The current edible oil market is strong and growing.
Edible oil production is growing worldwide. When it comes to cooking, olive oil is a favorite, but avocado oil is rising in popularity. Both have cooking and health benefits. In the manufacturing of edible oils, there are kosher-specific concerns relating to equipment and shared steam. Trader Joe’s is a good option for finding OU kosher-certified olive and avocado oil.
The Market
Globally, MarketsandMarkets projects the edible oil market to grow from its current worth of over $250 billion to $306 billion by 2029. In North America, Market Data Forecast predicts the market to grow from over $24 billion this year to over $29 billion by 2029.
Because cooking oils are so widely used, there’s great demand. Whether it’s palm, canola, rapeseed or corn oil, there is no shortage of choices and cooking techniques are diverse, varying from frying to sautéing to searing.
Smoke Points
Because oils are fats, they break down with heat. If heated too long, the resulting fats lose their edibility and can produce noxious fumes. Therefore, exact smoke points are important to ascertain when cooking with oils. For instance, virgin coconut oil has a low smoke point of 350-375°F, whereas Zero Acre oil has a high smoke point of 485°F. Knowing smoke points can help you strategize for what you’re looking to create.
Olive and Avocado Oil
Olive oil retains its reputation as a top edible oil.
As a staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil has always had a good name, both in taste and health-wise. It contains monounsaturated fats that protect the heart, in addition to being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Avocado oil has a mild, nutty flavor and a stellar health profile.
It’s no coincidence then that avocado oil is capturing people’s attention. Unlike olive oil that’s more fruity tasting, avocado oil has more of a milder, nuttier and buttery taste, but it’s similar to olive oil health-wise, containing monounsaturated fats, vitamins and antioxidants. Future Market Insights notes that the avocado oil market had a worth of over $287 million in 2022 with a projection to reach a value of $975 million by 2033.
Both olive and avocado oil have high smoke points, making them highly desirable cooking agents. In addition, in their pure form, they can be sprinkled on raw foods as well. When combining this with their unique flavors and health benefits, it’s easy to see why they are sought after.
Kosher
In oil manufacturing, a shared steam boiler can present kashrus concerns.
Rabbi Moshe Shkarofsky manages oil production facilities in South America. As an OU Kosher rabbinical coordinator, he possesses extensive expertise in this area. Briefly, he conveyed to me the “boilerplate” kosher concern in the manufacturing of edible oils: namely, “to know what else is manufactured on the same equipment or what else is made in the same facility using a shared steam boiler.” The rabbinical field representative keeps him up-to-date on any changes in the plant.
Products
Trader Joe’s is a good place to look for OU kosher-certified olive and avocado oil. It’s a store that stays on top of trends and is always attuned to consumers’ needs
Conclusion
The global and U.S. markets are burgeoning when it comes to cooking oils. Some favorites as of late are the always-popular olive oil, in addition to avocado oil. With high smoke points, healthy properties and inimitable tastes, these two items stand out.