What is neutral oil? Which is best to use in recipes that call for it? Here’s what we recommend and why.
Are you preparing a recipe that calls for neutral oil and you don’t know what to use? Baking recipes like our healthy banana muffins or banana bread call for this type of oil. What is that? A neutral oil is an edible oil that has a neutral vegetable or grapeseed flavor. This sets them apart from more flavored oils like olive oil and avocado oil. These oils are often not used in baking due to their strong flavor.
When preparing a recipe that calls for neutral oil, which one should you use? Here are our top recommendations.
Best neutral oil for cooking
1. Grapeseed Oil.
The best neutral oil? grape seed. We prefer grapeseed oil as it is naturally produced. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. Grapeseed oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be a heart-friendly option, butter, margarine, or shortening (read more about grapeseed oil nutrition).
2. Organic vegetable oil or canola oil.
The neutral oil you may already have in your pantry is vegetable oil or canola oil. These are great for most cooking and baking needs. Look for organic versions to ensure the best quality.
3. “Light” olive oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil (in a pinch).
Light olive oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil are mildly flavored oils, although they have a stronger flavor than grapeseed oil or vegetable oil. They will definitely work, however, and flavor likely won’t make a huge impact on the overall recipe.
Related Recipes
Here are some recipes that use these types of oils:
