10 Best Sesame Oil Brands - A Guide to Choosing the Right One
If you're looking for a high-quality sesame oil to enhance your cooking or add a nutty depth to your favorite dishes, you're in the right place! Sesame oil is a versatile ingredient used in Asian cuisine, known for its unique flavor and various health benefits.
Whether you’re drizzling it over a salad or adding it to a stir-fry, choosing the best sesame oil can make a big difference. Below, I'll guide you through the top 10 sesame oil brands to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen.
What is Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds and has been a staple in Asian cooking for centuries. There are two main types of sesame oil: light and toasted.
Light sesame oil is pressed from raw sesame seeds and has a mild flavor, while toasted sesame oil, made from roasted seeds, offers a deep, nutty aroma and taste. It’s widely used in stir-frying, dressings, marinades, and even for skincare.
What are the Health Benefits of Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil is more than just a flavorful ingredient—it’s packed with nutrients. Rich in healthy fats, specifically omega-6 fatty acids, it promotes heart health and may help lower cholesterol.
Sesame oil also contains antioxidants like sesamol and sesaminol, which protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. It’s even been linked to improved skin health, thanks to its moisturizing properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Potential Health Risks of Sesame Oil
While sesame oil is generally considered healthy, it's important to be aware of potential risks. Since it's high in omega-6 fatty acids, consuming too much could upset the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 in your diet, which may increase inflammation.
Also, people with sesame allergies should avoid sesame oil, as it can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Moderation is key!
How We Chose the Top 10 Best Sesame Oil Brands
Choosing the best sesame oil comes down to several factors: flavor, sourcing, quality of ingredients, and price. We’ve tried and tested these brands to ensure a mix of well-established favorites and hidden gems.
Whether you prefer a robust toasted sesame oil or a more delicate light oil, each brand on this list has something unique to offer.
1. Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil
Kadoya is one of the most well-known sesame oil brands, and for good reason. Their pure sesame oil is made from roasted sesame seeds, giving it a rich, deep flavor that's perfect for Asian cuisine. The oil has a dark amber color and a distinct aroma that will instantly elevate your stir-fries, noodles, and salads.
What I love about Kadoya is its consistent quality. Every bottle I've used has delivered the same robust flavor, making it my go-to for adding a nutty kick to my dishes. It's also reasonably priced for the quality, which is a huge plus for home cooks who use sesame oil regularly.
Pros: Rich flavor, affordable, widely available.
Cons: Might be too strong for those who prefer a milder taste.
2. Kevala Organic Sesame Oil
Kevala's organic sesame oil is a fantastic option for those looking for a high-quality, unrefined oil. Made from organic sesame seeds, this oil is cold-pressed to retain its natural nutrients and delicate flavor. It's perfect for those who prefer a lighter sesame oil for salad dressings or gentle sautéing.
The fact that it’s organic and cold-pressed gives Kevala a leg up in terms of health benefits, as the oil retains more of the sesame seed’s antioxidants and healthy fats. Plus, its light taste doesn’t overpower dishes, making it versatile for various recipes.
Pros: Organic, cold-pressed, light flavor.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than other brands.
3. Spectrum Naturals Organic Sesame Oil
Spectrum Naturals offers a USDA-certified organic sesame oil that stands out for its purity and flavor. This expeller-pressed oil comes from carefully sourced organic sesame seeds, making it a healthier choice for those who prioritize sustainability and quality.
The oil has a smooth, mild flavor that works well in both Asian dishes and general cooking. I often use Spectrum for pan-frying or baking, as it holds up well under heat and adds a subtle, nutty undertone to my meals.
Pros: Organic, expeller-pressed, versatile.
Cons: Mild flavor might not satisfy those looking for a stronger sesame taste.
4. La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil
La Tourangelle is a premium brand known for its high-quality artisan oils, and their toasted sesame oil is no exception. This oil is made in small batches, ensuring a rich, toasted flavor that really shines in salads and marinades. It has a slightly smoky, nutty flavor that adds depth to dishes without overwhelming them.
What sets La Tourangelle apart is the quality of their roasting process, which brings out the perfect balance of flavor without any bitterness. I love using this oil to finish off stir-fries or to drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Pros: Artisan quality, rich flavor.
Cons: Higher price point.
5. Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil
Banyan Botanicals offers an organic sesame oil that’s ideal for both cooking and skincare. Sourced from organically grown sesame seeds, this oil is perfect for those looking for a multi-purpose product. The oil is unrefined and retains the seed’s natural aroma and nutrients, making it a staple in Ayurvedic practices.
In the kitchen, Banyan Botanicals sesame oil has a smooth, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with lighter dishes. It’s especially great for low-heat cooking and dressings. I’ve also used it as a massage oil, and its moisturizing properties are fantastic.
Pros: Organic, versatile for cooking and skincare.
Cons: Not ideal for high-heat cooking.
6. Eden Foods Organic Sesame Oil
Eden Foods offers a robust, organic sesame oil that’s perfect for high-heat cooking. Cold-pressed and unrefined, this oil retains the seed's natural flavors while still being light enough for frying or stir-frying. Eden Foods is known for its commitment to organic farming, so you can trust the quality of their products.
This oil has a neutral, slightly nutty flavor that blends well with a wide range of dishes. I often use it in baking, as it adds just the right amount of richness without being overpowering.
Pros: Organic, suitable for high-heat cooking.
Cons: Flavor is quite mild.
7. Napa Valley Naturals Organic Sesame Oil
Napa Valley Naturals produces an organic sesame oil that’s ideal for gourmet cooking. Made from expeller-pressed, organic sesame seeds, this oil has a light, buttery flavor that complements delicate dishes. It’s especially good for salad dressings or drizzling over grilled fish or vegetables.
I appreciate how Napa Valley Naturals focuses on sustainability and organic farming practices, ensuring that their products are as eco-friendly as they are delicious. It’s a great option for anyone looking to elevate their home-cooked meals.
Pros: Organic, sustainable, light flavor.
Cons: Not as strong as toasted sesame oils.
8. Flora Organic Sesame Oil
Flora offers an organic sesame oil that’s cold-pressed and unrefined, making it one of the healthiest options on the list. It has a slightly nutty flavor but is mild enough to be used in a variety of cooking methods. Flora prides itself on producing oils with minimal processing, preserving the seed’s natural nutrients.
This is a great oil to use if you want to incorporate sesame oil into your daily cooking without adding too much flavor. It works well in smoothies, salad dressings, and even as a base for homemade skincare products.
Pros: Organic, unrefined, mild taste.
Cons: Might be too light for certain dishes.
9. Roland Pure Sesame Oil
Roland’s pure sesame oil is a pantry staple for many households. Made from roasted sesame seeds, it has a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for Asian-inspired dishes. This oil has a bold taste, and a little goes a long way in enhancing stir-fries, noodles, or even soups.
What I like most about Roland’s sesame oil is its versatility. It’s great for both cooking and finishing dishes, making it a well-rounded choice for home cooks looking for flavor and quality.
Pros: Bold flavor, affordable.
Cons: Might be too strong for those used to lighter oils.
10. Chosen Foods 100% Pure Sesame Oil
Chosen Foods offers a 100% pure sesame oil that’s ideal for those looking for a straightforward, high-quality product. It’s light and versatile, making it perfect for everything from sautéing to salad dressings. The oil is cold-pressed to retain its natural flavor and nutrients.
Chosen Foods stands out for its commitment to sourcing non-GMO ingredients, which is a plus for health-conscious consumers. I’ve found this oil to be a reliable option when I want to add a mild sesame flavor without overwhelming a dish.
Pros: Non-GMO, versatile, mild flavor.
Cons: Not as robust as toasted sesame oils.
With so many sesame oil options available, finding the right one can be tricky. Whether you're looking for a robust, toasted flavor or a lighter, versatile oil, these 10 brands offer the best in terms of flavor, quality, and versatility.