Cold Pressed Oil vs Expeller Pressed: What’s Best for Your Health?

August 5, 2025

Cold Pressed Oil vs Expeller Pressed Oil

Cold-pressed oil is extracted at low temperatures (below 49°C or 120°F) without chemicals, preserving nutrients, flavor, and antioxidants.
Expeller-pressed oil is extracted using high pressure, generating heat that may degrade the oil’s nutritional quality and taste.
The key difference is the temperature and processing method, which affects health benefits, purity, and flavor.

Why the Oil You Cook With Matters

In a world where clean eating is becoming essential, the oil you use in your kitchen directly impacts your health. Whether you’re cooking for kids, managing weight, or simply aiming for a chemical-free lifestyle — understanding the difference between cold pressed oils and refined or expeller-pressed oils can help you make smarter food choices.

What Are Cold Pressed Oils?

Cold-pressed oils (also called wood-pressed oils) are extracted using a slow mechanical process with wooden or stone presses at room or low temperatures. This method avoids the use of high heat or chemicals, helping retain the oil’s:

Natural aroma
Full nutrient profile
Healthy fatty acids and antioxidants

Popular Cold Pressed Oils in India:

These oils are ideal for cooking, baby food, skincare, oil pulling, and even Ayurvedic use.

What Are Expeller Pressed Oils?

Expeller-pressed oils are extracted using a screw press that generates heat through friction. Though it’s a natural method, the temperature can rise above 120°C, causing loss of flavor and nutrients.

In contrast, expeller pressed oils undergo chemical processing with solvents like hexane, followed by bleaching and deodorizing to increase shelf life — making them look clean but lacking in nutrition.

Cold Pressed vs Expeller Pressed Oil – Comparison Chart

Feature	Cold Pressed Oil	Expeller / Refined Oil
Extraction Temp	Below 49°C (120°F)	Up to or above 120°C
Nutrient Retention	High	Medium to low
Chemicals Used	None	Often used in refined oils
Aroma & Flavor	Natural & earthy	Neutral or absent
Shelf Life	Moderate	Long (due to preservatives)
Ideal For	Indian cooking, baby food, skincare	Deep frying, commercial use

Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils

1. Preserves Nutrients

Cold-pressed oils retain natural antioxidants, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids — which support heart, skin, and brain health.

2. No Harmful Chemicals

No preservatives, no deodorizers, and no solvents — just pure, clean oil.

3. Supports Natural Farming

Often sourced from farms practicing organic or sustainable agriculture.

4. Great for Indian Cooking

Perfect for tadkas, stir-fries, and traditional dishes like pongal, upma, dal, and baby food.

5. Safe for All Ages

Cold-pressed oils are safe for babies, elders, and people with allergies or digestive issues.

Why Avoid Refined Oils?

May contain chemical residues
Stripped of natural nutrients
High in unhealthy trans fats
Linked to health risks like inflammation, obesity, and heart disease

Where to Buy Cold Pressed Oils in India?

NaturelyPure.in offers a handpicked range of:

Cold pressed oils (Groundnut, Mustard, Coconut)
Bilona A2 Ghee from indigenous cows
Organic millets like Foxtail Millet, Little Millet, Kodo, and Barnyard

Our products are farm-to-fork, chemical-free, and made in small batches to ensure freshness and purity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between cold pressed oil and expeller pressed oil?

Cold pressed oil is extracted at low temperatures using a wooden or stone press to preserve nutrients. Expeller-pressed oil involves mechanical pressure that generates heat, which can reduce its nutritional quality.

Are cold pressed oils healthier than expeller pressed oils?

Yes. Cold pressed oils are free from chemicals and retain natural antioxidants, making them a healthier choice than expeller pressed oils.

How long do cold pressed oils last?

Typically 6–12 months when stored in a cool, dark place. Since they’re preservative-free, freshness matters.

Can cold pressed oil be used for kids?

Absolutely. Use in porridges, snacks, and ghee recipes to support growing children with clean fats and vitamins.

Can I cook Indian food with cold pressed oil?

Yes. Mustard and sesame oil are widely used for Indian tadkas, while coconut and groundnut oil are great for frying and sautéing.

Make the Switch Today

When it comes to cold pressed oil vs expeller pressed, the choice is clear. Cold pressed oils offer a cleaner, more nutritious alternative to refined oils — especially when paired with Bilona A2 Ghee and natural grains like millets.