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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
There are a lot of cooking oils to choose from, and each has certain benefits and reasons for using them. One of the major appeals of peanut oil is that it has a higher smoke point than others, so you can use it for high-heat cooking and deep-frying without worrying about the oil smoking and burning.
In addition to its high smoke point, peanut oil has a neutral flavor, making it very versatile and a great multipurpose oil to keep in the kitchen. To make choosing a peanut oil easier, we created this list, outlining the best peanut oils for cooking, baking, deep-frying, and even popcorn-making.
Here are the best peanut oils to have in your cupboard.
Best Overall
Oi! 8.4-Ounce Roasted Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Flavorful
Attractive branding
Free from GMOs, chemicals, and solvents
Expensive
Oi! Roasted Peanut Oil wins the top spot simply because of its taste. It starts with fresh, high-quality roasted peanuts that really make a big difference in the overall flavor profile of the finished product. Try it in something sweet like banana bread or something savory like Pad Thai—either way, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s free from all of the bad stuff—GMOs, chemicals, and solvents, so all you’re getting is well-extracted oil (done low and slow for best results) ripe for all of your cooking needs. It’s not quite as pungent as other roasted oils, so it’s still neutral enough for any medium-heat cooking.
The oil comes in a convenient 8.4-ounce jar that’s tall and slim. Stash it in the cabinet, or display the glass bottle next to your range.
Price at time of publish: $6
Size: 8.4 fluid ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 17
"Peanut oil has a high smoke point making it perfect for high heat cooking methods like sautéing, frying, or roasting. While refined peanut oil has a neutral flavor that compliments most dishes, green peanut oil has a rich nutty taste that adds an extra layer of flavor when used in a dressing for salads or other dishes." — Markita Lewis, MS, RD, Marketing and Communications Associate for the National Peanut Board
Best Organic
Spectrum Naturals High Heat Organic Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Can withstand higher heats
Kosher
Neutral enough for a wide range of uses
Lacks true peanut fragrance
Made of all organic ingredients, this high-quality peanut oil is the way to go if you prefer to stock your kitchen with the cleanest, healthiest ingredients. It’s made with 100 percent organic peanuts, and is certified non-GMO and kosher as a nice bonus.
And because this oil is refined and processed mechanically, it can withstand higher heat (up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit) than your average peanut oil. It also has a more neutral taste that complements just about any dish, from roasted vegetables and stir fried chicken to muffins and more. At the end of the day, it’s a pure oil that’s perfect for all kitchen applications.
Price at time of publish: $11
Size: 16 fluid ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 32
Best Budget
Happy Belly 1-Gallon Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Large size that won’t run out quickly
Stands up to very high heat
Very economical
Packaging tends to leak
Not particularly sophisticated
Amazon has officially entered the food production world with its brand Happy Belly. And in true Amazon fashion, this peanut oil comes at a price that’s unmatched by its competitors. There are no frills, like organic peanuts or special cold-pressing techniques, but if you’re looking for a good-tasting peanut oil without any fillers, this is it.
Since it’s refined, Happy Belly Peanut Oil has a neutral taste and stands up really well to high heat, making it a great multipurpose cooking oil. And it comes in a convenient 1-gallon size, so you can stock up at a great price. And even if you’re frying in big batches, you won’t be constantly restocking, adding to the great value you’re getting here.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 256
"My favorite thing about peanut oil is that it is versatile enough to use in any cuisine and I don’t have to worry about the flavor of the oil overpowering the foods I cook." — Markita Lewis, MS, RD, Marketing and Communications Associate for the National Peanut Board
Best Unrefined
365 by Whole Foods Market Roasted Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Affordable
Easy to find
Aromatic
Smaller bottle
If you’re looking for an unrefined peanut oil with a more peanut-y taste, this bottle from 365, a company owned by Whole Foods, is a great choice. The oil is expeller pressed with unrefined peanuts, which means the press physically pushes the oil out of the nuts. This results in a heat-stable, highly aromatic, unrefined peanut oil that lends a traditional nutty flair to any dish.
Beyond flavor, a nice bonus of this peanut oil is how widely available it is. You can stock it via your Amazon order online, or you can find it in any Whole Foods store. So even though the bottle is on the small side, you’ll never want for more.
Price at time of publish: $5
Size: 8.4 fluid ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 17
Best Cold Pressed
Daana Cold-Pressed Organic Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Organic and unrefined
Great aroma and taste
Attractive bottle
Expensive
If you want to stock the best of the best, you can feel really good about the peanut oil from Daana. The oil is made from organic ingredients that are sustainably-grown on family owned farms, so you know the resulting oil is not only high quality, but the workers producing it are treated fairly. What’s more, the products are manufactured with the environment in mind—all packaging is designed thoughtfully to lower carbon emissions.
The oil itself is cold-pressed from heirloom seed peanuts and unrefined without any chemical processing to ensure the flavor and aroma remains intact. What you get is a sophisticated peanut oil worthy of the price tag. The glass bottle is also well-designed and free from any obtrusive labels, so you won’t mind placing this one right on your counter or open shelving.
Price at time of publish: $13
Size: 12 ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 23
"The best way to determine which peanut oil to use depends on what dish you plan to make. If you are looking to get more of the nutrients and flavor of peanut oil, then I recommend looking for unrefined or pressed peanut oils." — Markita Lewis, MS, RD, Marketing and Communications Associate for the National Peanut Board
Best for Frying a Turkey
LouAna 3-Gallon Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Large size that won’t run out quickly
Stands up to very high heat
No additives
Not particularly sophisticated
Not ideal for everyday cooking
If you haven’t yet tried deep-frying a turkey, LouAna Peanut Oil is the standout choice to get you started. The non-GMO oil was specifically formulated for really high-heat cooking.
Unlike the other options on this list, it does have additional ingredients, namely an anti-foaming agent that the company claims helps keep the oil from bubbling over and spilling out of the pot and onto the burner. Due to this, it’s not the ideal choice for everyday cooking, but it's helpful for when you're frying a turkey. And with its 3-gallon size, there’s no need to buy multiple bottles to get the job done—always a nice bonus, especially when you’re doing a shop as big as the one you do for group dinners like Thanksgiving.
Price at time of publish: $50
Size: 3 gallons (384 fluid ounces) | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 768
Best Roasted
La Tourangelle Roasted Peanut Oil
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Amazon
Attractive bottle
Great taste and aroma
Made with slow-roasted peanuts
Can sometimes gets dented in transit
There’s just something about the La Tourangelle Roasted Peanut Oil that feels fancy—you know it if you’ve used any of the brand’s popular flavored oils. We’re not sure if it’s the French name, or the attractive packaging they’re known for, but more likely it's the taste. The peanut oil from La Tourangelle hinges on slow-roasted peanuts that are grown in the USA to create an artisanal oil that pairs well with any dish, sweet or savory
The delicate, nutty taste of this peanut oil is ideal for high-heat cooking and baking, but it’s also great for making homemade peanut butter. Since it has a rich, roasted flavor, it’s also prime for drizzling over roasted vegetables or as a finishing oil on any other favorite dish.
Price at time of publish: $10
Sizes: 8.4 fluid ounces, 16.9 fluid ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Servings Per Container: 17, 33
The Oi! Roasted Peanut Oil is a great all-around choice. It's made with fresh, high-quality roasted peanuts, something you can taste in the finished product. If you want to splurge on cold-pressed oil, the Daana Cold-Pressed Organic Peanut Oil has a great taste to finish any dish.
What to Look for When Buying Peanut Oil
Varieties
There are several varieties of peanut oil, and each has a different use. Refined peanut oil is the most common. The refining process creates a more neutral taste, removes allergens, meaning anyone with a peanut allergy can consume it. "It is safe to consume because the peanut protein is processed in a way that removes the proteins that cause allergic reactions," says Markita Lewis, MS, RD, Marketing and Communications Associate for the National Peanut Board. She adds that you should read the label carefully to decipher if it is refined or not. This type of oil also has the highest smoke point (averaging 450 degrees Fahrenheit), making it ideal for high-heat cooking.
Unrefined (or virgin) peanut oil has a nuttier flavor and lower smoke point. Similar to olive oil, it's best for medium heat, up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For even more taste and low-heat uses, roasted peanut oil is a good option for dressings, sauces, or drizzling over foods. Cheaper peanut oil may be blended with other types of oil.
Additives
For the purest option, look for 100 percent peanut oil on the label. Some peanut oil includes preservatives, such as TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) and citric acid. Others may also have an antifoaming agent, which can make deep-frying cleaner because the oil won't bubble as much as regular peanut oil.
Packaging
Peanut oil can be purchased in large or small containers. Refined peanut oil is often sold in larger quantities, which makes it an economical choice for frying. The gourmet peanut oils—virgin and roasted—are typically available in smaller bottles, some of which look great sitting on the countertop.
FAQs
How is peanut oil made?
Peanut oil is also called groundnut oil because the peanut is a variety of groundnut and member of the legume family. After harvest, peanuts intended for peanut oil are sent to special manufacturing plants where they're shelled and prepared for pressing. In the press, the peanuts undergo extreme pressure to extract the oils. Cold-pressed peanut oil is produced at low temperatures to retain more flavor and nutrients. Most refined peanut oil is hot-pressed at very high temperatures. This increases the amount of extracted oil and produces oil that can withstand higher cooking temperatures.
What is the shelf life of peanut oil?
Unopened peanut oil has a shelf life of up to two years when stored in a cool, dark place. Once you open the container, plan to use it within six months for the best results. You can also reuse deep-frying peanut oil as long as it doesn't get heated above the oil's smoke point. Be sure to filter out any food particles. Keep it in a sealed container, preferably in the refrigerator, for up to six months.
What's a good substitute for peanut oil?
How you intend to use the peanut oil determines what type of oil works best as a substitute. You want a similar neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point for deep-frying, such as refined canola oil. High-temp oils like avocado or sunflower oils will work, but they're more expensive and not very economical. Peanut oil is popular in Asian cuisine, and for stir-frying, vegetable or canola oil are both suitable substitutes. If you want to replace peanut oil in low-heat, small-volume applications, you might try avocado, coconut, or olive oil. These will change the taste of your food, and olive oil is the most neutral of the three.
How We Selected
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best peanut oils on the market, evaluating their key features—like origins, added ingredients, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage-testing experience. She’s developed over 1,000 original recipes and is constantly on a mission to find the healthiest, best-tasting options and ingredients across all food and drink categories.
Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She updated this article to include the most up-to-date information.
Sources
- Markita Lewis, MS, RD, Marketing and Communications Associate for the National Peanut Board
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