Cold-Pressed vs Refined Oils: Understanding the Difference in Your Everyday Cooking

There are some kitchen purchases we barely think about. Cooking oil is often one of them. We reach for the familiar bottle, add it to the grocery list and carry on with the week’s meals.

But when you see “cold-pressed” and “refined” on different bottles, what do those words actually tell you? And what should you look for when choosing an oil for your kitchen? Understanding those terms can help you read the label more confidently and choose an oil that suits the food you enjoy cooking.

What is Cold-Pressed Oil?

Cold-pressed oil is extracted through mechanical methods, such as pressing, without the application of external heat. It may then be filtered or allowed to settle to separate out particles.

You’ll find cold-pressed oils made from different ingredients, including groundnuts, mustard seeds, sesame seeds and coconut.

For a closer look at the different varieties, explore Tata Nutrikorner’s guide to cold-pressed oils.

What is refined oil?

Refined oil goes through further processing after extraction. Depending on the oil and the process used, this can include steps that remove free fatty acids, reduce colour and remove compounds responsible for certain smells and flavours.

Cold pressing describes how an oil is extracted, while refining describes further processing. When comparing bottles, read the complete description, including whether the oil is labelled unrefined.

How to choose an oil for your everyday cooking

Start with what you actually cook

Think about the meals you make most often. Is your weekly routine built around dal and sabzi? Do you regularly make curries, sauté vegetables or follow recipes that call for a particular oil?

Use those dishes as your starting point. If a family recipe specifies an oil, consider whether its flavour is part of what makes that dish familiar. If you’re trying a different oil, start with one recipe so you can decide whether you like the result.

Decide how much flavour you want from the oil

In some dishes, the oil is part of the flavour you’re looking for. In others, you may prefer it to stay in the background.

Read the product’s description rather than assuming all cold-pressed oils taste the same. For example, Tata Simply Better Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil has a rich aroma and flavour.

Exploring Cold-Pressed Oils on Tata Nutrikorner

If you’d like to try a cold-pressed oil, begin with a variety that fits your existing cooking routine.

Explore the cold-pressed oils collection on Tata Nutrikorner, including Tata Simply Better groundnut, mustard and sesame oils. You can check the individual product descriptions and choose a bottle based on its ingredients and recommended uses.

Choosing an oil needn’t mean rethinking your entire kitchen. Start with what you cook, read the label and find a flavour that feels at home in your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between cold-pressed and refined oil?

Cold-pressed oil is extracted mechanically without applied external heat. Refined oil undergoes further processing after extraction, which generally makes its flavour and aroma milder.

Can cold-pressed oil be used for everyday cooking?

Check the specific product’s recommended uses. Some cold-pressed oils are described as suitable for daily cooking, including Tata Simply Better Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil.

Does cold-pressed mean the oil is only for salads?

No. The term refers to how the oil is extracted, rather than how it must be served. Follow the product’s usage guidance when deciding how to cook with it.