Cold Pressed Oils vs Refined Oils – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to cooking oils, the choice between cold pressed oils and refined oils is more than a matter of taste—it's about health, tradition, and purity. This guide will help you understand the fundamental differences between the two, how they’re made, their impact on your health, and why cold pressed oils are becoming the preferred choice for conscious consumers.

What Are Cold Pressed Oils?

Cold pressed oils are extracted through a natural mechanical process using wooden or metal presses (like bull-driven or rotary ghanis) without applying external heat. This helps retain the oil’s natural flavor, aroma, and nutrient content.

Common Cold Pressed Oils:

• Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil
• Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
• Cold Pressed Sesame Oil
• Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil
• Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

What Are Refined Oils?

Refined oils are extracted using high heat, chemical solvents (usually hexane), and deodorization. This process removes impurities but also strips away vitamins, antioxidants, and natural flavor, often requiring additives and preservatives to stabilize the oil.

Cold Pressed Oils vs Refined Oils – A Detailed Comparison

Top Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils

• Free from chemicals and artificial additives
• High in antioxidants and Vitamin E
• Support heart health and lower bad cholesterol
• Improves skin and hair texture
• Natural anti-inflammatory properties

Why Refined Oils Can Be Harmful

Refined oils undergo high heat and chemical processing, which not only degrades their nutritional quality but may also leave behind harmful residues. These oils are more prone to oxidation and often linked to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and chronic diseases.

Cold Pressed Oils for Cooking

Cold pressed oils like groundnut, sesame, and coconut have ideal smoke points for Indian cooking styles. They are great for sautéing, shallow frying, and even some deep-frying recipes. Plus, they enhance the flavor of food naturally.

Environmental & Ethical Perspective

Cold pressed oils are typically made in small batches by local farmers and small-scale units, supporting sustainable agriculture. Refined oil production, on the other hand, is industrial, energy-intensive, and environmentally taxing.

How to Identify Pure Cold Pressed Oil

• Rich, natural aroma (not odorless)
• Cloudy or thick texture (not crystal clear)
• No artificial coloring or additives
• Check the label: it should say “Cold Pressed” or “Wood Pressed”

Cold Pressed Oils in Indian Cities

• Cold Pressed Oils in Bangalore
• Cold Pressed Oils in Mumbai
• Cold Pressed Oils in Chennai
• Cold Pressed Oils in Coimbatore

FAQs on Cold Pressed vs Refined Oils

Is cold pressed oil better than refined oil?

Yes. Cold pressed oils are healthier as they retain nutrients and are free from harmful chemicals used in refined oils.

Can cold pressed oils be used for deep frying?

Some oils like groundnut and coconut oil can be used for deep frying due to their high smoke points.

Why are cold pressed oils more expensive?

They are produced in smaller batches using slower, traditional methods without chemical shortcuts.

Are refined oils bad for health?

Excessive consumption of refined oils can contribute to inflammation, heart disease, and lifestyle disorders.

Conclusion – Make the Right Choice

Choosing between cold pressed oils and refined oils is ultimately about choosing health over convenience. If you're looking for better nutrition, taste, and long-term wellness, cold pressed oils are the way forward.

Call to Action

Switch to Cold Pressed Oils Today! Explore our wide range of 100% pure, wood-pressed, unrefined oils at Sutrakart. Available across India.