Cold pressed or virgin oils: which is better? Let’s break down the key differences between the two, explaining how both are minimally processed and rich in nutrients compared to refined oils. While cold pressed oils are extracted without heat to retain natural goodness, virgin oils (like extra virgin olive or virgin coconut) follow similar methods but meet specific purity standards. Learn how to use each oil best in your cooking, the benefits they offer, and tips to store them right. Whether you choose cold pressed or virgin, Tata Simply Better offers a nutritious and flavourful alternative for healthier everyday meals.

If you’ve ever found yourself scanning oil labels at the supermarket, wondering what these terms mean, you’re not alone. At Tata Simply Better, we know how important it is to choose the right oil - not just for health, but for taste, versatility, and cooking style. In this blog, we’ll help you understand the difference between cold pressed or virgin oils, so you can make informed (and flavourful) choices every day.

Let’s settle this debate once and for all.

What Do “Cold Pressed” and “Virgin” Actually Mean?

Before diving into which one is “better,” let’s understand what these terms truly stand for:

• Cold Pressed Oils: These are extracted by mechanically pressing seeds or nuts at low temperatures, typically below 50°C. This gentle process helps retain natural nutrients, flavour, and aroma. No chemicals & no heat.
  

• Virgin Oils: This term is most often associated with oils like olive or coconut. Virgin oils are extracted through natural methods - like cold pressing - but also go through a filtration step and have to meet specific purity standards. They are also free from additives and refined processes.
  

So, when comparing cold pressed or virgin, it’s important to note that virgin oils can be cold pressed, but not all cold pressed oils are necessarily labelled “virgin.”

Cold Pressed or Virgin: What's the Nutritional Difference?

Both cold pressed and virgin oils have one major thing in common - they preserve nutrients better than refined oils. But the slight differences in extraction and processing can affect the nutrient profile.

Here’s how they stack up:

Cold Pressed Oils

• Retain essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and fat-soluble vitamins
  
  

• Best when used in low to medium heat cooking
  
  

• Slightly more textured or aromatic depending on the seed/nut
  

Virgin Oils

• Typically filtered more, resulting in a cleaner finish
  
  

• Meet international standards (especially in the case of extra virgin olive oil)
  
  

• Slightly higher smoke points in some cases
  
  

So whether you choose cold pressed or virgin, both are leaps ahead of refined oils in terms of nutrition.

Key Cooking Differences: Which Should You Use Where?

Knowing the difference is only half the battle - using the oil right is where the real magic happens. Let’s break it down:

Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Perfect for tempering, sautéing, or even baking. Use it for traditional Indian cooking or for a tropical twist in desserts.

Virgin Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)

Ideal for salad dressings, finishing dishes, and dips like hummus. Don’t use it for deep frying - save it for where it can shine raw.

Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil

Great for everyday Indian cooking. Offers a subtle nutty taste and works well for stir-fries and gravies.

Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil

Mild and neutral, perfect for low-heat frying, baking, or as a base for marinades.

In short, the cold pressed or virgin question becomes a matter of what you’re cooking and how you want it to taste.

Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Locked In

Cold pressed or virgin oils need a little TLC to stay fresh and functional:

• Store in cool, dark places
  
  

• Use glass bottles where possible
  
  

• Don’t let the cap sit open too long - oxidation is real!
  
  

• Avoid reusing these oils, especially after frying
  
  

These small habits make a big difference in preserving flavour and nutrition.

Why the Cold Pressed or Virgin Oil Debate Matters

At Tata Simply Better, we don’t just bottle oils - we bottle tradition, health, and quality. We offer both cold pressed and virgin options, so whether you’re cooking a comforting dal tadka or drizzling olive oil over a fresh salad, you have the right oil for the right occasion.

All our oils - be it Cold Pressed Mustard, Virgin Coconut, or Extra Virgin Olive Oil - are:

• Free from chemicals
  
  

• Minimally processed
  
  

• Made from A1-grade seeds and nuts
  
  

• Full of natural aroma and taste
  
  

• Rich in essential nutrients
  
  

So when you're choosing between cold pressed or virgin, remember: with Tata Simply Better, you're always choosing the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, whether you go for cold pressed or virgin, the goal is to bring more purity, flavour, and wellness to your meals - and that’s something we can all agree on.

With Tata Simply Better, Tata Consumer Products has entered into a new category, with a range of cold-pressed oils aimed at consumers who want to include cold-pressed oils in their kitchens. Tata Simply Better has come with various cold-pressed oils - Groundnut, Virgin Coconut, Sesame, Extra Virgin Olive, Mustard and Sunflower Oil,  that provide a healthier and more nutritious alternative to traditional cooking oils.

These oils are carefully extracted to retain their natural goodness, and they are free from trans fats and cholesterol. By using the finest A1-grade ingredients, Tata Simply Better ensures that its products offer a superior culinary experience while promoting overall well-being.