The last time I walked into my neighbourhood supermarket, I was surprised by the variety of edible oils available. There were two versions available for every oil: refined and the new entrant, cold-pressed. I remember that a few years back, when my health practitioner asked me to use cold-pressed oils, I had to scour stores in my city to lay my hands on the same.
Cold-pressed oils have entered the mainstream market. They are not limited to niche health food stores as they were earlier. There was a time when I hated the taste of these oils. However, now when I use these oils, I feel good about doing something right for my health. I have the notion that organs in my body thank me every time I use cold-pressed oils.
It is not just me, but many people I know have been vouching for cold-pressed oils. But what has fueled the global shift to cold-pressed oils? Why are people replacing their good-old, family-favourite, easily available, affordable, refined oils with cold-pressed versions?
The answer is simple – Times have changed, and so have lifestyles. Let’s explore how this change unfolded and why cold-pressed oils are becoming the go-to choice for mindful eaters around the world.
The Science Behind Cold-Pressed Oils
Refined oils undergo high-heat processing and chemical treatment. Unlike them, cold-pressed oils are extracted mechanically. The extraction takes place by pressing seeds or fruits at low temperatures. As the method is gentle, it retains:
- Natural antioxidants (like Vitamin E)
- Essential fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6)
- Micronutrients that often get lost in refining
In short, cold-pressed oils stay closer to their natural form. Science supports this: studies show that unrefined oils maintain higher levels of bioactive compounds, which contribute to heart health, better skin, improved immunity, and even reduced inflammation.
Cold-Pressed Oils: A Return to Ancient Traditions
You might be thinking that cold-pressed oils are a health fad. That is not true. It is a revival of an ancient tradition. Cold-pressed oils are not a recent innovation but a tradition that was lost in time. Before the industrial refining took over in the 20th century, most communities used some form of cold extraction.
Indian families relied on ghani (bullock-driven wooden press) oils like mustard, sesame, or groundnut. These oils flavoured curries and supported seasonal immunity. In Mediterranean regions, olive oil was traditionally crushed using a stone mill, creating a liquid gold that became the backbone of the Mediterranean diet.
In Japan, the traditional method involving sesame oil pressing was linked not only to cooking but also to medicinal use. The modern comeback of cold-pressed oils is a cultural rediscovery. It is a return to what our ancestors always knew worked best.
Why Refined Oils Are Losing Favour
The last decade has seen a global awakening in nutrition. People are no longer satisfied with calorie counts alone; they want to know how food is made, where it comes from, and how it affects long-term wellness. Oils, being a daily essential, naturally came under the spotlight.
Refined oils, stripped of nutrients through bleaching and deodorising, began to lose their appeal. Cold-pressed oils, on the other hand, offered:
- Transparency: Fewer steps, less processing.
- Functionality: Different oils for different needs. For instance, flaxseed for heart health, coconut for digestion, and sesame for joint strength.
- Holistic benefits: Beyond cooking, people began using them for skincare, haircare, and even baby massages.
Modern Lifestyle Choices Fueling the Shift
Several lifestyle and consumer shifts have nudged the world toward cold-pressed oils:
- Clean Eating Movement
Labels that read ‘no chemicals, no heat, no preservatives’ resonate with today’s health-conscious consumer. Cold-pressed oils fit perfectly into the clean-label trend. - Preventive Wellness
With rising cases of lifestyle diseases, people are realising that prevention is better than cure. Choosing the right cooking oil is one small, daily step in that direction. - Mindful Living & Minimalism
There’s a growing desire to simplify diets. People now focus on fewer ingredients and higher quality. Cold-pressed oils align with this philosophy. - Influencer & Social Media Buzz
Nutritionists, chefs, and wellness influencers highlight the benefits of cold-pressed oils, normalising their use in everyday cooking. Instagram recipes and reels showcasing golden drizzles of olive or sesame oil have turned them into aspirational lifestyle products.
The Sustainability Angle
Another strong reason for the switch is eco-consciousness. Cold-pressed oil extraction:
- Uses less energy compared to industrial refining.
- Avoids chemical solvents like hexane.
- Supports small-scale, local producers who often work in sustainable ways.
For many consumers, choosing cold-pressed oils isn’t just about health; it’s about supporting a greener planet.
My experience with Jivisa Cold-pressed oils
With so much hype around cold-pressed oils, I wanted to try them at least. There were so many brands available, online and on the shelves, that I was confused which one to buy. My friend recommended Jivisa to me. When I researched, Jivisa was the most preferred brand for cold-pressed oils.
I ordered all three variants of Jivisa cold-pressed oils, Apricot (Khubani) cold-pressed oil, Almond (Badaam) cold-pressed oil and Sesame (Til) cold-pressed oil. They arrived in beautiful packaging, golden covers and square bottles. The moment I held them, I felt a tingling to use them – the aroma, the texture, and the excitement of using something pure.
When I first picked up a bottle of Jivisa cold-pressed almond oil, I thought it would just be another wellness experiment, something I’d try for a few weeks and then move on from. But I was wrong. These oils have quietly become a part of my everyday routine, and I honestly don’t see myself going back to the refined ones lining supermarket shelves.
Chemical-free Skin Treatment for Children
My 10-year-old has sensitive and dry skin. I took turns and applied the oils in her navel – just a drop of oil is enough. In a week, her skin healed. She loved the fragrance of the oil. Unlike pungent-smelling mustard oil, these oils are aromatic.
Jivisa cold-pressed oils have ergonomic bottles. There is no spillage while pouring. I just pricked a pin on the plastic under-cap. It helped me use the oil cautiously and easily. I was quite happy with the no-mess dressing counter.
An Essential Part of My Skincare Routine
But here’s the thing, it’s not just about cooking. Jivisa oils have found their way into my skincare routine. A few drops of almond oil at night leaves my skin soft without feeling greasy, and apricot oil has become my go-to for a natural glow before heading out. It feels good to know I’m using something pure and chemical-free on my skin.
Jivisa cold-pressed oils aren’t just bottles on my counter anymore; they’re part of my lifestyle. Whether it’s cooking, skincare, or just knowing I’m making healthier choices, they’ve earned their place in my daily routine. And honestly? I don’t think cold-pressed oils are going anywhere. They’re here to stay, and I’m glad I found my way back to them.
From Kitchen to Vanity: How Cold-Pressed Oils Are Blurring the Line Between Food and Beauty
My grandfather used to vouch for almond oil. As there were no refined oils during those days, oils were not categorised into refined and cold-pressed. He used to recommend almond oil for chapped lips, hair fall, dry skin, and anything and everything that could be cured with oil. I faintly remember him giving me a spoonful of almond oil to make me get used to it. (I never did).
However, long after he passed away, I realised how crucial almond oil is for our health. I have even switched chemical-laden beauty products for cold-pressed oils. Applying apricot, almond, and sesame oils serves as a nourishing agent inside and out. Cold-pressed oils nourish and moisturise the skin. These offer long-term benefits and long-lasting results.
As almond and apricot cold-pressed oils are brimming with natural vitamin E, they offer lightweight hydration. This results in soft and shiny skin. Instead of refined oils, you can use these oils for strengthening strands and adding natural shine to your hair.
Ancient Oils Making a Modern Comeback
Our great-grandparents’ lifestyle was simpler and healthier than ours. Their kitchens did not have a variety of sauces to enhance the flavour of the food. Their beauty regimen was simple – oiling. They applied oil to hair and skin regularly.
With the return of cold-pressed oils, centuries-old practices have returned to our routine. Oils are not considered criminals in our lifestyle (only if they are cold-pressed). They have now become essential as healthy fats.
Even Modern Science recommends cold-pressed oils as they are prepared, preserving nutrients and taste. These oils have made new-age consumers connect with their roots and heritage. There is a gradual shift towards authenticity, natural remedies, and grandmother’s wisdom.
Why Cold-Pressed Oils Are Here to Stay
What I love most is the peace of mind. I know these oils aren’t stripped of their nutrients through heat and processing. They’re as close to nature as it gets, and that’s something I think we’re all craving in today’s world of quick fixes and over-processed products. Cold-pressed oils feel less like a “trend” and more like a return to tradition—a tradition that actually makes sense for our modern lives
Beauty Cabinets Simplified: Just like my grandpa, people are now replacing multiple serums and lotions with one versatile oil. This way, they save money, look good, and stay healthy as well.
Clean Label & Minimalist Trends: It is simpler to read the labels of cold-pressed oils. People are relieved that there is just oil inside the bottle, nothing else – The appeal of single-ingredient, chemical-free products.
Affordability vs. Luxury: Once considered niche, cold-pressed oils are now widely available in supermarkets and online. People can make a wise choice by choosing a brand that suits their requirements.
Sustainable Living Choice: Cold-pressed oils align with eco-conscious and wellness-driven lifestyles. People are now worried about how the raw materials are sourced and the manufacturing process of every product they buy.
In the End: A Small Switch with Big Impact
The world’s move toward cold-pressed oils is about more than switching brands; it’s about a shift in consciousness. It reflects how we, as consumers, are redefining health, reviving tradition, supporting sustainability, and embracing mindful living.
Every bottle of cold-pressed oil tells a story of ancient wisdom meeting modern science, of farmers preserving age-old techniques, of families choosing wellness over convenience.
I am happy that my family is eating consciously and staying healthy with cold-pressed oils. With the elevation in the choice of oil used for cooking and application, none of us accepts substandard quality.
As the golden liquid drizzles into our pans, onto our salads, or even across our skin, it reminds us of something simple yet profound: sometimes, the best future is hidden in the wisdom of the past. Happy oiling!
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