5 Signs You’re Buying Fake Cold Pressed Oils – And How to Avoid Them
5 Signs You’re Buying Fake Cold Pressed Oils – And How to Avoid Them
Cold pressed oils are a staple in health-conscious kitchens, but not all oils sold under this label are genuine. The rise of adulterated and fake cold pressed oils in the Indian market has raised concerns. Are you sure the oil you’re using is 100% pure, unrefined, and naturally extracted?
This guide will help you identify fake cold pressed oils and choose only the most authentic, wood-pressed oils that truly benefit your health.
What Makes an Oil Truly Cold Pressed?
Cold pressed (or wood pressed/Marachekku/Kachi Ghani) oils are extracted by pressing seeds or nuts at low temperatures without any external heat or chemical refining. This method preserves:
- Natural nutrients like Vitamin E, Omega fatty acids
- Original color and aroma of the seed
- Antioxidants and essential fats
But unfortunately, many oils labeled “cold pressed” are actually machine-refined or blended with cheap additives.
Sign #1 – Lack of Natural Aroma or Taste
Genuine Oils Smell Earthy & Nutty
The first and most obvious indicator of purity is the smell and taste. Real cold pressed oils retain the original aroma of their source seed. For example:
- Groundnut oil has a warm, nutty fragrance
- Coconut oil smells like fresh coconut flesh
- Sesame oil gives a rich, toasted aroma
If your oil smells bland or has a synthetic or neutral scent, it’s likely deodorized or refined — a common sign of adulteration.
Sign #2 – Extremely Clear and Transparent Oil
Cloudiness Is a Good Sign
Pure cold pressed oils usually have a slightly cloudy or golden hue due to natural seed particles and lack of filtration. Crystal-clear oils may look attractive but often indicate heavy filtration or chemical processing.
True cold pressed oils have:
- Visible particles or light sediment
- Non-uniform consistency
- Slight turbidity (especially at the bottom)
Think of it like fresh fruit juice vs bottled soft drink. One is cloudy but natural, the other is clear but processed.
Sign #3 – Cheap Pricing or No Brand Transparency
Price Reflects Purity in Cold Pressed Oils
Producing cold pressed oil is an expensive, labor-intensive process. If you find oils being sold at prices similar to refined oils (₹100–₹200/litre), it’s a red flag. Cold pressed oils from trusted sources range from ₹300 to ₹700/litre depending on the seed.
Also check for:
- Transparent labeling – Source, process, seed type
- FSSAI license and expiry date
- Reviews or QR-code traceability
If the brand doesn’t clearly tell you how and where it’s made — don’t trust it.
Sign #4 – No Sediments or Settling at the Bottom
Real Oils May Have Tiny Residue from Seeds
Cold pressed oils, especially fresh ones, often contain residual seed particles or sediment at the bottom of the bottle. This is completely natural and safe — even desirable!
Fake or overly filtered oils are usually uniform and sediment-free, which is unnatural for freshly extracted oils.
Sign #5 – Wrong Labeling: Refined Masquerading as Cold Pressed
Look for “Wood Pressed,” “Marachekku,” or “Ghani” Labels
Be wary of vague terms like “natural oil,” “premium oil,” or just “cold pressed” with no clarification. A genuine cold pressed oil label should mention:
- Extraction method: Wooden churn, bull-driven, kachi ghani, marachekku
- Cold pressing temperature (below 50°C)
- Single seed origin: Not mixed with palm or refined oil
Always choose brands that show process images, extraction videos, or visitable mills.
Bonus: How to Test Cold Pressed Oil at Home
- Freeze Test: Place oil in the fridge for 1–2 hours. Pure oils solidify partially (especially coconut, groundnut).
- Water Test: Add a drop of oil in water. Real oil floats and stays intact; adulterated oils may mix or leave residue.
- Smell Test: Real cold pressed oils have a fresh, earthy aroma. Refined ones are odorless.
Pro Tip: Always buy in small quantity first, test it, then order in bulk from trusted brands.
Best Cold Pressed Oils in India (Brand Comparison)
| Brand | Type of Oil | Price (1L) | Extraction Method | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sutrakart | Groundnut, Coconut, Sesame, Mustard | ₹320–₹590 | Wooden Ghani (Marachekku) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Puvi | Sesame, Coconut | ₹400–₹650 | Wood Pressed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gramiyum | Multi-seed options | ₹350–₹700 | Cold Pressed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Buy Pure Cold Pressed Oils from Sutrakart – 100% Natural, No Blends, Free 1-Day Delivery in Bangalore.
Final Words – Choose Pure, Protect Health
The popularity of cold pressed oils is justified – they offer superior health benefits, better digestion, and are packed with nutrients. But only if you’re buying the genuine kind.
Watch out for the 5 warning signs: no smell, ultra-clear texture, low pricing, wrong labels, and no sediment. Use the home tests, trust only FSSAI-certified brands, and when in doubt – ask for a pressing video or visit the oil mill.
Your health starts with what you cook in. Choose wisely. Choose Sutrakart’s Pure Cold Pressed Oils.
