Choosing the right cooking oil can make a difference to everyday meals. With options such as mustard oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil and olive oil available, many people are also considering multi-source edible oil for their daily cooking.

But what exactly is multi-source edible oil, and is it good for cooking?

Multi-source edible oil is made by blending two or more edible vegetable oils in specified proportions. In India, FSSAI defines multi-source edible oil as an admixture of two edible vegetable oils, with each oil contributing at least 20% by weight.

The suitability of a blended oil depends on the oils used, their nutritional composition, the quality of the product and how the oil is used in cooking. Therefore, instead of simply asking whether blended oil is good or bad, it is more useful to understand what is in the blend and how it fits into your cooking routine.

Is Multi-Source Edible Oil Good for Cooking?

Yes, multi-source edible oil can be suitable for everyday cooking, provided it meets applicable food-safety standards and is made from suitable edible vegetable oils.

However, there is no single answer that applies to every blended oil. The nutritional properties and cooking performance depend on the specific oils used in the blend.

When choosing a cooking oil for daily use, look at:

• The oils used in the blend

• The percentage of each oil

• The nutritional information

• The type of processing

• The manufacturer's quality standards

• How you plan to use the oil

A good cooking oil should be considered as part of your overall diet rather than viewed as a standalone solution for nutrition.

What Are the Benefits of Blended Cooking Oil?

One reason consumers choose blended edible oil is that combining different oils can provide a particular combination of characteristics.

1. Combines Different Types of Vegetable Oils

Different vegetable oils naturally have different fatty-acid profiles and characteristics. Blending can bring these properties together in one product.

For consumers, this can offer a practical alternative to keeping several oils for different everyday cooking needs.

2. Suitable for Everyday Cooking

Depending on the oils used, a blended oil can be used for common cooking methods such as sautéing, shallow frying, roasting and preparing everyday Indian dishes.

The appropriate choice still depends on the specific formulation and the cooking method.

3. Can Offer a Balanced Fatty-Acid Profile

The nutritional composition of a blended oil depends entirely on the oils included. A combination of oils can be formulated to provide a particular balance of fats.

However, it is important not to assume that every blended oil automatically has a healthier nutritional profile. Always check the nutrition label and the ingredients.

4. Convenient for Daily Meals

Using one suitable multi-source cooking oil can make everyday meal preparation simpler. Instead of switching between multiple bottles for routine cooking, consumers can choose a blend designed for general-purpose use.

5. Can Complement Different Cooking Styles

Indian cooking includes a wide range of methods, from tempering and sautéing to frying and roasting. A suitable cooking oil can be selected according to the dish and cooking temperature.

Is Blended Oil Better Than Single-Source Oil?

There is no universal answer to whether blended oil is better than single-source oil.

Both have their own characteristics.

A single-source oil comes from one type of vegetable or seed, such as mustard, groundnut, sesame or sunflower. A multi-source edible oil combines two edible vegetable oils.

The better choice depends on your dietary needs, cooking habits, flavour preference and the nutritional profile of the particular product.

Instead of judging an oil only by whether it is blended or unblended, compare the ingredients, oil proportions, nutrition information and processing method.

How to Choose the Best Multi-Source Edible Oil

If you are considering multi-source edible oil for cooking, there are several things worth checking before purchasing.

Check the Ingredients

Start by identifying the oils used in the blend.

FSSAI requires the name and percentage by weight of each edible vegetable oil used in a multi-source oil to be declared on the front of the package.

This helps consumers understand exactly what they are buying.

Check the Nutrition Label

Look at the nutrition information, particularly the amount and types of fats.

Rather than focusing on a single number or marketing claim, consider the overall nutritional profile and how the oil fits into your regular diet.

Look at the Processing Information

Cooking oils can be processed in different ways, including refined and cold-pressed methods.

If you prefer cold-pressed cooking oils, check whether the product specifically states that it is cold-pressed. Do not assume that every blended oil is cold-pressed or unrefined.

Choose a Reputable Product

Food safety and quality are important when buying any edible oil. FSSAI's edible oil survey has highlighted the importance of checking safety, quality and authenticity in the edible oil market.

Buying from a reputable manufacturer and checking the packaging and label can help you make a more informed choice.

Can Multi-Source Edible Oil Be Used for Indian Cooking?

Yes. Depending on its formulation, a blended cooking oil can be used for many everyday Indian dishes.

It can be suitable for:

• Vegetable sabzi

• Dal

• Poha

• Upma

• Rice dishes

• Stir-fried vegetables

• Sautéing

• Shallow frying

• Baking

• Everyday tadka and tempering

The best oil for a particular dish depends on the cooking method, desired flavour and the oil's characteristics.

For deep frying, it is especially important to use oil appropriately and avoid repeatedly heating the same oil.

Is Multi-Source Edible Oil Good for Deep Frying?

The answer depends on the specific blend and its suitability for high-temperature cooking.

Deep frying exposes oil to prolonged heating, which can cause chemical changes. FSSAI notes that repeated frying alters the properties of cooking oil and leads to the formation of Total Polar Compounds (TPCs). FSSAI has set a limit beyond which used cooking oil should not be used.

Therefore, whether you use blended oil for frying or another cooking oil, avoid repeatedly reusing oil and follow proper cooking and storage practices.

Multi-Source Edible Oil vs Other Cooking Oils

Different oils can serve different purposes in the kitchen.

 

This comparison does not mean one oil is universally better than another. Your choice should depend on the oil's nutritional profile, cooking application and personal preference.

What Should You Look for on a Blended Oil Label?

Before buying multi-source edible oil, look for clear information on the packaging.

1. Names of the Oils

Check which vegetable oils have been blended.

2. Percentage of Each Oil

FSSAI requires the respective oils and their percentages by weight to be declared on the front of the pack for multi-source edible oils.

3. Nutrition Information

Review the fat composition and serving information.

4. Processing Details

Check whether the product is refined, cold-pressed or processed using another method.

5. Food Safety and Quality Information

Choose packaged products from established manufacturers properly and check the relevant regulatory and product information.

Is Multi-Source Edible Oil Healthy?

It is better to avoid describing every blended edible oil as automatically "healthy" or "unhealthy."

The nutritional value of the product depends on the oils used in the blend, their proportions and your overall diet.

Vegetable oils provide dietary fat, which is an important source of energy. The key is to use appropriate quantities and maintain variety in an overall balanced diet.

For people with specific dietary requirements or medical conditions, the choice of cooking oil should be discussed with a qualified healthcare or nutrition professional.

Tips for Using Cooking Oil the Right Way

Choosing a good oil is only one part of cooking well. How you store and use it also matters.

Avoid Excessive Reuse

Repeated heating can cause undesirable changes in cooking oil. FSSAI specifically highlights the formation of Total Polar Compounds during repeated frying.

Store Oil Properly

Keep cooking oil tightly closed and away from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Use the Right Amount

More oil does not necessarily make food better. Use an appropriate quantity according to the recipe and cooking method.

Avoid Overheating

Use the appropriate heat for the food you are preparing and avoid unnecessarily heating an empty pan containing oil for long periods.

Maintain Variety in Your Diet

Instead of focusing only on one ingredient, consider your complete diet, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts, seeds and other sources of nutrients.

Common Myths About Multi-Source Edible Oil

Myth 1: Every blended oil is unhealthy

Fact: A blended oil is not automatically unhealthy simply because it contains more than one type of oil. Its properties depend on the oils used, their proportions and the product's quality.

Myth 2: Multi-source oil means the oils are mixed randomly

Fact: In India, multi-source edible oils are subject to defined regulatory requirements. FSSAI specifies standards for these oils and requires important information about the oils used in the blend to be declared on the label.

Myth 3: You cannot use blended oil for everyday cooking

Fact: A suitable blended cooking oil can be used for everyday cooking, depending on its formulation and the cooking method.

Myth 4: All cooking oils are suitable for repeated frying

Fact: Repeated heating changes cooking oil. FSSAI recommends monitoring oil quality during frying and has established limits for Total Polar Compounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is multi-source edible oil good for daily cooking?

Yes, a properly manufactured and compliant multi-source edible oil can be used for daily cooking. Check the oils used in the blend, their proportions, nutrition information and processing details before choosing a product.

What is multi-source edible oil?

Multi-source edible oil is a blend of two edible vegetable oils. Under Indian food regulations, each oil in the blend must meet the specified minimum proportion requirements.

Is blended oil better than refined oil?

Blended and refined describe different aspects of an oil. "Blended" refers to the use of multiple oils, while "refined" refers to processing. A blended oil can also contain refined oils, so check the product label to understand both the ingredients and processing.

Can I use multi-source edible oil for frying?

It can be used for frying if the particular product is suitable for that cooking method. Avoid repeatedly reusing frying oil because heating can lead to the formation of Total Polar Compounds.

How do I know which oils are present in a blended oil?

Check the front-of-pack declaration. FSSAI requires the names and percentages by weight of the edible vegetable oils used in the blend to be declared.

Is multi-source edible oil suitable for Indian cooking?

Yes. Depending on the formulation, it can be used for everyday Indian cooking such as sautéing, tempering, shallow frying and preparing curries and vegetables.