Why Cold-Pressed Oils Are Making a Comeback

Why Cold-Pressed Oils Are Making a Comeback

In an age of fast-paced processing and ultra-refined foods, a quiet revival is unfolding in Indian kitchens and global markets alike — the return of cold-pressed oils. Known to our grandparents as kacchi ghani oils, these golden elixirs are reclaiming their place for their purity, nutrient retention, and authenticity. What was once considered old-fashioned is now a symbol of conscious living and trust in food.

The Ancient Art of Extraction

Cold pressing isn’t new; it’s ancient. Long before industrial refining, communities across India used wooden or stone mills to extract oil from seeds like sesame, mustard, and groundnut. The process relied on mechanical pressure, not heat or chemicals, keeping the oil close to its natural form.

This slow, gentle method preserves bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and flavour that are often stripped away during refining. Modern cold-pressed oils use the same principle — mechanical expellers operating at temperatures below 50°C, ensuring minimal nutrient loss.

In contrast, refined oils undergo degumming, bleaching, and deodorising — processes that may enhance shelf life but can destroy delicate phytonutrients and alter taste. Cold-pressed oils, on the other hand, retain their characteristic aroma, taste, and natural colour — markers of authenticity and quality.

Purity Over Perfection

Today’s consumers are no longer chasing only convenience; they’re seeking transparency and traceability. The rise in adulteration scandals and synthetic additives has led many to question what truly lies inside a bottle of oil.

Cold-pressed oils answer that concern with simplicity. They are:

·   Free from chemical solvents like hexane, often used in industrial extraction.

·   Rich in natural antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols.

·   Less processed, which keeps the oil closer to its raw nutritional profile.

·   Flavourful, lending dishes a natural, earthy taste reminiscent of traditional cooking.

A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology highlights that cold-pressed oils show significantly higher antioxidant activity and lower trans-fat content compared to refined counterparts — making them more suitable for everyday wellness-focused cooking.

Consumer Trust and the “Natural” Shift

Health awareness and food literacy are changing how people shop. Labels like cold-pressed or wood-pressed are now shorthand for clean, honest, and minimally processed — values that resonate deeply with modern consumers.

In India, this shift also ties to cultural nostalgia. In many rural homes, families still extract oil locally, watching the slow churn of mustard or sesame seeds. It’s not just oil; it’s a connection to purity, to the soil, to tradition.

Globally, too, the demand is booming. According to Research, the cold-pressed oil market is expected to grow at over 8% annually, driven by increasing awareness about unrefined, chemical-free products and plant-based lifestyles.

Balancing Shelf Life and Nutrition

The one trade-off with cold-pressed oils is their shorter shelf life. Because they’re not chemically stabilised, they need careful storage — away from sunlight and heat. But that’s part of their charm. Their perishable nature reminds us that real food doesn’t last forever; it’s alive, dynamic, and should be consumed fresh.

For everyday cooking, experts recommend combining oils based on purpose: cold-pressed mustard or sesame for sautéing, groundnut for deep frying, and coconut for medium heat — ensuring balance between tradition and practicality.

The Revival Is Rooted in Trust

Cold-pressed oils represent more than a dietary shift — they’re a cultural and emotional return to trust, simplicity, and authenticity. They tell a story of slowing down, of valuing what’s real over what’s refined.

In a market flooded with “light” and “refined” labels, these oils remind us that nature’s version of purity doesn’t need enhancement — just respect. From the quiet wooden mills of old India to today’s modern kitchens, cold-pressed oils are making a comeback because purity never truly goes out of style.