If you’re feeling unenthused about making changes to your favourite spread, we have some good news for you: some of the best tasting peanut butters in our latest test were supermarket own-brand products – so you can save on money, and still savour the flavour.Ìý

Whether you’re team smooth or team crunchy, these are the best peanut butters for your budget and your tastebuds.Ìý

Best supermarket-brand smooth peanut butter

Coles Peanut Butter Smooth

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 83% (Recommended)
• Price per 100g: $0.70

This is a pretty big deal, people. Not only is Coles’ smooth peanut butter the best supermarket-brand smooth variety, but it’s also the top scoring smooth peanut butter overall!Ìý

It came in well ahead of the heavy hitters of the peanut butter kingdom such as Bega and Sanitarium, and even cult/boutique brands including Pic’s, Byron Bay and Ridiculously Delicious.Ìý

Best supermarket-brand crunchy peanut butter

Aldi Oh So Natural

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 85% (Recommended)
• Price per 100g: $0.88

Not only did Aldi’s Oh So Natural top the class of supermarket own brands, but it very nearly took out the top spot of all the brands we tested.Ìý

The top scoring product, Bega Simply Nuts Crunchy, scored 87%, while Aldi tied for second place with Sanitarium Natural Crunchy with a score of 85%.Ìý

That’s a big deal for a supermarket own-brand product – although Aldi does tend to punch above its weight in many of our tests.Ìý

At 88 cents per 100g, it’s not the cheapest supermarket peanut butter – but it is the cheapest 100% peanut product we tested.Ìý

Its lack of added sugar and salt means its Health Star Rating is 5 and it’s super low in sugars and sodium too.Ìý

Many peanut butters rely on the addition of sugar, salt, vegetable oil and other additives to make them taste ‘better’, so for a 100% peanut product to taste better than products with added sugar and salt is an impressive feat.Ìý

Although the Oh So Natural crunchy wowed our experts, the smooth version was deemed underwhelming: it scored just 50% for taste. It was redeemed somewhat by its nutrition score (a Health Star Rating of 5), but even that couldn’t save it from a lacklustre overall score of 60%.Ìý

What about Woolworths?

Unfortunately, Woolworths’ peanut butter products couldn’t hold a candle to those from Aldi and Coles.Ìý

Woolworths Peanut Butter Smooth came in at 77%, a fair way behind Coles’ winning product, but just ahead of Aldi’s other smooth peanut butter, Bramwells. And Woolworths’ crunchy peanut butter sits quite a way down the food chain, scoring just 65%.Ìý

Is Woolies’ organic any better?

In a word – no. If you’re planning to go organic, don’t go to Woolies for its house-brand organic peanut butter: our expert taste testers gave it a taste score of just 27%!Ìý

It was second last only to Bega’s Light Peanut Spread, a low-fat peanut butter pretender that’s full of maltodextrin and light on actual peanuts – a very poor reflection on Woolies’ peanut butter, which is 100% peanuts with nothing else added. How did they manage to get it so very wrong?

Our expert testers’ reactions to the Woolies peanut butter were brutal: “This was terrible”, “Smells like plastic”, “Would not be happy with this purchase”.

If you shop at Woolworths and you’re a smooth peanut butter household, switching from a brand-name peanut butter to Woolworths’ house brand isn’t a bad way to go. But you might want to switch supermarket allegiances if you’re a household that prefers the crunchy kind.

The post Aldi vs Woolworths vs Coles: The cheapest and best peanut butters appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Is peanut butter good for you?
• Which peanut butters are best?
• What are hi-oleic peanuts?
• Which peanut butters are low in sugar?
• What is powdered peanut butter?
• Is peanut butter an ethical choice?

We conducted aÌýÌýto see who was team smooth and who was team crunchy and found that out of 88 people, 71% prefer the crunchy stuff. For those who want the best of both worlds, Mayver’s even offers a smooth and crunchy peanut butter mix called ‘smunchy’.

But with so many options, how do you choose which peanut butter to buy? We compared the ingredients, nutrients and label claims of 47 peanut butter products sold in supermarkets in order to develop this guide.

Is peanut butter good for you?

Peanuts have numerous nutritional benefits: they’re packed with protein, contain significant amounts of fibre and monounsaturated fats, and are rich in heart-healthy polyphenols and a range of vitamins and minerals. However, peanut butter isn’t always just peanuts – many peanut butters contain added sugar, salt and other additives.

Due to their high fat content (albeit predominantly ‘good’ fats), nuts are also high in kilojoules, so it’s probably best not to devour half a jar of peanut butter in one sitting. The recommended serving size for nuts is 30g per day, which can include nut butters or pastes (preferably with no added salt or sugar). That’s about one-and-a-half tablespoons of peanut butter.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Choosing products that are 100% peanuts will help you avoid added nutritional nasties, and get you more nutty nutrients.

Which peanut butters are best?

We put 14 popular brands and 47 peanut butter products to the test to see which ones not only taste the best but are also better for you. As per our ÌÇÐÄVlog Community poll, crunchy scored better than smooth in most aspects!

Best crunchy peanut butter

Bega Simply Nuts Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 87%

Taste test score: 84%

Price: $9.00 for 650g ($1.38 per 100g)

Good to know: Our highest performing peanut butter in this test. 99.5% peanuts and made in Australia with 100% Australian ingredients. It spreads well on soft white bread for crunchy peanut butter.

Tasting notes: “Smells like roasted nuts”. “Beautiful texture and colour, just needs a bit more salt”. “Chunks of roasted nuts”.

Best crunchy, natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)

Sanitarium Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 85%

Taste test score: 82%

Price: $3.50 for 325g ($1.08 per 100g)

Good to know: 100% peanuts, 0% Australian ingredients.

Tasting notes: “Nice roasted salty, crunchy sweet”. “This would be amazing with some salt”.

Best smooth peanut butter

Coles Smooth Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 83%

Taste test score: 83%Ìý

Price: $3.50 for 500g ($0.70 per 100g)Ìý

Good to know: 85% peanuts, less than 10% Australian ingredients and has 7.6g sugar per 100g. It’s difficult to spread on soft white bread as it’s quite thick.

Tasting notes: “Smooth, not too much oil”. “Smells wonderful”.

Best smooth, natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)

Sanitarium Smooth Natural Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating:Ìý79%

Taste test score: 73%

Price: $3.50 for 375g ($0.93 per 100g)

Good to know: 100% peanuts, 0% Australian ingredients. Spreads well on soft white bread.

Tasting notes: “Sticky with a sweet nuttiness”. “Smells great, like roasted nuts, very glossy but not oily”. “Runny”.

Which peanut butters contain the most peanuts?Ìý

Many peanut butters sold in supermarkets contain ingredients other than peanuts, including added sugar and salt, so they vary when it comes to nutritional value.

Nine of the peanut butters we tested contain 100% peanuts:

• Sanitarium Natural Peanut Butter Smooth
• Mayver’s Smunchy Peanut Butter Unsalted
• Sanitarium Natural Peanut Butter Crunchy
• Bega Peanut Butter Simply Nuts No Added Salt
• Aldi Oh So Natural Wholefoods Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Aldi Oh So Natural Wholefoods Smooth Peanut Butter
• Coles Organic Peanut Butter Crunchy
• Byron Bay SmoothNo Added Salt
• Byron Bay Crunchy No Added Salt
• Woolworths Macro Organic Smooth Peanut Butter.

Most of the peanut butter products on supermarket shelves contain at least 85% peanuts, but Bega Light products contain only 62%.Ìý

The ‘light’ refers to the product being 25% less fat, but the trade-off is you get a product that’s about 25% less peanuts and padded out with a starch called maltodextrin, which is generally used as a thickener or filler to increase the volume of a processed food.Ìý

We asked , what his thoughts were on swapping the natural fats in peanuts with starches like maltodextrin.Ìý

“[Maltodextrin] is refined, it has no nutrients – what nutrients are being replaced?”Ìý

Dr Barclay says there is a lack of clear labelling when it comes to what’s been added to our food, and he stresses the need for starches and added sugars to be separate on the nutrition information panel so we know exactly what we’re getting.

What are hi-oleic peanuts?

Some peanut butters claim to be made from ‘hi-oleic’ peanuts, which have been grown to have different types of fats than normal peanuts. These nuts have more oleic fatty acid or the same fat found in olive oil. This oil has a longer shelf life and is said to have a better flavour.

Hi-oleic peanuts have around 80% of their fats made up of oleic fatty acid, whereas normal peanuts have about 50%. This is good because oleic fat is a monounsaturated fat which is good for your heart. Another benefit is that hi-oleic peanuts have less saturated fat, and replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat can decrease bad cholesterol in the body.

Of the 47 peanut butters we looked at, four contain hi-oleic peanuts:

• Byron Bay Peanut Butter Crunchy
• Byron Bay Peanut Butter Smooth
• Pic’s Peanut Butter Crunchy
• Pic’s Peanut Butter Smooth.

There was only a little difference in the saturated fat content of these hi-oleic peanut butters compared to the other peanut butters. In addition to this, Pic’s website claims that their peanut butter is high in fibre and protein, but we found there was no real difference here either compared to the other peanut butters we tested.Ìý

So what about the taste? Pic’s claim that “the slight flavour nuances really give our peanut butter an edge”, but with an average taste test score of 59%, this doesn’t appear to be the case.

Which peanut butters are low in sugar?

A third of the products we looked at contain added sugar, so if you’re keen to avoid it, check the ingredients list for sugar (or molasses, in products labelled ‘American style’).Ìý

Aldi Bramwells Smooth Peanut Butter contains 13.6g of sugar per 100g, which is the most of the 47 products we reviewed. That’s 2.7g per serve, or more than half a teaspoon of sugar per serve (if you’re sticking to one tablespoon of peanut butter in a sitting).

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip:ÌýLook for products with no added sugar or molasses. Of the products we looked at, 13 fell into this category.

Which peanut butters are low salt?

Peanuts and salt go hand in hand so it’s not surprising that almost three quarters of the peanut butters we looked at have salt added to them. But consuming too much salt can result in high blood pressure, so it’s best to limit the amount we eat. It’s no surprise that the Bega Light peanut butters have more salt in them, possibly to add more flavour.Ìý

Bega Light peanut butter has over 600mg of sodium per 100g and 138mg per serve. This may not mean much alone, but if you were eating a peanut butter sandwich made with white bread, this adds up to about 443mg of sodium.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip:ÌýLook for products that have 120mg or less sodium per 100g, which is considered to be ‘low salt’ according to the food standards code. Of the products we looked at, 15 are low in salt.

What is powdered peanut butter?

Powdered peanut butter is made by pressing the natural oils out of peanuts then grinding them to make a powder. This produces a peanut flour lower in fat and kilojoules with only 43% of the kilojoules per serve compared to regular peanut butter, which is helpful for those watching their weight who still want to enjoy peanut butter. To make it up as a peanut butter equivalent spread, just add water and stir. Or alternatively, add it to smoothies or your morning oats.

Is powdered peanut butter the same as peanut flour?

Peanut flour and powdered peanut butter are essentially the same thing. However, powdered peanut butter has added salt, sugar and other additives to make it taste similar to regular peanut butter.

We taste tested three powdered peanut butters, with two made in Australia (albeit from less than 10% Australian ingredients).Ìý

Macro Mikes Powdered Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 43%

Taste test score: 29%

Good to know: Made in Australia from less than 10% Australian ingredients.

Tasting notes: “Very sweet, stevia bitter, peanut butter fluff”. “Wood putty”. “Chemical and artificial sweetness”.

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 42%

Taste test score: 28%

Good to know: Made in the USA.

Tasting notes:Ìý“All wrong!” “Seaweed notes, salty sweet”. “Is there peanut butter in this?”

Marmadukes Powdered Peanut Butter

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 42%

Taste test score: 27%

Good to know: Made in Australia from less than 10% Australian ingredients.

Tasting notes: “Smells like chemical coffee, bubblegum, chemicals. Weird”. “Very smooth and creamy”. “Terrible – like wet playdough”.

Which peanut butters are 100% Australian?

Many of the peanut butter products made in Australia use only a small proportion of Australian-grown peanuts, if any.Ìý

The only peanut butters we bought that contain 100% Australian ingredients are:

• Ridiculously Delicious Peanut Butter Chunky Crunch
• Ridiculously Delicious Peanut Butter Crazy Crunch
• Ridiculously Delicious Peanut Butter Super Smooth
• Bega Simply Nuts The Crunchiest Natural Peanut Butter
• Bega Simply Nuts Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter
• Bega Simply Nuts Smooth Natural Peanut Butter
• Byron Bay Smooth Peanut Butter No Added Salt
• Byron Bay Crunchy Peanut Butter No Added Salt.

Beware of confusing origin claims

Watch out for misleading claims that appear to indicate the product is more local than what it actually is. For example, Bega Light Peanut Butter states: “Proudly made in Port Melbourne with imported and local ingredients. The local ingredients are sourced Australia wide.” Yet this product contains less than 10% Australian ingredients.

Similarly, Sanitarium Peanut Butter mentions it’s “proudly made on the Central Coast, NSW using imported peanuts”. But it contains less than 10% Australian ingredients.

Of the peanut butters we tested, 15 were made from less than 15% Australian ingredients, two were made from less than 25%, eight were made from 100% Australian ingredients, and the rest did not disclose the percentage.Ìý

If we have peanut crops in Australia, why are most peanut butters made from imported peanuts?

According to Adam McNamara, Executive General Manager of Bega Foods, “Australian peanut growers have faced incredibly tough growing conditions over recent years, including a lengthy and challenging period of drought, which significantly reduced local peanut production. Faced with environmental challenges, local growers weren’t able to keep up with the volume of peanuts that Australians like to consume.”

Rest assured, Adam mentioned that the Australian peanut industry is picking up and hopefully we’ll see more Australian peanuts on supermarket shelves.

Is peanut butter an ethical choice?

Some peanut butters contain added oil to minimise separation of the natural oils at the top of the jar. These added oils are usually thicker at room temperature and keep everything together. In all cases, except for Coles peanut butters, this is listed generically as vegetable oil/fat. For those who like to know whether the product they’re buying contains palm oil, this isn’t helpful.

Here are the peanut butters we looked at that contain unspecified vegetable oil/fat:

• Aldi Bramwells Smooth American Style Peanut Butter
• Bega Crunchy No Added Sugar or Salt
• Sanitarium Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Bega Light Crunchy Peanut Spread
• Bega Light Smooth Peanut Spread
• Bega Super Crunchy
• Bega Dark Roast Crunchy
• Bega Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Bega Smooth Peanut Butter
• Sanitarium Smooth Peanut Butter.

According to Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Australia, some peanut butters contain sustainable palm oil. However, it’s still palm oil, and as such there are still ethical issues involved.

Looking for palm oil on the label and can’t find it? That’s because Australian regulations allow the labelling of palm oil in the ingredients list to be ‘vegetable oil’. In 2015 ÌÇÐÄVlog started a campaign calling for the mandatory labelling of palm oil to help consumers make informed decisions about the products they buy.Ìý

The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Agency (FSANZ) started a labelling review based on our recommendations and the recommendations of others, but the outcome was that enforcing such an act would make it more confusing for consumers to read food labels than it already is.

How we test peanut butter

We chose 47 peanut butters available nationally in at least one of the major supermarket chains. We then grouped the peanut butters into four groups:

• crunchy (including ‘smunchy’ products that fit this category)
• crunchy (natural, no added salt or sugar, including ‘smunchy’ products that fit this category)
• smooth (including powdered peanut butters)
• smooth (natural, no added salt or sugar).

We set up a blind taste test where each product was assigned a number and its brand concealed. Our experts then tasted the peanut butter samples in a randomised order, which was different for each expert. For each sample tasted, the experts gave a rating out of 10 based on flavour, texture, appearance, and smell.

Not all characteristics in the taste test were treated equally: flavour, being the most important, had a higher weighting, followed by texture, then aroma and appearance. The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating is made up of the taste test score (80%) and the nutrition score (20%).

Meet our expert tasters

Adam MooreÌýis a prolific culinary judge. His credits include judging for Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Fine Food competitions across a range of categories.Ìý

He has formal qualifications in pastry, charcuterie and butchery, sensory evaluation, food styling and food photography. With more than 25 years in the industry, Adam has worked in restaurants, food service, retail, food manufacturing, marketing and sales. He’s a certified global executive chef, and culinology director at Culinary Revolutions.

Christine Elbakht has a history working globally with luxury brands including Moet & Hennessy, Parfums Givenchy and L’Oreal in executive roles, and after a lightbulb moment in 2016, she decided to follow her true passion: peanut butter.Ìý

Christine is the creator of Peanut Butter Bar in Sydney, the world’s first eatery dedicated to peanut butter. It features a range of desserts and savoury meals with a peanut butter twist, as well as the world’s first peanut butter tap that dispenses warm, liquid peanut butter.

Amanda Fuller is an internationally recognised chef who gained notable recognition within the industry during a decade of service in London. With Oliver Peyton, OBE (an Irish restaurateur and a judge on the BBC television series Great British Menu) as a mentor, she was fortunate enough to work at some of London’s greatest establishments and launch ‘No Meat Monday’, a nonprofit campaign founded by the McCartney family.

Amanda has gone to great lengths to gain valuable experience since graduating from The Northern Sydney Institute in Ryde, and as the Group Executive Chef at the Sam Prince Hospitality Group, she now works across restaurants Mejico, INDU and Kid Kyoto in the heart of Sydney, mentoring young chefs as they rise up the culinary ranks.

Matthew Steen is ÌÇÐÄVlog’s in-house peanut butter champion. His day job may be Director of Reviews and Testing, where he’s responsible for overseeing all of the product testing at ÌÇÐÄVlog, however, he’s also a secret gastronomic expert.Ìý

When he’s not feeding his staffy-cross peanut butter, he enjoys having a “good” peanut butter on rice crackers.

The post How to buy the best peanut butter appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Yet far fewer of us use the fruit’s oil as liberally in our diet. But lately, avocado oil has been touted as a strong contender for ‘the healthiest oil’ crown, with many of the same benefits as its olive-extracted counterpart.Ìý

So what is avocado oil, exactly? Is it worth adding to your oily arsenal? We investigate to see just how versatile and virtuous it is.

What is avocado oil?

We’re all acquainted with avocado as a breakfast staple, preferably smashed and smothered over toast, but you may be less familiar with the fruit’s oil.Ìý

Pressed from the flesh of the avocado (which is actually a berry, botanically speaking), this oil is rich in good fats and can be used in everything from bolognese to DIY beauty treatments.Ìý

Although it’s not the kitchen staple that olive oil is, avocado oil has many of the same benefits. Look for the words ‘cold pressed’ or ‘extra virgin’ on the label. Be aware that further refinement, using heat or chemicals to extract the oil, can affect flavour and nutritional value.

Is it good for you?

Dr Anika Rouf, an accredited practising dietitian and spokesperson for Dietitians Australia, says we still have much to learn about avocado oil.Ìý

“Avocado oil is not as widely researched as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), so we don’t know the full extent of its clinical benefits yet,” she says. “But what we do know is that it has a very similar fatty acid profile to EVOO.”Ìý

About 70% of the oil in an avocado is monounsaturated, with the main one being the omega-9 fatty acid known as oleic acid, which some studies have linked to good heart health. It’s rich in antioxidants too, which fight free radicals.Ìý

There have also been studies purporting that eating avocado or avocado oil (and also olive oil, which has a very similar oleic acid content to avocado oil) increases the bioavailability of carotenoids. This means the fat content of an avocado helps your body absorb nutrients from other fruit and veg such as carrot, watermelon and tomato.

What are the possible health benefits?

Although it’s still hard to say definitively that avocado oil is healthy without further larger-scale research, some studies suggest that it appears to aid the following:Ìý

Heart health

The unsaturated fatty acids in avocado oil are linked to good cardiovascular health because they tend to reduce the amount of blood LDL cholesterol when they replace saturated fats in the diet.

OsteoarthritisÌýÌý

A complex mix of extracts from avocado oil and soybean oil, known as ASU, may help reduce the severity of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.ÌýÌý

Skin

Used both topically (directly on the skin) and as part of an everyday diet, avocado oil has been associated with healthier-looking skin due to its vitamins A and E, fatty acids and antioxidants.

Eyes

Avocado oil is rich in lutein, an antioxidant and carotenoid found in your eyes, and high in monounsaturated fats. Diets rich in these fats have been shown to protect against age-related eye dysfunction and to aid the absorption of lutein and other carotenoids.

Minimising free radicals

Apart from lutein, avocado oil also has lots of other antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods can help minimise the damage done to your body by free radicals, which, over time, may lead to heart disease and cancers.

Is all avocado oil the same?

In a word, no. Standards for what constitutes quality cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oil have been proposed, but there’s currently no regulating body to make sure those standards are met.Ìý

“Avocado oil is characterised as a mainly monounsaturated oil, with an adequate proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, similar to olive oil,” says Dr Rouf.

“But the composition and quality of the avocado oil depends on the origin, weather conditions, variety and extraction methods.”Ìý

How much should we be eating?

As with any food in your diet, moderation is always the best practice. Avocado oil is mostly fat, after all.

“It’s a type of good fat, but it’s still a fat at the end of the day, which means that it’s high in calories,” says Dr Rouf. “It can be a part of a healthy diet, but having too much will cause weight gain and it’s best to use in smaller quantities, particularly if you are looking to lose weight.

“When it comes to fats, we want to aim to increase the unsaturated fats in our diet, while lowering our saturated and trans fats intake. This is because unsaturated fats help to look after our cholesterol levels and provide health benefits to our skin, eyes and brain.”Ìý

Australian Dietary Guidelines

Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend an average allowance of two to four serves of unsaturated spreads and oils a day, with a serve size of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oil (e.g. avocado, olive, canola or sunflower oils) being 7g – a little more than a teaspoon.Ìý

When cooking, it’s best to use no more than one teaspoon per person, as fats are high in energy/calories.Ìý

How to cook with avocado oil

Avocado oil is different from extra virgin olive oil in that it tends to have a subtler, more neutral flavour, and a creamier mouthfeel. Some say this makes it better for adding to soups and cooking delicately flavoured foods, such as sweets.Ìý

But you can use it in similar ways to olive oil too, adding it to everything from dips and marinades to salads and cooked meats.Ìý

What else can you do with avocado oil?

Like olive oil, avocado oil has moisturising properties that make it just as useful in your beauty case as your culinary cache. Try these beauty ideas for supple skin and scalp.

As a bath oil

Mix a few teaspoons of your extra virgin avocado oil with your favourite bath oil for silky skin.

To moisturise

Rather than lathering yourself in thick cream, simply apply a few teaspoons of avocado oil all over your body for completely natural hydration.

Scalp saviour

To help lift dry skin off your scalp, gently heat avocado oil by placing ¼ cup in a glass jar and setting in a pot of boiled water. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave for a few hours or overnight before washing out.

Muscle up

Relieve tension with a few spoonfuls of avocado oil and a willing amateur masseur or masseuse. No need to wash the oil off afterwards – let it soak in to moisturise your skin.

Smooth as a baby’s bottom

If you’re trying to avoid baby creams with harsh ingredients, try using avocado oil on nappy rash or for babies with dry skin on their scalps and bodies. Just be sure to do a patch test first to make sure your little one can tolerate the oil.

Shine your shoes

Avocado oil can also be used for restoring leather products, such as shoes and bags. After all, leather is just really dry animal skin!

Rust away

Rub a little avocado oil into metal tools to prevent rust. You can also use it as a lubricant to grease squeaky doors and loosen stuck zips.

The post Is avocado oil good for you? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Cooking oils explained
• Jargon buster
• 'Good' and 'bad' fats
• How to dispose of cooking oils

Cooking oils are derived from a dizzying array of plant sources, from avocado or canola to peanut or sunflower, and are often labelled with different descriptors such as “light” or “cold-pressed”.Ìý

Some oils are good options for baking while others are better for frying or drizzling over salad.Ìý

And while all cooking oils are a combination of different types of fats (see ‘Good’ and ‘bad’ fats), the varying proportions of these fats in an oil make some healthier than others.

So when it comes to choosing a cooking oil, which one should you use, and when?

Cooking oils explained

We use cooking oils in a wide variety of ways. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy one of every type, as some are versatile and multipurpose.Ìý

To help you decide which oil(s) you should keep in your pantry, we’ve summarised the key features of some of the more common oils you’ll find on supermarket shelves.

Almond oil is a good source of vitamin E, high in monounsaturated fat and comparatively low in saturated fat, so it’s a good heart-friendly choice. It has a strong nutty flavour and aftertaste. It’s a low-heat oil, so it’s best used to drizzle over vegetables, in salad dressings, or to make mayonnaise.

Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fat, but comparatively low in polyunsaturated fat. It’s packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, and also contains B-group vitamins. Avocado oil is green in colour with a mild flavour and pleasant aftertaste. It’s a low-heat cooking oil and a great addition to salads, poultry and seafood. But it can be more expensive than other oils.

Canola oil is high in monounsaturated fat, low in saturated fats and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s versatile for both low and high-heat cooking, and is light in flavour, allowing the food flavours to dominate. It’s also comparatively inexpensive.

Coconut oil has a slight nutty flavour and works well in both savoury and sweet dishes. It’s particularly popular in vegan cooking and can replace dairy products to make pastry and creamy desserts. It has a long shelf life, but it’s very high in saturated fat.

Grapeseed oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, and a rich source of vitamin E. It’s a good multi-purpose oil with a light, pleasant taste that brings out the flavours of the foods being cooked.Ìý

Macadamia oil is high in monounsaturated fat but comparatively low in polyunsaturated fat. This relatively expensive oil has a distinct nutty flavour, making it a good base for salad dressings, marinades and for adding flavour to baking recipes and stir-fry dishes.

Mustard oil is widely used in Northern Indian cooking and is a good source of monounsaturated fats. It has a distinctive strong flavour and very nutty aftertaste so you need to be careful when cooking with it so as not to overpower the rest of the dish.

Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats and is a key ingredient in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. It’s a versatile oil that’s great for cooking, as well as for dressing salads or creating marinades. For the best quality, and highest amounts of antioxidants, look for ‘extra virgin’ varieties.

Palm oil is commonly used in manufactured and fast foods. Its low-cost production makes it a cheaper option but it has also raised a number of environmental concerns, particularly around deforestation. It’s high in saturated fat, at about 47%Ìý, making it a less healthy option. Currently there is no obligation to label the presence of palm oil in foods.

Peanut oil is widely used in Asian cuisine and works well for high temperature cooking, especially for frying and stir-frying. If you’re cooking for guests, check no-one has a peanut allergy before using the oil.

Rice bran oil is a clean-tasting versatile oil ideal for all types of cooking including baking, grilling and deep frying. It’s a good source of vitamin E, but at about 22%, it’s relatively high in saturated fat compared with other popular cooking oils such as olive oil (15%) and canola oil (7%).

Sunflower oil is rich in vitamins E and K, low in saturated fats and is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It’s a versatile oil, suitable for cooking at various temperatures. It’s also comparatively good value for money.

Vegetable oil is usually a blend of canola and soybean oil, and is comparatively inexpensive. Both palm oil and coconut oil are sometimes disguised in processed foods behind the catch-all ‘vegetable oil’ label, so worth noting if you’re trying to avoid them.

Jargon buster

Who knew cooking oils could be so complicated? Here’s an explainer of some of the more common claims and terms that appear on labels.

• Cold-pressed oils aren’t extracted using excessive heat. As a result, they generally have a stronger flavour and are higher in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols.
• All cooking oils are cholesterol-free, as they’re derived from plant sources that naturally have no cholesterol.
• Lite/Light/Extra light on Australian oils means the oil is lighter in flavour and/or colour, not lower in kilojoules.
• Extra virgin olive oil is extracted from the first pressing of olives. It yields the best-tasting and lowest acidity oil, and therefore comes with a higher price tag. It’s ideal for use in salad dressings, drizzling over cooked pasta or char-grilled vegetables.
• The smoke point of an oil refers to the level of heat it can withstand before it begins to smoke, at which point its flavour and nutritional quality can change. Oils with a low smoke point are best used where heat isn’t involved, such as for salad dressings and dips. Most cooking oils have smoke points above standard domestic cooking temperatures, however, so are suitable for various cooking functions at home including pan frying (sautéing) on the stove top (around 120°C), deep frying (160–180°C) and oven baking (average 180°C).

‘Good’ and ‘bad’ fats

Fats are the body’s most concentrated source of energy and help protect and insulate your vital organs.Ìý

They also allow fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) to be absorbed and provide essential fatty acids, which are important building blocks for the brain, eyes and nervous tissues.Ìý

While all fats supply the same amount of energy (1g of fat provides about 37kJ), not all fats are created equal, and a higher consumption of some can be better (or worse) for your health.Ìý

So what are the different types?

• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) are often referred to as ‘heart-healthy’ as they can reduce levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, especially when substituted for less healthy fats such as saturated fat. LDL is considered the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to the narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.Ìý
• Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high cholesterol, raising levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Replacing dietary saturated fat with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Trans fats behave similarly to saturated fat in that they raise levels of LDL cholesterol, but they tend to also lower levels of the ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, making them even more damaging. While rarely found in nature, they’re formed when liquid unsaturated vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated or ‘hardened’ during processing so can sometimes be found in commercial ultra processed foods including baked goods, and some oils used for commercial frying.

Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that total fats account for 20–35% of your daily kilojoule intake, with no more than 10% coming from saturated and trans fats.

There are a number of dietary choices you can make that can help achieve this, such as avoiding ultra processed foods and fast foods which can be high in saturated and trans fats, and including more nuts and seeds in your diet by adding them to stir-fries and salads, for example.

And when it comes to oils and spreads, you can replace those that contain predominantly saturated fats (such as butter and coconut or palm oil) with options that contain predominantly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (such as olive or sunflower-based oils and spreads, nut butters/pastes and avocado).

How to dispose of cooking oils

It’s important not to pour leftover cooking oil down the drain, as it can adhere to the walls of pipes and cause blockages.

Some council areas permit very small amounts of cooking oil to be placed in your green (food/garden organics) bin if it’s mixed/absorbed with paper towel and food waste to be composted. If that’s not the case for you – and certainly for larger amounts – pour cooled oil into a container with a secure lid and dispose of it in the rubbish bin.

Tips for reducing oily waste

• Use less cooking oil where possible. Using non-stick cookware and alternatives to deep frying (e.g. stir-frying, grilling or baking) will reduce your need for oil.
• If you’re cooking with a deep fryer, strain the oil after each use and store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place until the next use. Depending on what you’re cooking and whether it’s coated, you can reuse the oil multiple times.
• Scrape or wipe oil and grease from utensils and plates into the bin prior to washing with water.

The post How to buy the best cooking oil appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Where we test oils
• How we choose the oils we test
• How we test and score olive oil

In order to be classified as ‘extra virgin’ an olive oil needs to meet certain quality standards. And we pay a premium for that label.

Here’s what goes on behind the scenes when we test extra virgin olive oil so that we can separate the best from the rest.

Where we test oils

All tests are carried out for ÌÇÐÄVlog at the Oil Testing Service (OTS), NSW Department of Primary Industry Laboratory Services, Wagga Wagga.Ìý

The OTS chemical testing laboratory and olive oil organoleptic (sensory) panel are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and the (IOC).

How we choose the oils we test

We test popular brands of olive oil labelled ‘extra virgin’ available in major supermarket chains, excluding flavoured oils.

The OTS purchases the olive oil samples directly from retailers according to strict purchasing protocols (which include keeping samples out of direct sunlight and avoiding temperature fluctuation during transit and delivery). On receipt at the lab, samples are maintained in a controlled environment according to best practice guidelines.

At the time of testing each oil has a minimum of five months to go before its best-before date indicated on the label.

How we test and score olive oil

Our test includes both Australian and European oils, so for the purposes of this review we reference the widely accepted IOC Trade Standard, although we also check compliance with the Australian Standard. Signatories to the must comply with the Australian Standard, but this is a voluntary standard.

All chemical and sensory tests are carried out according to documented IOC methods of analysis.

Chemical testsÌý

According to the IOC trade standards, extra virgin olive oil must meet established limits for a range of quality criteria including free fatty acid (FFA) level, peroxide value (PV) and ultraviolet (UV) light absorption at different wavelengths.Ìý

The lab tests the oils against each of these criteria.

• The FFA level is an indicator of oil quality – the lower the percentage the better the quality. It provides a good indication of the fruit condition before crushing, care taken in producing the oil and oil storage conditions. The level can increase if the fruit is damaged, or due to poor handling and storage of fruit between harvest and processing, however it’s fairly stable once the oil is bottled.Ìý
• The PV is a measure of an oil’s oxidation at any given time. High levels can indicate degradation of the oil during processing and storage (primarily through exposure to oxygen, heat or light).Ìý
• The UV absorption test may also detect degradation of the oil during storage. UV absorption continues to rise as the oil ages. It may also detect the presence of refined oils.Ìý

Sensory testÌý

Extra virgin olive oils must have fruity attributes and be free from defects as determined by an IOC-accredited sensory panel of at least eight tasters in order to meet the standard.Ìý

Tasting is done “blind” – olive oil brands aren’t revealed to panel members at any stage of sensory analysis.

Defects include fusty/muddy sediment, musty, rancid and winey-vinegary flavours.Ìý

To be classified as extra virgin, oils need to meet both chemical and sensory criteria.

Show judging tastingÌý

Each oil that passes both the chemical and sensory tests to be classified as extra virgin is included in a show judging-style tasting.Ìý

Four trained tasters from the sensory panel taste the oils “blind” and award points for aroma (olfactory sensations), flavour/palate (gustatory sensations) and overall impression.Ìý

Each oil receives a score out of 100, and is graded as follows:

• Gold (Excellent oil) = 86–100 pointsÌýÌý
• Silver (Very Good oil) = 76–85 pointsÌýÌý
• Bronze (Good oil) = 65–75 pointsÌý
• No Medal = 50–64 points

ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating

The show judging score accounts for 100% of this overall score.

The post How we test olive oil appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you come from a Mediterranean background, there’s a good chance you don’t mess around buying small bottles of olive oil. It’s four-litre drums of the stuff or bust. If there’s no olive oil in the house, the world simply stops turning. This golden-hued extraction is so imperative to daily life, from cooking to drizzling and even moisturising, that panic sets in the moment the last drops soak into your ciabatta.

Still, no matter your ancestry, chances are you use olive oil every day. We know it’s a healthy oil and we know it’s delicious, especially when iridescent-green and extra-virgin, but how much do you really know about that pressed elixir in your pantry? Here, we dive into the bottle (or drum, as the case may be) to reveal the depth of olive oil’s goodness.

Oils ain’t oils

Not all olive oils are equal. In fact, some are decidedly unequal. Olive oil is graded according to the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) and takes into account method of production, acidity and flavour. As a general rule of thumb, ‘extra-virgin olive oil’ (EVOO) is the highest quality. Below that, grades descend to ‘virgin’ and then simply to ‘olive oil’, sometimes called ‘pure olive oil’ or ‘refined oil’.Ìý

Olive oil is essentially such a poor grade of oil it must be refined by processing and chemicals, and is then blended with extra-virgin olive oil to make it fit to consume. Often this is used in products labelled ‘packed in olive oil’, such as tinned fish.

Extra-virgin is the best

OK, so what makes extra-virgin so good? Fruity, punchy and vibrant in colour, extra-virgin olive oil is a silky, luscious product with a noticeably superior taste. The IOOC says it must contain no more than 0.8 per cent acidity and be unhampered by fruit damage, deterioration by age, or refining, among other things.Ìý

“To be labelled ‘extra virgin’, olive oil also has to meet certain quality standards, such as being low in acidity and free from taste defects, whereas regular olive oil doesn’t,” explains ÌÇÐÄVlog food and nutrition expert Rachel Clemons.Ìý

Extra-virgin olive oil is best enjoyed uncooked to truly appreciate its flavour but you can also cook with it.

You should pay the extra for EVOO

Rachel says it’s worth paying more for extra-virgin olive oil compared to just olive oil as EVOO is extracted from olives without using chemicals or excessive heat.

“This ensures that it retains its nutritional value, such as being high in antioxidants,” she says.Ìý

However, price isn’t the only indicator when it comes to buying the best oil.Ìý

“When it comes to choosing between different EVOO products, it’s more about choosing the freshest, rather than paying more – in order to get the best quality,” explains Rachel, so be sure to check the harvest date on the bottle.

European isn’t necessarily better

In fact, Australian EVOO is by-and-large of an exceedingly high standard with beautiful, quality oils extracted using best-practice processing techniques. While we still only produce around one per cent of the world’s olive oil, what we do make is good stuff and, better still, it’s made locally so it’s more likely to be fresher and come without the food miles.Ìý

Furthermore, European olive oil labelled as extra-virgin isn’t necessarily what it claims to be. Back in 2010, about half of the 28 olive oils ÌÇÐÄVlog tested that year, most of which were from Europe, didn’t meet international standards for extra-virgin.Ìý

While transparency is improving, there’s still much work to be done in regard to labelling, so it’s a safer bet to go with Australian.ÌýSee our latest olive oil reviews to find out which ones we rate the best.

There are shades of olive

You may have noticed ‘light’ and ‘medium’ olive oils on the supermarket shelf. While the waters are a little murky when it comes to international standards of labelling, generally these oils are refined and blended with a little extra-virgin olive oil.Ìý

However, typically, Australian labels that refer to lighter-flavoured oils are still extra-virgin but achieve a lighter taste by less dominantly flavoured varieties of olives being blended together.Ìý

Just be sure to check the labelling so you know what you’re buying as some ‘light’ oils are made with up to 90 per cent refined oil.

You have to store it right and tight

It’s always best to store your olive oil in a dark, cool cupboard away from heat and try to consume it within 4–6 weeks.

“Extra-virgin olive oil quality starts to deteriorate from the moment it’s pressed from the olives. Exposure to light, oxygen and particularly heat can speed up degradation,” explains Rachel.

That’s why it’s good practice to keep your olive oil in a tightly stoppered bottle to prevent oxygen spoiling it quicker. She also suggests that when purchasing your olive oil, check it hasn’t been kept on a shelf in the sun or next to a heat source, and choose a product sold in a coloured bottle with the most-recent harvest date.

Yes, you can fry with it

To fry or not to fry with olive oil is a slippery issue of contention. Although it has a lower smoking point than many edible oils, it’s still very stable and searing or shallow-frying with EVOO will give you a golden, deeply flavoured result. You can also deep-fry with EVOO, however, it’s not a cost-effective oil for such quantities. You’d be better off deep-frying with vegetable or grapeseed oil.ÌýÌý

And you can bake with it

Extra-virgin olive oil is delicious drizzled over pretty much everything, but did you know you can also use olive oil to bake cakes. There are some great recipes that substitute butter for olive oil, which is particularly excellent for the vegan or lactose intolerant among us.Ìý

As a general guide when switching butter out for olive oil, Rachel says to use 3 parts olive oil for every 4 parts of butter in the recipe (for example, rather than 1 cup of butter, use 3/4 cups of olive oil).Ìý

If you intend to use your olive oil for baking, it’s a good idea to choose an extra-virgin olive oil with a lighter flavour, otherwise a very fruity oil may overwhelm the taste.

It’s really quite good for you

Extra-virgin olive oil is known for being a good fat. That’s because it’s largely made up of monounsaturated oleic acid, which has been found to reduce inflammation. It’s also full of vitamins E and K, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that extra-virgin olive oil, which features heavily in the Mediterranean diet, is protective against heart disease. It does need to be extra-virgin, though. You won’t find the same nutritional punch in a refined oil.

It’s a beauty staple

The usefulness of a good-quality olive oil extends beyond the kitchen. It has long been used in beauty routines as a moisturiser, cleanser and to restore dry hair. Try using a few drops as a lip balm, massage it into a dry scalp (this is particularly good for helping to remove cradle cap on babies), and remove eye make-up with a few droplets on a cotton pad. It’s also a great addition to DIY facials and manicures, and can be used as a shaving cream.

It’s a household helper

Bothered by a squeaky door? Stuck zip? Gum in hair? The cat’s hair balls? Don’t worry, whip out your trusty bottle of olive oil to quieten creaky hardware, loosen stubborn zips, remove sticky substances, and add ¼ of a teaspoon to your cat’s food to help prevent hair balls.

The post Things you didn’t know about olive oil appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Is olive oil good for you?
• What makes olive oil 'extra virgin'?
• Best tasting oils
• Sensory and chemical test failings
• ÌýOlive oil date markings and shelf life
• We need better labelling
• Top 5 tips for choosing and using olive oil

But can you trust the label?Ìý

We put 25 extra virgin olive oils to the test to see if they meet international standards, and find out which oils taste best.

Is olive oil good for you?

The short answer is yes.

Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower your blood LDL (bad) cholesterol when they replace saturated fats in your diet.

It contains many more compounds that are beneficial to your health, including plant sterols and polyphenols which have strong antioxidant properties, and it’s thought that olive oil consumption may have a protective role against development of a variety of cancers.

Studies have also shown that olive oil may have additional beneficial effects on blood pressure and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

It’s a healthier substitute for butter or palm oil, which are high in saturated fats. But bear in mind that it still contains the same amount of kilojoules (calories) as any other fat – roughly 37kJ (9 calories) per gram. A tablespoon (20mL) of olive oil is about 740kJ (180 calories).

What makes olive oil ‘extra virgin’?

For an olive oil to be classified as ‘extra virgin’ it must meet certain chemical criteria and be free from taste defects as determined by an accredited sensory panel, according to the International Olive Council (IOC).Ìý

We carried out sensory analysis and three different chemical tests of the oils using IOC-approved methods – tests that are designed to check for signs of:

• fruit damageÌý
• poor harvesting operations
• poor storage of fruit or oil before processing or bottling
• refining (such as bleaching or deodorising)
• deterioration due to ageingÌý
• deterioration due to poor storage of the bottled oil.Ìý

Any of these issues could mean the oil isn’t of extra virgin quality when you buy it – even if it’s within its labelled best-before date.Ìý

Three of the 25 oils we tested failed to meet all criteria. Sensory and chemical test failingsÌýbelow has the details.

The 22 oils that passed the chemical and sensory tests went on to be assessed in a show judging-style blind tasting. Trained tasters rated the oils out of 100, looking for well-balanced oils with good taste, aromas and fruity flavours.

Best tasting oils

Seven oils achieved silver (75–84%) or gold medal (85–100%) status in our show judging, and are recommended by ÌÇÐÄVlog. They are:

Cockatoo Grove Organic Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 87%
• Price: $18 for 750mL ($2.40 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Intense green flavours of fresh herbs, grass, green apples, green tomato, green almond, tea and mint with excellent transfer to palate and smooth mouthfeel. Slowly developing and lingering pungency with a long pepper finish.”
• Need to know: It’s certified organic, and is the only oil we tested to achieve gold medal status. It’s also among the most expensive in our test.

Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Classic Flavour

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 83%
• Price: $18 for 750mL ($2.40 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Herbaceous oil with flavours of grass, salad leaves and green banana which transfer well to palate. Green oil with a gentle warm peppery finish.”
• Need to know: A consistently high quality oil, Cobram Estate Classic received a ÌÇÐÄVlog recommendation when we last tested oils in 2017. It’s available in 375mL, 500mL (Aldi only) and 750mL bottles, as well as a 3L tin.

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Organic Fruity

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 83%
• Price: $22 for 1L ($2.20 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Green oil with flavours of cut grass, tomato leaf, dry rocket. Pleasant oil with subtle transfer of flavours. Harmonised bitterness and pungency with lingering warm finish.”
• Need to know: This Italian oil is certified organic. The Bertolli brand has been around for more than 150 years.

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Originale

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 82%
• Price: $16.50 for 750mL ($2.20 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Mint, grass, passionfruit and blackcurrant fruity flavours with excellent transfer. A very well balanced oil with lingering warmth.”
• Need to know: Bertolli is the world’s best-selling olive oil in terms of retail value sales.

Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Light Flavour

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 81%
• Price: $18 for 750mL ($2.40 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Tropical paw paw and spice flavours with some ripe fruit sweetness. Good transfer to palate with a spiced finish.”
• Need to know: The word ‘light’ in its product name refers to flavour intensity, not calories.

Aldi The Olive Tree Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Classic Flavour

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 77%
• Price: $8.99 for 1L ($0.90 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Herbaceous fresh oil with aromas of apple, tomato, grass, rocket and banana and hints of passionfruit and spices. Good transfer to palate with lingering warm pungency.”
• Need to know: Not only did this oil achieve silver medal status, it’s one of the cheapest oils we tested.

Woolworths Macro Organic Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• ÌÇÐÄVlog score: 76%
• Price: $5 for 500mL ($1.00 per 100mL)
• Tasting notes: “Herbaceous nose with some complex flavours of passionfruit, fig leaf, mint and guava. Good medium style bitterness and pungency. Rich buttery mouthfeel.”
• Need to know: It’s certified organic, and although it’s not available in a large bottle it’s still among the cheapest oils in our test.

Sensory and chemical test failings

Three oils weren’t included in the show judging because their chemical or sensory test results fell outside the parameters for extra virgin olive oil as specified in the IOC trade standard, meaning they were classified as ‘virgin’. We sent results to the companies for their review.

The IOC-accredited sensory panel detected a “rancid” defect in Always Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with a score that fell outside permissible limits as defined by the IOC Trade Standard for extra virgin olive oil. A rancid defect is described by the IOC as the “flavour of oils which have undergone an intense process of oxidation”.Ìý

In chemical testing the same oil returned a result for one of the three components of the ultraviolet (UV) light absorption test that was higher than the limit specified in the IOC standard, indicating the oil may have degraded during storage – despite it being well within its labelled best-before date.Ìý

Responding to our communications, Always Fresh distributor Riviana Foods provided us with the analysis certificate from 2020 for the same batch that we tested, confirming that it met the IOC Trade Standard specifications for extra virgin olive oil at that time. More recent annual testing conducted on a batch of olive oil bottled in January 2021, which had been maintained in a controlled environment, reported that it met extra virgin requirements.

Riviana Foods expressed concern that the oil we tested hadn’t been stored appropriately, “in a cool and dark place, unrefrigerated, to minimise degradation of quality”. As the only oil of the 25 products we tested to be sold in a clear – rather than coloured – glass bottle, careful storage would be particularly important to help minimise its exposure to light.

“We have conducted a trace exercise for that batch and found that the oil was delivered to our NSW warehouse in December 2020 (and kept in enclosed cartons and stored in accordance with the instructions on labels), with store transfers occurring from then until July 2021,” Riviana Foods told us.

“Our supplier has highlighted that the length of time between bottling (August 2020) and when the NSW DPI testing was presumably conducted could have caused some level of degradation and also a misleading result.”

It’s worth noting that Always Fresh is available in Metcash stores (such as Foodland, Foodworks and IGA) where product turnover may be lower than that in larger supermarket chains.

The sensory panel detected a “fusty/muddy sediment” defect in Goodman Fielder’s Olive Grove Extra Virgin Olive Oil as well as Woolworths Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, both with scores that fell outside IOC Trade Standard permissible limits.Ìý

According to the IOC, this defect is “the characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives piled or stored in such conditions as to have undergone an advanced stage of anaerobic fermentation, or of oil which has been left in contact with the sediment that settles in underground tanks and vats and which has also undergone a process of anaerobic fermentation”.Ìý

Goodman Fielder and Woolworths were both contacted for comment.

ÌýOlive oil date markings and shelf life

Unlike wine, extra virgin olive oil doesn’t improve with age. It instead starts to deteriorate from the moment it’s pressed from the fruit, affecting both taste and nutritional value, so freshness is essential to the oil’s quality. The closer to its production you use it, the better.

‘Harvested on’ or ‘pressed on’ dates are the best indication of oil freshness, but few products have them on the label, so we’re reliant on the accuracy of the best-before date – a prediction of the length of time a product will retain its quality parameters (a timeframe also known as shelf life). IOC guidelines recommend that best before dates are limited to 24 months after bottling, and a ‘two years from bottling’ rule of thumb for best-before labelling is commonly used.

But different oils degrade at different rates, depending on their chemical composition. Testing of Australian olive oils over five years, for example, found that the true potential shelf life of oil kept in ideal conditions ranges from as low as six months to more than 30 months, with only 40% of oils showing a potential shelf life of more than 18 months. A best-before date of two years from bottling might therefore be optimistic.

There are models for predicting shelf life via a series of quality tests done at the time of bottling, and in some jurisdictions a best before date must be supported by technical evidence, but these tests can be expensive – perhaps prohibitively so for smaller producers. Importantly, these models work on the assumption that oils are stored in ideal conditions, which in reality is not often the case. So the formulas used to forecast shelf life need to be tweaked accordingly.

We need better labelling

We should be able to trust that when we buy an extra virgin olive oil, it’s exactly that. As consumers, we have no control over the transport and storage of oils before we buy them – poor handling during this time is an issue for producers to follow up with distributors and retailers.Ìý

All we have to go on when selecting a good quality oil – other than the brand – is the date marking on the label. And unfortunately current labelling requirements don’t help us choose the freshest.Ìý

We’d like to see extra virgin olive oil producers provide pressed-on or harvest dates on their labels, in conjunction with realistic best-before dates based on an objective test.

Top 5 tips for choosing and using olive oil

• Buy the freshest oil you can. Where possible, purchase from stores likely to have a high turnover, and look for a “harvested on” date, as best-before dates aren’t necessarily a good indicator of freshness.
• Don’t buy oils from stores where they’ve been displayed near heat sources (such as refrigerator motors) or in a shop window where they’re exposed to direct sunlight.
• Store in a cool dark place at home (i.e. not next to the stove/oven/window).
• Keep your oil tightly stoppered, avoiding exposure to air as much as possible.Ìý
• Use it in a timely manner, preferably within six months of opening. As a rule of thumb, buy a container size that matches your monthly consumption.

Jargon buster

• “Virgin” olive oil is extracted from olives by a mechanical process without using chemicals or excessive heat to make sure it’s not altered and that it retains its nutritional value.
• “Extra virgin” olive oil, in addition to the above, has low acidity (0.8% or less) and should comply with other technical specifications, as well as being free from taste defects.
• “Cold pressed” and “first press” are outdated and unhelpful marketing terms. All virgin oils have to be “cold extracted” – extracted from the olive without the use of excessive heat (manufacturers can extract more oil from olives with heat but the quality suffers). Traditional hydraulic presses have been almost entirely replaced by centrifuges, and all virgin oil comes from a single extraction – there’s no second press.

The post How to pick the best olive oil appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Among the health benefits attributed to coconut oil are its ability to control sugar cravings, control weight gain, ease indigestion and boost metabolism when eaten as part of a regular diet. In the realm of home remedies, the oil is said to help skin retain its moisture as well as aid oral health.

While a lot of coconut products have clear benefits for dairy- and gluten- intolerant people, we take a deeper look at coconut oil to uncover whether it truly deserves its ‘healthy oil’ crown.Ìý

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut. It has a slight nutty flavour and works well in both savoury and sweet dishes. It’s particularly popular in vegan cooking and can replace dairy products to make pastries and creamy desserts. It has a high smoking point when cooked and has a long shelf life.

Popularity on the rise

, an Accredited Practising Dietitian and spokesperson for the , says she has seen an increased interest in the use of coconut oil by the public, much of it driven by those following sugar-free, vegan and paleo diets.

The much-hyped paleo diet, which promotes foods that were once only obtained through hunting and gathering, along with a more recent groundswell in plant-based eating, has helped boost the profile of coconut oil.Ìý

Virgin and extra virgin coconut oil

As with most oils, choosing a virgin or extra-virgin oil rather than a refined oil is always the healthier option. Refined oils are highly processed, and in the case of coconut oil, often bleached and deodorised – stripping it of its aroma and coconut taste.Ìý

However, unlike with olive oil, there really is no such thing as an extra-virgin coconut oil – that’s merely marketing. But virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a pure, cold-pressed product with much better flavour. Both look the same, so try before you buy, if possible.

Is coconut oil good for you?

Both our experts warn that although using coconut oil may have a few health benefits and has shown promising evidence, the claims above are yet to be comprehensively researched or proven. Pinpointing coconut oil as being either healthy or harmful is near impossible at this stage with so much more research to be done.

MostÌýplant-based oilsÌýare considered healthy options, however, coconut oil does stir up some contention due to its high saturated fat content.Ìý

With up to 80-90 per cent saturated fat, hesitation at labelling it ‘healthy’ is understandable. This fat content is what turns the oil solid at room temperature, but not all saturated fats are bad and coconut oil may actually encourage your body to burn fat and raise good cholesterol (HDL).Ìý

On the flipside, it also raises bad cholesterol (LDL), which steers the oil away from being good for the heart, according to the Australian Heart Foundation, which suggests there are superior heart-protective oils and fats to consume or use in your cooking, such as olive oil, nut butters and avocado.

Health benefits of coconut oil

Anti-inflammatory properties

Coconut oil does have some antioxidant properties, potentially because of plant nutrients called phenolic compounds. Studies on animals have shown that when applied to inflamed areas, coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, giving it plausibility in beauty products. It also shows evidence of being a great skin moisturiser when applied topically.Ìý

It could help you burn fat

Coconut oil is an unusual blend of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) not seen in other saturated fats, there’s evidence these MCTs may offer some health benefits when consumed, such as fat-burning. However, research is yet to confirm this.

It may reduce hunger

The high amount of MCTs found in coconut oil may reduce hunger, which could aid weight loss. However, studies on this have been short, small and inconclusive.

Alzheimer’s claims

While further studies are needed there is some early evidence that MCTs can increase blood levels of ketones, which in turn, may help to dampen symptoms. These studies haven’t been done on the MCTs produced specifically from consuming coconut oil however.Ìý

It could aid oral health

There has been some evidence to suggest using coconut oil may help reduce oral infections when used as a mouthwash due to the antibacterial properties of … acid found in the oil. But it’s important to note, this is far from proven and the evidence is scant.

Disadvantages of coconut oil

It’s definitely fatty

Of all the claims around coconut oil, there is one indisputable fact: all coconut oil, whether virgin or refined, is high in saturated fat (higher than butter), so it is considered a solid fat. One tablespoon of coconut oil provides 490kJ (117 calories), 13.6g total fat (11.8g saturated fat), no protein or carbohydrates, and only trace amounts of a few nutrients.

It’s not the best kind of fat

One of the main concerns is the type of fat in coconut oil – saturated fat. The fatty acids found in coconut oil raise LDL (the bad cholesterol) just like other saturated fats, such as butter. And while coconut oil may also raise HDL cholesterol (the good one) this is negligible in comparison.Ìý

Other plant-based oils are better for you

Although coconut oil doesn’t contain cholesterol, it also doesn’t stack up against most other plant-based oils. Canola, corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, flaxseed, grape seed and extra virgin olive oil all contain significantly less saturated fat.

Verdict: health claims don’t quite stack up

While many Asian diets have included coconut oil for generations with potentially protective benefits, the fact that coconut oil is so high in saturated fat needs to be considered in the context of a Western diet, which is typically already high in fat compared with an Asian diet. As such, the Cancer Council of Australia recommends reducing or avoiding saturated fats.

Coconut oil can certainly be included as part of a healthy diet and there has been no studies that show a moderate intake has any negative effects. But it’s not necessary for optimal nutrition and shouldn’t be the only oil in your pantry.Ìý

Most plant oils provide some health benefits, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which has proven heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits, but the evidence for coconut oil, while ostensibly promising, remains limited and disputed.

Coconut oil is also expensive! It can cost around twice the price of olive oil or roughly the same as premium extra virgin olive oil, but it hasn’t been shown to offer any superior health benefits. So if you’re choosing oil based around health reasons, coconut oil doesn’t quite stack up.Ìý

What else can you do with coconut oil?

Anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties mean coconut oil can be used to create all manner of cosmetic and home beauty treatments, from hair conditioners to face masks and washes. Try making your own lip and body scrub by mixing the oil with coffee grinds.

How to cook with coconut oil

Thanks to its high fat content, coconut oil is great to use when cooking stir-fries and baking vegetables (but we’d advise against deep-frying with it). It’s also good as a butter substitute in baking and particularly popular in vegan and paleo treats.Ìý

Virgin coconut oil imparts a lovely nutty flavour to your meal, which unsurprisingly, lends itself to Asian cuisine. Try using it in curries or drizzled over a noodle salad.Ìý

Comparatively, rice bran oil and peanut oil are also great for stir-frying, while extra virgin olive oil is good for cooking on moderate heat and for salad dressings.Ìý

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When it comes to quick and easy sandwich fillings, peanut butter is right up there with jam and Vegemite. But due to the prevalence of nut allergies – and much to the despair of peanut butter lovers and last-minute sandwich makers across the country – it’s a no-go for school lunchboxes.

Introducing Wowbutter Peanut Free. This new spread in town is a nut-free alternative to peanut butter that’s lunchbox friendly and claims to taste just like the real deal. We take a closer look.

What is Wowbutter made from?

The main ingredient of Wowbutter is toasted soya (50%). Soy oil, cane sugar, palm oil and sea salt also appear on the ingredients list.

Clearly it’s free from peanuts, but the label also says it’s “Made in a 100% peanut, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, sesame and egg free facility”.Ìý

This covers off the majority of the most common food allergens, meaning it’s suitable for people with a range of food allergies and intolerances – good news all round. People who are allergic to soy, however, obviously need to steer clear.

Like peanut butter, it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans. And as the label says, it’s definitely safe for school.

What does it taste like?

Wowbutter has the look and feel of peanut butter down pat.Ìý

It’s similar in colour, although on the darker end of the peanut-butter-brown spectrum. The paste spreads like peanut butter, and just like peanut butter, it has a stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth consistency. But does it taste “just like peanut butter!”, as the label exclaims? My family gave it a trial run.Ìý

My husband described the flavour as being more like toasted seeds than peanuts. He told me he’d prefer peanut butter hands down. My peanut butter-loving eight year old wasn’t convinced either. She thought it tasted “like burnt toast”.

I’m allergic to peanut butter, so I can’t compare. But as a standalone spread I thought it tasted OK, if a little sweet. To me, it had notes of slightly overcooked popcorn.Ìý

My other kids, who are also peanut-allergic, were just excited to try it spread on bread with jam (they wanted the experience of an American-style peanut and jelly sandwich!).

Is Wowbutter healthy?

In addition to its peanut-free status, claims on the Wowbutter label include “4g plant protein per serve” and “660mg omega-3 per serve”. They make it sound healthy, but is it?

Like peanuts, soybeans are rich in protein and fibre. Soybeans are also a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a source of antioxidants, low in saturated fat and high in phytoestrogens.Ìý

But soybeans only make up half of what’s in Wowbutter. Once you’ve added salt, sugar and palm oil (which bumps up the saturated fat content), you end up with a product that’s not just higher in kilojoules but is also less healthyÌý– not unlike some popular peanut butters with salt and sugar added.

So while dietary guidelines suggest we should be eating plenty of legumes/beans (including soy), eating Wowbutter regularly by the spoonful is not the way to do it.

Stockists

This Canadian made product is sold through Woolworths stores across Australia.ÌýAt $9 for a 500g jar ($1.80 per 100g) Wowbutter is considerably more expensive than regular peanut butter.Ìý

You can pick up a 500g jar of Woolworths or Sanitarium peanut butter for $2.40 ($0.48 per 100g) or $4 ($0.80 per 100g) respectively. And even the more expensive brands, such as Mayvers, cost less. Mayvers, for example, is $5 for a 375g jar ($1.33 per 100g) in Woolworths.

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