Comparative Analysis of Groundnut Oils: A Consumer's Guide

Groundnut oil, derived from groundnuts, is an essential cooking oil in many households. It's known for its nutritional benefits, including being a rich source of energy, heart-friendly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and omega-6 fatty acids. Groundnut oil is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, making it an ideal choice for cooking. Its high smoking point ensures it retains its nutritional value at higher temperatures. However, with numerous brands in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one. This report evaluates 10 popular brands of groundnut oil to help you make an informed decision.

Key Findings

• Top Performer: Dhara emerged as the top performer.
• Value for Money: Patanjali offers the best value for money.
• Adulteration: All tested brands were free from adulteration, argemone oil, and mineral oil.
• Saponification Value: RRO Primio had a lower saponification value than the national standard, while other brands met all FSSAI requirements.

Brands Tested (One-Litre Packs)

Physicochemical Parameters

General Qualities

• Marking/Labelling: All brands provided necessary information, including manufacturer details, batch number, net quantity, 'free from argemone oil' statement, nutritional information, best before date, and MRP.
• Packing: All brands used food-grade materials for packaging. Dhara was packed in a Tetra Pak, while others used polypacks or plastic bottles.
• Net Weight: All brands exceeded the claimed quantity.

Recommendations for Consumers

• Use Different Oils: Switch between different oils like groundnut, sunflower, mustard, and soybean to avoid prolonged exposure to the side effects of one type of oil and get the benefits of various oils.
• Blending Oils: Blend different oils in equal proportions for a balanced intake of nutrients.
• Use Specific Oils for Different Purposes: Use olive oil for salads, groundnut/rice bran oil for frying, and mustard/soybean/sunflower oil for other cooking purposes.

Conclusion

All tested groundnut oils were found safe for consumption. Dhara was the top performer, while Patanjali offered the best value for money. Consumers should consider switching between different oils and using them for specific purposes to maximize health benefits.