Cooking oil is an indispensable part of every Indian kitchen. It is used for frying, sautéing, roasting, and adding flavor and texture to meals. However, with a plethora of cooking oil brands available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Factors like health benefits, smoke point, taste, and affordability play a crucial role in making the right choice.
In this article, we will explore some of the best cooking oil brands in India, highlighting their unique features, health benefits, and suitability for different cooking methods. We’ll also provide tips on selecting the right oil for your needs.
Best Cooking Oil Brands in India
1. Fortune
Fortune Cooking Oil is a flagship brand of Adani Wilmar Limited, a joint venture between the Adani Group and Wilmar International. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Fortune has become one of India’s leading cooking oil brands.
Fortune offers a wide range of oils, including sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils. Known for its high quality and purity, Fortune oils are widely used in both households and commercial kitchens. They are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making them a healthy choice for everyday cooking.
Key Facts:
- Founded in: 1993
- Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Products: Sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils
- Popular for: High quality, affordability, and health benefits
2. Saffola
Saffola, a brand owned by Marico Limited, has been a trusted name in the edible oil industry since 1998. Headquartered in Mumbai, Saffola is renowned for its focus on heart-healthy oils.
Saffola offers a variety of oils, including sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and specialty oils like olive oil and rice bran oil. Its mustard oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while its blended oils are designed to provide a balance of nutrients. Saffola oils are widely recognized for their purity, affordability, and health benefits.
Key Facts:
- Founded in: 1998
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Products: Sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and specialty oils
- Known for: Heart-healthy oils and high-quality standards
3. Dhara
Dhara, a brand by Mother Dairy, has been a household name since 1987. Headquartered in New Delhi, Dhara is known for its high-quality oils that cater to diverse cooking needs.
Dhara offers a range of oils, including sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils. These oils are known for their high smoke point, making them ideal for frying and grilling. Dhara oils are also affordable and widely available across India.
Key Facts:
- Popular for: High smoke point and affordability
- Founded in: 1987
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Products: Sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils
4. Figaro
Figaro, a Spanish brand founded in 1919, is a subsidiary of Deoleo, one of the world’s leading olive oil companies. Figaro olive oil is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy choice for cooking and dressing.
Figaro olive oil is extracted using traditional methods, ensuring high quality and purity. It is ideal for salads, sautéing, and light frying.
Key Facts:
- Founded in: 1919
- Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
- Products: Olive oil
- Known for: Antioxidant-rich olive oil
5. KLF
KLF (Kerala Oils and Products Limited) is an Indian company that was founded in 1948 by K. Damodara Menon. It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, India. KLF is one of the leading producers and exporters of coconut oil and its other products in India.
KLF coconut oil is made from 100% fresh coconuts and is expeller-pressed. This means that the oil is extracted using heat and pressure, without the use of chemicals. KLF coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties. It is also a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and converted into energy. KLF coconut oil is a good choice for cooking, baking, and personal care.
KLF also offers a wide range of other products, including coconut flour, coconut milk, copra meal, and cattle feed. KLF’s products are exported to over 50 countries around the world.
Here is a summary of KLF brand:
- Founded in 1948
- Type of company: Producer and exporter of coconut oil and other products
- Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala, India
- Products: Coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut milk, copra meal, and cattle feed
- Export markets: Over 50 countries around the world
6. Dabur
Dabur India, founded in 1884, is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Ghaziabad, India. It is one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in India, manufacturing Ayurvedic medicine and natural consumer products. Dabur derives around 60% of its revenue from the consumer care business, 11% from the food business, and the remaining from the international business unit.
7. 24 Mantra Organic
24 Mantra Organic is a leading organic food brand in India, founded in 2004 by Rajashekar Reddy Seelam. It is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. 24 Mantra Organic manufactures and sells a wide range of organic food products, including staples, grains, pulses, spices, herbs, oils, snacks, and beverages.
24 Mantra Organic is committed to providing high-quality, organic food products to its customers. The company sources its ingredients from certified organic farms and uses traditional methods to process its products. 24 Mantra Organic products are also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
24 Mantra Organic products are popular among consumers who are looking for healthy and sustainable food options. The company’s products are available in a variety of retail outlets across India, as well as online.
- Founded in: 2004
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, India
- Products: Organic sunflower oil, groundnut oil, and sesame oil
- Known for: Organic and sustainable products
8. Del Monte
Del Monte is a global food and beverage company founded in 1886. It is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, United States. Del Monte offers a wide range of products, including canned fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, and ready-to-eat meals. Del Monte’s products are sold in over 90 countries around the world.
Del Monte is a leading brand in the canned fruit and vegetable market. Some of its most popular products include canned peaches, canned pears, canned tomatoes, and canned corn. Del Monte also offers a variety of fruit juices, including pineapple juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice. In recent years, Del Monte has expanded its product line to include ready-to-eat meals, such as fruit cups and pasta salads.
Del Monte is a committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact and support the communities in which it operates. For example, Del Monte sources its fruits and vegetables from sustainable farms and uses recycled materials in its packaging.
- Founded in: 1886
- Headquarters: Walnut Creek, California
- Products: Olive oil and blended oils
- Known for: High-quality olive oil
9. Borges
Borges International Group was founded in 1896 in Borges Blanques, Spain. It is a multinational company that specializes in the production and distribution of edible oils, vinegars, and dressings. The company has a presence in over 100 countries around the world, and its headquarters are located in Barcelona, Spain.
Borges is a leading brand of olive oil in India. It is known for its wide range of olive oils, including extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, and light olive oil. Borges also offers a variety of other cooking oils, such as sunflower oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils.
Here is a summary of the key information about Borges brand:
- Founded: 1896
- Type of company: Multinational consumer goods company
- Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
- Products: Edible oils, vinegars, and dressings
- Known for: Olive oil, sustainability, and social responsibility
10. Nature Fresh
Nature Fresh is a cooking oil brand owned by Emami Limited, a leading Indian consumer goods company. It was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Nature Fresh offers a wide range of cooking oils, including sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils.
Nature Fresh oils are known for their high quality and purity. They are also affordable and widely available in India. Nature Fresh’s sunflower oil is one of the Best Cooking Oil Brands in India. It is a light and healthy oil that is ideal for frying and sauteing food. Nature Fresh’s mustard oil is another popular choice. It is known for its strong flavor and its many health benefits. Nature Fresh’s groundnut oil is a versatile oil that can be used for frying, sauteing, and baking.
Nature Fresh is a leading cooking oil brand in India. It is known for its high quality, purity, affordability, and wide availability. Nature Fresh offers a wide range of cooking oils to meet the needs of different consumers.
Here are some of the key facts about Nature Fresh brand:
- Founded in 1991
- Owned by Emami Limited
- Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Offers a wide range of cooking oils, including sunflower oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and blended oils
- Known for its high quality, purity, affordability, and wide availability
FAQs on Best Cooking Oil Brands in India
Q: Which cooking oil is the healthiest?
A: Oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocado oil, and rice bran oil, are considered the healthiest. They promote heart health and are suitable for various cooking methods.
Q: Which cooking oil is best for baking?
A: Oils with a neutral flavor and high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, and light olive oil, are ideal for baking.
Q: Which cooking oil is best for weight loss?
A: Oils low in saturated fats and high in healthy fats, such as coconut oil and olive oil, can support weight loss when consumed in moderation.
Q: How often should I change my cooking oil?
A: It is recommended to change cooking oil after 2-3 uses for oils with a low smoke point (e.g., olive oil) and 4-5 uses for oils with a high smoke point (e.g., sunflower oil).
Conclusion
Choosing the right cooking oil depends on your health needs, cooking preferences, and the type of cuisine you prepare. The brands listed above are some of the best cooking oil brands in India, offering a perfect blend of quality, taste, and health benefits. Whether you’re frying, baking, or sautéing, there’s an oil for every need. Make an informed choice and enjoy healthier, tastier meals!