Vegetable and nut-based oils are having a moment
Do you prefer a certain cooking oil? With warmer weather arriving in the Northern hemisphere, the perfect time to try new options commences as well – whether you’re making easy recipes, drizzling over fresh dishes, or grilling outside. In 2025, the cooking oil market is undergoing rapid evolution. Consumers are increasingly choosing organic and sustainable options. Healthier fatty acid profiles are enjoying high demand. Convenience matters more than ever. Curious about the smartest cooking oil choices this season? Keep reading to discover the best options and delicious ways to use them.
Search behaviors reflect health concerns
The global vegetable oil market is advancing fast. Diet trends, new health research, and international economic shifts are all shaping how oils are produced and consumed. Sustainability has also moved into the spotlight, with growing concerns around deforestation and the environmental impact of farming practices. Palm oil, in particular, faces stricter regulation, leading to new standards such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.
At the same time, consumers are rethinking what they bring into their kitchens. According to the NYC-based research firm Spate, demand is rising for organic and unprocessed cooking oils. Health is driving purchase decisions, with shoppers reaching for oils rich in healthy fats, such as olive, avocado, and canola oil. The rise of vegetarian diets and the push for more personalized meals are also influencing which oils are gaining traction. According to Tastewise, social conversations about cooking oils have jumped 9.87% in the past year.
Cooking oils have left the space of pantry afterthought—they’ve become a reflection of what matters most to modern consumers. Whether this relates to everyday essentials like vegetable and canola oil, or specialty picks like peanut and sunflower oil. Interest is surging. Spate reports that online searches for “cooking oils + healthy” are up by 8.4K year-over-year (YoY), while even “cooking oils + bad” has risen by 8.2K YoY. Trending hashtags like #inflammation and #fattyliver reveal growing concerns over ingredients and a stronger emphasis on oils that can support a healthier lifestyle.
According to Spate’s Popularity Index, canola oil is experiencing a 39.0% year-over-year (YoY) increase in interest, while sunflower and peanut oils are both up 16.0% YoY. These oils, prized for their high smoke points and neutral flavors, are winning over consumers who want both performance and health benefits. Whether in plant-based diets, anti-inflammatory meals, or everyday cooking, the right oil is becoming a smarter, more intentional choice in kitchens everywhere.
Two standbys are warm weather perfect
Trends are shifting toward oils with a higher proportion of unsaturated fats. Olive oil and avocado oil are leading the way, packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In a crowded market, Hunter & Gather 100% Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Avocado Oil stands out. Looking for a simple way to try it? Whip up a summer-ready recipe from Ava Jane’s Kitchen: Avocado Oil Pasta with Lemon and Garlic. Maybe you’d like to try a fun and easy TikTok “favorite salad dressing of all time” featuring avocado oil!
Extra-virgin olive oil goes beyond a pantry staple. Often seen as a better-for-you option, it draws scrutiny for quality and authenticity. Choose olive oil that’s minimally processed, packaged in dark glass or tins for protection, and certified as true extra virgin from the first pressing. With the shift in awareness, top-tier Italian oils from regions like Liguria and Sicily are predicted to take center stage. How about trying some high-quality olive oil in Chef Sam Seneviratne’s olive oil cake?
Symrise continues to watch the growing interest in healthy cooking oil applications. Our range of natural plant oils includes a variety of classic and exotic lipophilic ingredients. From avocado oil to mango butter, these products deliver nourishing and caring benefits across a wide range of formulations. Each one reflects the growing demand for high-quality, versatile, and wellness-focused solutions.
