as it depends on individual dietary needs and preferences. However, oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are often considered healthy options due to their beneficial fatty acid profiles and potential health benefits.
Q2. What is the smoke point of an oil, and why is it important?
Ans: The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down, leading to the release of harmful compounds and unpleasant flavors. It is important to use oils with a smoke point appropriate for the cooking method you’re using to avoid burning or damaging the oil. Different oils have varying smoke points, with oils like avocado oil, canola oil, and peanut oil having higher smoke points suitable for high-heat cooking methods.
Q3. Can I reuse cooking oil?
Ans: Yes, in some cases. You can reuse cooking oil if it has been strained to remove food particles and is still in good condition. However, each time you reuse oil, its quality deteriorates, and it can become more prone to producing harmful substances when heated. It’s important to monitor the oil’s appearance, smell, and taste and discard it if it shows signs of spoilage or has been used excessively.
Q4. How should I store cooking oil?
Ans: Cooking oils should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light, heat, and oxygen can cause the oil to degrade and become rancid. It is best to keep oils tightly sealed in their original containers or in dark, airtight containers to preserve their quality and extend their shelf life.
Q5. Are all cooking oils suitable for frying?
Ans: No, not all cooking oils are suitable for frying. Oils with high smoke points and stable chemical compositions are best for frying, as they can withstand the high temperatures without breaking down or producing harmful substances. Oils such as canola oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil are commonly used for deep-frying due to their high smoke points.
Q6. Can I substitute one cooking oil for another?
Ans: Yes, you can often substitute one cooking oil for another, but it’s important to consider the smoke point and flavor profile of the oils. For example, if a recipe calls for olive oil but you don’t have any, you can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil. However, keep in mind that the flavor and characteristics of the dish may be slightly different.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.