Recommended as a rich source of healthy Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, the best grapeseed oil gets more and more chances to feature on American families’ dining tables. It is also popular for cosmetics, massage, carrier oil, and aromatherapy.
For these reasons, they are considered an ideal all-purpose oil in every kitchen. Grapeseed oil can also be the perfect oil to fry chicken. In this post, I will reveal some interesting facts about this type of oil and review the top best grapeseed oils for cooking to help you gain a good buy.
What Is Grapeseed Oil?
As its name suggests, grapeseed oil is a cooking oil made from the seeds of various kinds of grapes. And this is the most recognized characteristic to differentiate grapeseed oil and avocado oil which is made from avocado flesh.
For more information, grape seed is a byproduct of the wine-making process. Before being developed by the French, the wine manufacturers had discarded tons of this useless byproduct.
Since the 1930s, manufacturers started applying technological advances to extract the oil from the seeds for additional profit. Nowadays, this type of oil has become popular among professional chefs as well as home cooks due to its nutrient values and flavor.
How To Extract Grapeseed Oil?
There are two methods to extract oil from grapeseed. Solvent extraction, also known as hexane extraction, is the more predominant method that uses a chemical solvent to draw the oil content out of crushed seeds.
Though virtually all solvents are removed from oils during the manufacturing process, there is a concern that toxic solvent residues could adversely affect people’s health.
The other method is known as expeller-pressing or cold-pressing, which uses an intense force to physically squeeze the oil out of the seeds. So, there is no possibility of solvent residue, and the finished product is believed healthier.
What Are Nutrient Benefits Of Grapeseed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is an excellent source of fatty acids with the compositions as below:
- Saturated: 10%
- Monounsaturated: 16%
- Polyunsaturated: 70%
The polyunsaturated fatty acids in grapeseed are mainly omega-6. And unlike the omega-6 oil from unhealthy sources like processed and fried food, the intake of omega-6 in grapeseed oil, as many studies show, does not increase inflammation, but even reduce the risk of heart disease.
Therefore, the American Heart Association encourages eating an appropriate amount of this healthy omega-6.
Grapeseed oil is also rich in vitamin E. One tablespoon contains 3.9 mg of vitamin E, which is about a third of the daily recommended requirement for adults.
Difference Between Grapeseed Oil And Other Oils
There are many popular varieties of cooking oil you’ll see on store shelves. Each type of oil, pressed from different ingredients, varies in smoke point and nutrient content.
High-Temperature Oils: Smoking point 475°F – 520°F
- Avocado Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Rice Bran Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Sunflower Oil
Recommended for: Deep frying, baking and cooking
Medium-Temperature Oils: Smoking Point 375°F – 475°F
- Canola Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Vegetable Oil
- Walnut Oil
Recommended for: Sautéing, baking, and cooking
Low-Temperature Oils: Smoking Point 320°F – 375°F
- Sesame Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Recommended for: Cooking and salad dressings
Not to mention nutrient values, oils made of different ingredients also have different tastes. For example, extra-virgin olive oil is valued for its strong flavor, while cold-pressed grapeseed oil is prized for its truly neutral, clean taste.
Sometimes, the strong flavor of olive or nut oil is not suitable for certain food applications. Therefore, grapeseed oil is an excellent alternative for those oils. Or you can use it in place of sesame oil. I’m sure it can fit well in many cooking recipes.
The following is an interesting video talking about the difference between olive oil and grapeseed oil:
Which Are The Best Grapeseed Oils To Buy?
The best grapeseed oils for cooking are Baja Precious and La Tourangelle because of their delicate flavor and relatively high smoke points. In addition, Pompeian oil is also a good choice with excellent quality and reasonable price.
Here I highlight the top 12 best grapeseed oils in the market suitable for cooks with different cooking styles. No matter what you are looking for, my list has something for everyone.
- Best Overall: Baja Precious Grapeseed Oil
“Coming in a one-gallon jug, this 100% pure expeller-pressed grapeseed oil is suitable for all recipes.” - Best for Budget: Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil
“Crafted from grapes imported straight from France, this is one of the most versatile oils in any kitchen.” - Best Clean Flavor: La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil
“This oil is a must-have in the pantry for grilling or frying food; also great for salads, pasta, or a cheese plate.” - Best for Deep-Frying: Massimo Gusto 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil
“Safe for temperatures up to 485°F, this oil is the best choice for delicious salad dressings, crispy food with this oil.” - Best for Chicken: Unpretentious Baker Grapeseed Oil
“Light, odorless, and refined, this grapeseed oil deserves being the ideal healthy partner for everyday cooking.” - Best for Salad Dressing: Colavita 100% Grapeseed Oil
“This Grapeseed oil has a nice flavor, superior to olive oil or canola in many cooking applications.” - Best for Baking: 365 by Whole Foods Market Grapeseed Oil
“With its versatility, you’ll find plenty of uses for this bulk supply of 365 by Whole Foods Market Grapeseed Oil.” - Best Versatile: Iberia 100% Pure Grapeseed Oil
“This product can come perfectly with any cooking recipes and regularly work great for skin care, massage, and aromatherapy.” - Best for Sautéing: Golden Plate 100% Grapeseed Oil
“Having a delicate taste, minimal flavor, Golden Plate Grapeseed Oil ensures the best health benefits and fits any cooking styles.” - Best Imported from Italy: Sempio Grapeseed Oil
“Cold-pressed and refined for the best taste possible, Sempio Grapeseed Oil is affordable for an imported product.” - Best from France: Kirkland Signature Grape Seed Oil
“This oil is a healthy alternative to olive oil to add in extra calories and get some of those great Omega-6 fatty acids.” - Best Authentic Product of Spain: GrapeOla Grapeseed Oil, 3 Liter
“With a distinctively clean, neutral flavor, GrapeOla can be substituted for vegetable oil in any recipe.”
Best Grapeseed Oil Comparison Table 2023
Let’s make some comparisons of the top 12 best grapeseed oils for cooking and find out what they have to offer.
Top 12 Best Grapeseed Oils For Cooking Reviews 2023
If you already know what you should look for, let’s dive a little deeper into my top 12 best grapeseed oil reviews. I sincerely hope that this detailed information will help you select the best oil for your needs.
1. Baja Precious Grapeseed Oil
(Best Overall)
This Baja Precious Grapeseed Oil is a product of Spain. The oil is extracted by expeller-pressing the seeds of grapes and then bottled in California, USA. Made of 100% natural ingredient, this is low in saturated fat, so it is a healthy choice for your daily cooking needs.
Moreover, the oil does not smoke until a moderately high temperature, around 420 ºF, which makes it suitable for sautéing, frying, or baking. It also has a neutral flavor so that you could use it as an addition to your sauces, mayonnaise, dressings, and infusions.
Key Features:
- 100% pure grapeseed oil
- Expeller-pressed
- Contained in jugs with pilfer proof cap
- Product of Spain; Bottled in Santa Fe Springs, California, USA
- High smoke point 420°F
Pros
- Versatile, light, clean cooking oil
- Good for massage and cooking too
- The cold-expressed method ensures the best quality oil
- Large container
Cons
- Color changes due to seed varietal from time to time
- Only available in a one-gallon container
Product Specifications:
Brand | Baja Precious |
Ingredient | 100% grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 1 Gallon |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14: 1g Saturated fat, 10g Polyunsaturated fat, 3g Monounsaturated fat |
Origin | Spain |
2. Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil
(Best for Budget)
Each half-gallon container of Pompeian grapeseed oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and Omega 6. A serving of 15ml contains 120 calories, 1.5g saturated fat, 10g polyunsaturated fat, 2.5g monounsaturated fat, and 3mg Vitamin E.
The light and delicate taste of Pompeian ensures the natural and fresh flavor of your food, so it is a popular choice for pre-made salad dressings of your healthy side items with veggies, or making sauces and marinades.
And its high smoke point allows you to fry eggs, pastries, vegetables, anything without the smoking and burnt smell.
Key Features:
- Pressed from grapes imported from France
- Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO
- High smoke point ideal for high cooking
Pros
- Light and delicate flavor for any cooking use
- There are three sizes of container for your need
- Great price
- A product of France
- High smoke point safe for deep frying and baking
Cons
- There is a risk of the can coming without a cap
- It is not stated the oil is cold-pressed or hexane extracted
Product Specifications:
Brand | Pompeian |
Ingredient | 100% pure grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 24 Fl Oz, Pack of 6 (24 Fl Oz), 68 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14g: 1.5g Saturated fat, 10g Polyunsaturated fat, 2.5g Monounsaturated fat – Vitamin E: 3mg (25% Daily Value) |
Origin | France |
This is a short video about this product for your reference:
3. La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil
(Best Clean Flavor)
Cook palatable meals for your family with this La Tourangelle Grapeseed oil. With premium taste derived from the best quality ingredients, this oil level your cooking reputation.
No smell or taste could affect the natural taste of food, this oil works well in salad dressing or marinades, never overwhelming the other ingredients but letting fresh flavors shine.
What’s more? It’s very high smoke point makes La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil especially good for medium to high-temperature cooking, like stir-frying and sautéing.
Key Features:
- 100% pure grapeseed oil
- Expeller-pressed
- Non-GMO, Vegan, Organic, Kosher certificated, Gluten-free, BPA free
- High smoke point: up to 450°F
Pros
- Using French artisan techniques
- Three options of packing sizes
- Clean flavor for multiple uses
- Good for high-heating cooking
Cons
- It is a bit hard to pour the oil from the can
- There is a risk of the bottle being damaged during shipping
Product Specifications:
Brand | La Tourangelle |
Ingredient | 100% pure grapeseed oil, Expeller-pressed |
Packing size | Three sizes: 16.9 Fl Oz/ 25.4 Fl Oz/ 128 Fl Oz (one gallon) |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 130 Calories – Total fat 14g: 1g Saturated fat, 10g Polyunsaturated fat, 3g Monounsaturated fat |
Origin | Portugal or Chile |
4. Massimo Gusto 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil
(Best for Deep-Frying)
This oil of Massimo Gusto brand is one of the most natural pure and healthy oil expelled from the grape seeds after wine production. It has a light flavor and contains a high level of polyunsaturated fat.
It can also be heated up to 485°F, making it ideal for deep-frying, sautéing, grilling, stir-frying, and baking. However, you also need to ensure the duration for deep-frying your foods, like fish or meat, to guarantee your food safety.
With great moisturizing properties, this product is used popularly in massage therapy, cosmetics, skincare, and hair treatments. Coming as a gallon plastic container, it has a perfect size for a big family.
Key Features:
- 100% pure grapeseed oil
- Expeller pressed, fresh-packed
- Kosher Certified
- High smoke point: 485°F
Pros
- User new inductive sealing technology
- The odorless, delicate flavor
- Fabulous packing size for a big family
- Great for cooking, frying, cosmetics, and massages
- Cost-effective price
Cons
- Only available in a one-gallon jug
- Color changes due to seed varietal from time to time
Product Specifications:
Brand | Massimo Gusto |
Ingredient | 100% pure rapeseed oil, expeller pressed |
Packing size | 128 Fl Oz (one gallon) |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14g: 2g Saturated fat |
Origin | Italy |
5. Unpretentious Baker Grapeseed Oil
(Best for Chicken)
If you think your olive oil is too strong to use in certain food applications, I highly recommend this Unpretentious Baker Grapeseed Oil as an economical alternative.
Farmer-crafted and blended to perfection, Unpretentious Baker Grapeseed Oil offers the same quality and freshness as olive oils. Its clean, neutral-flavor tasting saves delicately flavored foods like fish or chicken from being overpowered. It also goes well with salad and marinade.
The oil is packed in a bulky container of 3 liters, so if you purchase this oil, you will not be disappointed at this deal.
Key Features:
- 100% pure grapeseed oil
- Cold-pressed and refined
- Preservative and cholesterol-free
- Vegan, Gluten-free, & Non-GMO certified
Pros
- Refined oil for the highest-quality
- Perfect for cooking, baking, and frying purposes
- Ideal packing size for a family
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only available in a 3-liter bottle
- Comes in a plastic bottle
Product Specifications:
Brand | Unpretentious Baker |
Ingredient | 100% pure grapeseed oil, expeller pressed |
Packing size | 101.4 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 140 Calories – Total fat 15g: 2g Saturated fat, 10g Polyunsaturated fat, 3g Monounsaturated fat – Vitamin E: 3mg (20% Daily Value) |
Origin | Not specified |
6. Colavita 100% Grapeseed Oil
(Best for Salad Dressing)
Pressed from 100% natural grape, Colavita oil yields remarkable properties. It is almost odorless, has a mild flavor, and contains a high level of polyunsaturated fat, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
It can also be heated up to 420°F, making it an ideal healthy cooking partner. The beauty of this oil is its color does not darken even after a few batches of frying. No smell or taste could affect the natural flavor of foods.
This product is retailed in two packing sizes, 25.5 fl oz and 32 fl oz for easy choosing.
Key Features:
- 100% grapeseed oil
- Two packing sizes: 25.5 fl oz and 32 fl oz
- Free of sodium and cholesterol
Pros
- Mild flavor, beautiful color
- Packed in secure bottles
- Perfect for use in salad dressings, mayonnaise
- Clear taste suitable for many use
Cons
- Costly
- Small packing sizes
Product Specifications:
Brand | Colavita |
Ingredient | 100% natural grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 25.5 Fl Oz, 32 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14g: 1.5 g Saturated fat, 10 g Polyunsaturated Fat, 2.5 g Monounsaturated Fat |
Origin | Not specified |
7. 365 by Whole Foods Market Grapeseed Oil
(Best for Baking)
365 by Whole Foods Market Grapeseed Oil is sourced from a longstanding, trusted supplier. There is no use of additional chemicals during pressing and production, leaving the expeller-pressed grapeseed oil with the highest quality and purity.
Pure and natural, this grapeseed oil from 365 by Whole Foods Market is great for many uses such as deep-frying, sautéing, baking, cooking, salad dressing, and addition to sauce and much more.
Key Features
- Expeller Pressed Grapeseed Oil
- High heat up to 415°F
- Sodium-Free
- Vegan, Kosher certified
- Non-GMO Project Verified
Pros
- Has a clean, light taste
- Expeller-pressed and free of any chemicals, and 100% natural
- Great for sautéing, baking, or frying
- Suitable for vegan dishes
Cons
- The bottle may be too small for big households
- The smoke point is lower than standard grapeseed oil
Product Specifications:
Brand | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
Ingredient | 100% refined grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 16.9 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 130 Calories – Total fat 14g: 2g Saturated fat, 10g Polyunsaturated fat, 2g Monounsaturated fat |
Origin | Not specified |
8. Iberia 100% Pure Grapeseed Oil
(Best Versatile)
Imported straight from Spain, Iberia grapeseed oil is free of preservatives and cholesterol and perfect for any cooking recipe. So if you love someone, use this oil to make various dinner delicacies for two to impress them. And I bet he/her will love you more.
This refined grapeseed oil is almost odorless. It has a delicate taste, minimal flavor that will never overpower the flavor of food while it’s cooking.
Moreover, the oil can safely handle temperatures of up to 485 without burning or smoke, making it a must-have when frying, sautéing, and baking.
This grapeseed extract oil is packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids, which helps preserve the moisture in aging skin and damaged hair.
Key Features:
- Preservative and cholesterol-free
- 100% Pure and natural grapeseed oil
- Sourced straight from Spain
Pros
- Naturally ingredient
- The light taste won’t overpower delicate food
- Perfect for pan-frying or deep-frying without smoking or burning
- Multi-purpose oil with a wide variety of uses
Cons
- The package size is quite small for a big family
- It is not non-GMO or gluten free certified
Product Specifications:
Brand | Iberia |
Ingredient | 100% pure grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 34 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14g: 1.4g Saturated fat, Tran fat 0.13g, 8.97g Polyunsaturated fat, 3.5g Monounsaturated fat |
Origin | Spain |
9. Golden Plate 100% Grapeseed Oil
(Best for Sautéing)
Like many other high-quality grapeseed oils, this product of Golden Plate comes from Spain and uses 100% pure grapeseed oil. With no additives, no artificial coloring, this oil ensures the most natural flavor and better-tasting food.
When it comes to the nutrition fact, each serving contains only 120 calories, mainly from burning 2g saturated fat, 9.3g polyunsaturated fat, and 3g monounsaturated fat.
So if you have dietary concerns and want to reduce the fat intake, the Golden Plate will help you not surpass the threshold that your nutritionist advises.
Key Features:
- 100% grapeseed oil
- Halal Kosher certified
- No additives, no artificial coloring
- Comes in a one-liter and two-liter plastic bottle
Pros
- Can be used for cosmetics, as a base oil and carrier oil
- Nice light flavor for sautéing
- 100% natural ingredient
- Easy to pour without spilling
Cons
- It is not stated the oil is cold-pressed or hexane extracted
- It is not non-GMO or gluten free certified
Product Specifications:
Brand | Golden Plate |
Ingredient | 100% grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 33.8 Fl Oz, 67.6 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14g: 2g Saturated fat, 9.3 g Polyunsaturated fat, 3g Monounsaturated fat |
Origin | Spain |
10. Sempio Grapeseed Oil
(Best Imported from Italy)
Sempio Grapeseed Oil is another premium product coming straight from Italy. Retailed at the higher end of the spectrum, it is what you could want for frying, a new must-have in your kitchen.
And as a product from Italy, Sempio Grapeseed Oil is perfect for your Italian dinner treats with pasta. Plus, as it is light and healthy, the oil can be used every day for medium to high-temperature cooking, from frying, baking, sautéing, to blending into a dressing or sauce.
High in polyunsaturated fat but low in saturated fat, this oil is a much healthier alternative for people at risk of heart disease.
Key Features:
- 100% grapeseed refined oil
- Product of Italy
- Totally natural
- Sodium-free
Pros
- It does not smoke while using it to fry
- Has a pleasant, mild taste
- Refined for high-temperature frying
- Low calorie, suitable for people on a diet.
- Made from Italian grape
Cons
- High-end price
- Small packing size
Product Specifications:
Brand | Sempio |
Ingredient | 100% refined grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 33.81 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact per serving | – 90 Calories – Total fat 9g: 1g Saturated fat |
Origin | Product of Italy |
11. Kirkland Signature Grape Seed Oil
(Best from France)
This is another product for lovers of grapeseed oil. Because of being crafted from 100% grapeseed oil, you can use it for multiple uses.
Firstly, this oil of Kirkland Signature can fry a large batch of food without scorching. Its flavor is also so light that you cannot taste it in your food.
Because the saturated fat level in the oil is deficient, it will not solidify in the refrigerator, making it ideal for salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. Furthermore, it is also certified as kosher.
Key Features:
- 100% natural grapeseed oil
- Packed in the US with oils from Argentina, France, and Spain
- Available in 2L (67.63 FL OZ) container
- Kosher certified
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Light, delicate flavor
- Perfect for deep frying and baking
- Available in three sizes for more choices
Cons
- It may not come well sealed; some oil spills out of the container
- It is not stated the oil is cold-pressed or hexane extracted
Product Specifications:
Brand | Kirkland Signature |
Ingredient | Grapeseed |
Packing size | 67.63 Fl Oz |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 120 Calories – Total fat 14g: 1.5g Saturated fat, 10g Polyunsaturated fat, 2.5g Monounsaturated fat |
Origin | France |
12. GrapeOla Grapeseed Oil, 3 Liter
(Best Authentic Product of Spain)
Pressed from the grapeseed, this oil has a light taste and a relatively high smoking point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, it takes more heat before burning on, so it is perfect for deep frying.
Another excellent benefit of this oil that many users reported is skincare. Applying a small amount of GrapeOla grapeseed oil on aging skin once a day will firm up loose skin as well as soften wrinkles and lines.
Being free of preservative and cholesterol, and vegan, kosher, Non-GMO, and gluten-free certified, this oil is a healthier alternative for people who are on diets.
Key Features:
- Authentic product of Spain
- Clean and light tasting
- High smoke point: up to 420°F
- Free of cholesterol and preservatives
- Vegan, Kosher, and gluten-free certified
Pros
- Clean, light taste
- Won’t burn, smoke, or splatter
- Can be blended into salad dressings and marinades
- Great for sautéing, baking, or frying
- Suitable for vegan dishes
Cons
- It is not stated the oil is cold-pressed or hexane extracted
- The larger container is not for small family
Product Specifications:
Brand | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
Ingredient | 100% grapeseed oil |
Packing size | 3 Liter |
Nutrition fact (per serving) | – 140 calories – Total fat 15g: 2g Saturated fat, 9g Polyunsaturated fat – Vitamin E 3mg (20% Daily Value) |
Origin | Authentic product of Spain |
How To Buy The Best Grapeseed Oils for Cooking?
Instead of grabbing the cheapest oil on the shelf, here’s what you need to know to choose the right one.
Extraction Method
As I have mentioned, the oils are extracted from the seeds of grapes by using either chemical solvents or chemical-free mechanical methods.
The flavor and fat in conventional oils extracted using chemical solvents (such as hexane) may be damaged and not good for our health.
Nowadays, therefore, most natural oils are either expeller-pressed or cold-pressed to preserves flavor and purity. And these expeller-pressed finish products are good oils to purchase.
Refined Versus Unrefined
Unrefined oils have a full, rich flavor, and are higher in nutrients and antioxidants that are removed during the refining process. However, unrefined oil has a much lower smoke point than refined oils, so it is not suitable for high-temperature cooking.
The refined version is nearly colorless and odorless but also lost many health benefits after the refining process. It also degrades and becomes rancid faster, because there are no longer any antioxidants present to preserve the oil freshness.
Packing Size
Like other vegetable oil, grapeseed oil can become rancid. Light and heat can generate free radicals that ruin your oil’s taste and quality over time.
So, do not use your grapeseed oil if it is in your stock for more than a year. Determine your family’s consuming demand and decide the appropriate package size to make sure you get through it all within a year.
To prolong the oil’s life, store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark pantry.
FAQs
If you are new to grapeseed oil, you might have some questions to ask. Here I will give the answer for four frequently asked questions for your reference.
My Top Pick
Every candidate on my list has its own advantages to win your choice. Anyway, I personally recommend the Baja Precious Grapeseed Oil because the oil is naturally expeller-pressed from the seed of grapes from Spain. It has a delicate taste, minimal flavor to go with every food.
I hope that my buying guide can help you choose the best grapeseed oil that meets your family’s needs. Leave your questions in the comment below. I will try my best to find answers for you.