What's the Best Oil for Cooking? A Founder's Honest Take

As the founder of an avocado oil company, you can probably guess what I'm going to say: I believe avocado oil is the best all-around cooking oil.

But here's the thing, I also believe there's a place for other oils in the kitchen. Cooking isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on your recipe, your taste, and yes, your budget.

Why I Reach for Avocado Oil

At HASSY, we make avocado oil because we genuinely believe it's one of the most versatile oils you can cook with.

It has a naturally high smoke point, making it great for searing, roasting, grilling, sautéing, and even frying. It also has a mild flavor that lets the ingredients shine instead of overpowering them.

Another reason I love it? It's made from the fruit itself. Pure avocado oil is naturally rich in monounsaturated fats, making it an easy everyday choice for our family.

That's exactly why we built HASSY.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Still a Great Choice

If I'm making a fresh salad or dipping warm bread, extra virgin olive oil is hard to beat. Its bold, peppery flavor adds character that avocado oil isn't trying to replace.

That said, not all olive oils are created equal. If you can, look for a high-quality, single-origin extra virgin olive oil. The difference in flavor can be incredible. Some commercial blends can taste flat, while a great extra virgin olive oil has so much personality that you'll want to dip everything in it.

I don't see avocado oil and olive oil as competitors. I keep both in my kitchen because they serve different purposes, and together they make a great pair. Yummy! 

What About Vegetable Oil?

Let 's be realistic.

Vegetable oil is often the most affordable option, and for many families, that's an important factor. If you're making a big batch of french fries or empanadas, frying for a large family gathering, or simply trying to stretch your grocery budget, vegetable oil can absolutely get the job done.

Would I personally choose avocado oil? Yes.

But I also understand that not everyone wants to use premium oil for every meal. Cooking at home with the ingredients you can afford is always better than not cooking at all.

Butter, Sesame Oil, Coconut Oil, and Other Fats

Butter brings incredible flavor to pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, mashed potatoes, and so many comfort foods. I still use butter all the time for my sandwiches because sometimes nothing else tastes quite the same.

Coconut oil is wonderful in certain baked goods, granola, curries, and tropical-inspired recipes where its subtle coconut flavor complements the dish.

Sesame oil is one of my favorite finishing oils for Asian-inspired recipes. Just a drizzle can completely transform fried rice, noodles, stir-fries, dumplings, or a homemade dressing. Its rich, nutty flavor is incredibly distinctive, so a little goes a long way.

Every fat has its place. The key is understanding when each one works best.

My Kitchen Rule

If I could only keep two oils in my pantry, they would be:

• Avocado oil for everyday cooking, roasting, grilling, sautéing, and high-heat recipes.

• Extra virgin olive oil for salads, finishing dishes, dipping bread, and recipes where you want the oil's flavor to shine.

Still I have Sesame, Olive, butter and Avocado. 

If budget is your biggest concern, there's nothing wrong with using vegetable oil when needed. The most important thing is cooking more meals at home with real ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Yes, I'm the founder of an avocado oil company, so of course I believe avocado oil is the best all-around cooking oil.

But I also believe in being honest.

Every oil has its strengths. Extra virgin olive oil is wonderful for flavor. Vegetable oil can be a practical choice when you're feeding a crowd or watching your grocery budget. Butter, sesame oil, and coconut oil each have their own place in the kitchen, too.

For me, avocado oil offers the best combination of versatility, high-heat performance, and everyday nutrition, which is why it's the oil I reach for most often.

At the end of the day, the "best" oil is the one that helps you cook more meals at home, gather around the table, and share good food with the people you love.

No matter which oil you choose, try to buy the cleanest version you can find. Look for oils that are pure, minimally processed when appropriate, and not blended with cheaper oils unless the label clearly tells you so and that's what you're looking for.

Whenever possible, I also recommend choosing single-origin oils. Knowing where your oil comes from brings a level of transparency and consistency that's hard to beat. Whether it's avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or another favorite, simple ingredients and clear sourcing are always worth looking for.

At the end of the day, the best oil isn't just about the type of oil, it's also about the quality of what's inside the packaging.