Disadvantages of Cold Pressed Oils: What You Should Know Before Switching

Cold pressed oils are widely praised for their purity and health benefits. However, while they are a great choice in many cases, they are not perfect for every situation. This in-depth guide highlights the **disadvantages of cold pressed oils**—from shelf life and cost to cooking performance—so you can make an informed choice.

What Are Cold Pressed Oils?

Cold pressed oils are extracted using traditional mechanical methods—usually in wooden or stone presses—without applying heat or chemicals. This retains natural nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. While beneficial, this process also has limitations that can affect price, usability, and storage.

1. High Cost Compared to Refined Oils

One of the major downsides of cold pressed oils is their price. Producing oil via cold pressing is labor-intensive and yields less oil than solvent-based methods. This increases the cost per liter significantly.

Why Are They More Expensive?

• Manual or small-batch production
• No chemical solvents used for yield boosting
• Quality seeds/nuts required
• Traditional slow extraction process

As a result, cold pressed oils can cost 2 to 3 times more than refined oils. For some households, this makes them less affordable for daily use.

2. Shorter Shelf Life & Storage Limitations

Since cold pressed oils contain no preservatives or stabilizers, their shelf life is naturally shorter. Exposure to heat, light, or air can cause them to oxidize faster.

Storage Tips to Prevent Spoilage:

• Store in cool, dark places
• Use airtight, dark glass containers
• Avoid plastic bottles or prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Consume within 6 months of opening

Refined oils can stay fresh for up to 12–18 months, while most cold pressed oils begin to degrade after 3–6 months unless refrigerated.

3. Low Smoke Point: Not Ideal for High-Heat Cooking

Another major limitation is the **low smoke point** of cold pressed oils. The smoke point is the temperature at which oil starts to burn and release harmful free radicals. Cold pressed oils tend to have lower smoke points than refined ones.

Approximate Smoke Points:

• Cold pressed groundnut oil: ~160°C
• Cold pressed sesame oil: ~175°C
• Cold pressed coconut oil: ~170°C
• Refined sunflower oil: ~230°C

This means cold pressed oils are not ideal for deep frying, tandoori cooking, or high-heat stir-fries. Instead, they are better for sautéing, baking, or drizzling over dishes.

4. Risk of Oxidation and Rancidity

Due to the natural extraction and lack of preservatives, cold pressed oils are more prone to oxidation. Once opened, they react quickly with air and heat, turning rancid. Rancid oils not only taste bad but also become harmful to health.

Signs of Rancid Oil:

• Unpleasant, sour odor
• Cloudy or sticky texture
• Bitter or metallic taste

To avoid this, buy oils in small quantities, store them well, and always check manufacturing and expiry dates before purchase.

5. Not Always Suitable for Commercial Kitchens

Restaurants, hotels, and fast-food outlets often avoid cold pressed oils due to their short shelf life, cooking limitations, and cost. High-heat cooking and repeated frying degrade these oils quickly, making them impractical in commercial use.

6. Limited Availability in Local Stores

Despite growing awareness, many local grocery shops still do not stock authentic cold pressed oils. Consumers often have to depend on online stores or specialty health food outlets, which may not be convenient for everyone.

Online platforms like SutraKart have bridged this gap, but rural areas still face availability issues.

7. Potential for Adulteration & Fake Labeling

As demand rises, so does the risk of fraud. Some manufacturers mix cold pressed oils with cheaper refined oils and still label them as “pure.”

How to Identify Pure Cold Pressed Oils:

• Always check for certified organic or FSSAI-approved labels
• Look for brands with transparency in sourcing and processing
• Avoid oils that are too cheap to be genuine
• Choose trusted sellers like SutraKart

Conclusion: Are Cold Pressed Oils Still Worth It?

Despite these disadvantages, cold pressed oils are still an excellent choice for those seeking a clean, natural lifestyle. The key is to understand their limitations and use them correctly:

• Store properly
• Use for low to medium-heat cooking
• Buy from reliable sources
• Avoid bulk buying

While not perfect, the benefits of cold pressed oils far outweigh the drawbacks—especially if you value health and purity in your kitchen.

Looking for Genuine Cold Pressed Oils?

Shop SutraKart Cold Pressed Oils for 100% wood-pressed, unrefined, chemical-free oils—delivered fresh across India.