The best brands of sunflower oil for 2020

Sunflower oil is a vegetable fat that is essential for the body to function properly and to obtain essential fatty acids. It is produced in various ways from sunflower seeds.

This is not a delicacy, but without it it is impossible to prepare not only a delicacy dish, but also the simplest and most daily menu - vinaigrette, stewed cabbage, or porridge on the water. With a spoonful of oil, this dish becomes much tastier.

How to correctly approach the issue of buying a useful product and choose tasty and high-quality from the variety presented, we will consider in the article. The editors of the site "Ya Nashla" offer you an overview of the best brands of sunflower oil for 2020.

General overview - a short journey through history

The first sunflower seeds in Russia appeared thanks to Peter the Great, who brought them from abroad and grew more in his garden because of the beautiful flower. 100 years later, the Russians figured out what else to do with them. Sunflower oil made itself known in 1829, thanks to a simple peasant who guessed to squeeze oil from seeds with a simple mallet.

Now sunflower oil has become one of the most popular and is included in the daily diet of Russian residents. It belongs to the class of Omega 6 essential fatty acids, which are beneficial in small portions.

This is a grocery product that has been pre-processed for the possibility of its further long-term storage, packaged in special packaging and not whimsical to storage conditions.

Types of sunflower oil

In terms of taste, sunflower oil can be divided into two broad categories:

• Unrefined - oil that has undergone a minimum of processing.

This is filtration or settling to clean the product from mechanical impurities. Suitable for dressing salads, making cold snacks. It is more beneficial for health and contains vitamins A and D. It has a pleasant aroma of seeds, which gives a peculiar taste to the dishes to which it is added.

It also leaves a specific aftertaste and associations reminiscent of childhood and the rest of the grandmother in the village with a simple, rustic cuisine in the form of potatoes with butter and dill, country milk and freshly baked bread.

This kind of oil is not for everybody. It is more beneficial for health, but foams when frying, quickly oxidizes and releases toxins. Better not to cook on it.

Good quality oil will have a rich golden color, pronounced sunflower aroma, light sediment and haze above it, good oil density.

• Refined - used for making cold snacks, baked goods, margarine, mayonnaise, the same salads, sauces.

Its scope is much wider due to the absence of sunflower smell.

This is a type of oil that has been industrially refined to remove substances and impurities that cause combustion and foaming. This oil does not have a pronounced sunflower aroma. After removing impurities, it is filtered, treated with hot water to remove the precipitate.

After that, the oil has a less pronounced taste, smell, color. Then it is processed with alkali for the possibility of long-term storage, bleached, deodorized.

This refined product is more suitable for frying. It is the safest to use because in the production process, all harmful substances are removed. But it is cleared of vitamins and nutrients.

If vitamin E is still on the label, then it is artificially introduced. It has a transparent light yellow color of varying saturation, without impurities.

Good quality oil will not foam, splash, deteriorate quickly, no sediment formation, good oiliness.

Its consistency is viscous - we check it along the walls of the package (if it is plastic or transparent glass), with a neutral aroma without rancidity.

Advice:A convenient option would be to have both types of oils in the kitchen: for adding to dishes (unrefined sunflower) and for frying (refined sunflower). If you are not a fan of the sunflower aroma of the dish, then one type (refined) will be enough.

Having decided on the basic taste preferences, consider the rest of the selection criteria.

To do this, it is enough to carefully read the label, which contains all the necessary information about the product (marking) and a visual inspection of its appearance.

What the label will tell you

On the label, the manufacturer notes information by which you can understand the quality of this brand of oil product. It:

• Deodorized - a method of processing with maximum purification from impurities, aromatic substances and everything that can lead to product spoilage.

This is achieved by placing the product in a vacuum and exposing it to dry steam, with a temperature of 170 to 230 degrees.

This oil is suitable for dietary nutrition.

Sunflower oil, even if it is purified from vitamins, is still useful, because helps to absorb vitamins A and E from other foods.

• Frozen - cleaned of wax covering the shell of the seed by cooling to 10-12 degrees and then filtering them.

At low temperatures, they make the oil cloudy and perishable. After such cleaning, it does not foam or splatter. does not contain liquids.

• Cold pressed - obtained by pressing seeds that have not been pre-heated, i.e. in a cold way.

This oil is more useful because contains more nutrients. But it has a corresponding smell of seeds and a short shelf life (like all natural products).

• Hydrated - oil, brought to 60 degrees, which has undergone industrial processing with hot water at a temperature of 70 degrees.

In this way, it is cleared of sediment and turbidity. The aroma remains in it, and the color lightens a little.

• Raw-pressed oil is a method of obtaining oil by refining, grinding and pressing seeds with an oak press.

With this technology, the press and raw materials are not heated (in contrast to the cold pressing process with metal pressing) and a high quality product is obtained. It has a weak aroma, light color, light sediment. The oil is expensive because it does not have a high% yield - only from 10 to 50.

• With the taste of fried seeds - this type of oil is distinguished by a richer taste, economical consumption, aroma of fried seeds.

It is obtained by pressing seeds pre-processed by roasting.

• Oleic is a new trend in the development of oilseed production.

This oil is obtained from a special type of sunflower seeds - oleic. Sunflower oil belongs to the essential Omega 6 acids, with a lower content of Omega 3 acids.

In oil marked "oleic" these proportions are changed to a high content of Omega 3 acids and a decrease in Omega 6. This type of product has 2 subcategories, depending on the percentage of Omega 3 in it:

1. high oleic - more than 85%;
2. medium oleic - maximum 75%.

This type of vegetable fat is the most absorbed by the body. It has a higher vitamin E content.

It is a good alternative to expensive olive oil, but on a budget. It is resistant to oxidation and can withstand several fries without harmful effects on the body.

• Acid and peroxide number - laboratory values.

The lower the acidity, the better the quality. This is an indicator of good product cleaning. A high peroxide value indicates poor purification of free fatty acids and the inability to use it in food. The norm is 0.6 mgKOH / g.

The longer the product stays in the light (display case), the greater the oxidation process.

Peroxides are non-fatty substances that oxidize fatty acids under the influence of oxygen, light, heat, which can give off a smell when frying. Exceeding them is unacceptable.

According to GOST, the peroxide value is 10 mol * 1/20 / kg. The closer to the end of the shelf life of the oil, the higher this figure will be.

• Cholesterol free - sunflower oil belongs to vegetable fats and a priori cannot contain cholesterol. This is the prerogative of animal fats.

With such information, the manufacturer is only trying to attract the attention of the buyer to his product. Therefore, one has only to smile at their efforts.

• Vitamin E is present in any oil, but after refining it disappears. If there is such a mark on the package, it means that the vitamin has been added / added to the product additionally.
• Vitamin B - cannot be in the oil, it is water-soluble. Its or not, or it is not oil, but not a useful product.
• Non-GMO is also a marketing ploy for buyers who are not informed that in Russia it is prohibited by law to produce products with GMO (genetically modified).
• Mark D or P - you can also find such a mark. What does it mean?

D is a brand of deodorized oil suitable for baby or diet food. The acidity of this oil does not exceed 0.4 mgKOH / g.

P - in oils with such a mark, the acidity is slightly higher and an indicator of 0.6 mgKOH / g is considered acceptable.

Other selection criteria

• Colour

On the shelves of outlets, you can see oils with different color saturations. It depends on the concentration of the pigment in it - the dye. Removing it more thoroughly results in a lighter color. It depends on the technology used when receiving the product. The color affects only the appearance, nothing more.

• Sediment

The presence of sediment and slight turbidity above it is possible in unrefined sunflower oil (with the smell of seeds).

There should be no sediment in the refined oil.

If there is such a moment, it means that mistakes were made (moisture got in). Such oil should not be consumed, after opening it will quickly deteriorate.

• Packaging, volume

The oil can be packaged and sold in various packages:

• glass;
• tin;
• cardboard;
• plastic.

Its quality does not depend on the packaging material. The most common transparent plastic packaging due to its:

• low cost;
• fall safety.

But the disadvantages of this type of packaging include:

• the release of harmful substances into the product when heated;
• some distortion of the true color of the product.

Spray - the oil can also be found in innovative packaging with a spray, which is economical in consumption and shelf life. In such packages, metered consumption in the form of a spray, jet, or drop is possible.

Common volumes are 1 liter and 5 liters. Some manufacturers also present other volumes - 1.5 liters; 2.5 l; 800 ml; 900 ml.

Particular attention should be paid to the same cost of the product for different volumes.

• Composition

In 100 gr. sunflower oil contains 95.6 gr.fats, including: saturated - about 10 g., monounsaturated - about 45 g., polyunsaturated - about 40 g. Additionally, it is a source of vitamin E (tocopherol) - 41 mg, vitamin K - 5.4 μg.

Pure sunflower oil can contain only sunflower oil.

If there is an inclusion of other oils, then this brand already refers to vegetable.

• Shelf life

The ripening season of raw materials (sunflower seeds) for the production of sunflower oil lasts from June to October.

Ideally, the ripening period coincides with the production date. It is also advisable to choose the date of bottling as close as possible to the date of production.

Oil with a composition without preservatives (unrefined sunflower) is stored for 4 months. With preservatives that extend the shelf life (refined sunflower) - 1 year.

Oil in an opened package must be consumed within a month, provided it is stored in a dark place and with a closed container lid.

It is better if the storage place is a refrigerator, but it is permissible at a temperature of +5 - + 20 ° C, in a dark place.

Storage and use recommendations:

• It is best to store oil in a dark glass container in the refrigerator.
• Given that any kind of frying produces carcinogenic substances, it is best to use a non-stick pan and 1 tsp. butter (minimum amount) so that the dish does not burn.

Tips:

• Oil consumption should be normalized, because its high calorie content can contribute to weight gain.
• The use of oil in violation of the storage rules can lead to poor health, in particular, to metabolic disorders, due to the oxidation processes that begin in it.
• It is advisable to use open oil within 1 month.

What types of oil are there still

The aroma of the familiar oil can be varied or enhanced with various flavors, based on personal preferences and the created dish.
If there is no opportunity to purchase oil with an enhanced aroma, then you can prepare it yourself at home:

• garlic;
• with nuts;
• with herbs;
• with pepper;
• with dried tomatoes;
• with extracts of rose petals;
• laurel;
• with basil extract.

It is enough to grind the selected additive and, combining it with oil, leave for some time to infuse and saturate the taste.

This oil will add a spicy touch and uniqueness to the dish.

Recommendations for choosing oil according to Roskachestvo data

According to the normative documents, the mass fraction of fat in oil must correspond to 99%.

According to GOST, each batch of the product is checked by a quality laboratory located at the manufacturing plant. The batch is accompanied by the receipt of a genuine certificate of quality and safety.

According to the conducted inspections of Roskachestvo, most of the presented brands of sunflower oil correspond in quality to the labeling and grade 1 can even be attributed to the highest.

In some cases, the data on the quality of the oil declared on the label do not correspond to reality.

The sale of oil with a discrepancy between the actual quality and the marked one is considered a violation of consumer rights and is considered by Rospotrebnadzor.

What to look for:

But there are exceptions - these are oil products with an inappropriate peroxide value (i.e., degree of purification). These are the brands:

• Kuban;
• Good;
• Alei KONAKO;
• Green Ray;
• Kubanochka;
• Empire of the Sun;
• Gold standard.

In oils of the Green Ray and Kuban brands, the fat-acid index does not correspond to the declared one as "corresponding to GOST".

These brands should be treated with special attention.

The best manufacturers and brands

To protect yourself from a low-quality purchase, it is better to choose products from trusted manufacturers that are guaranteed to produce high-quality oil.

Because the best and more delicious oilseeds grow in the southern regions of Russia, you need to pay attention to the Belgorod, Kuban, Stavropol producers.

The already established brands include such as:

• Zlato (Rostov-on-Don);
• Golden Seed (Rostov-on-Don);
• Mr. Ricco (Russia-Switzerland);
• Sloboda (Voronezh region);
• Blago (Russia);
• Gifts of the Kubanochka (Russia);
• Oleina (Russia);
• Altero (Russia);
• Ideal (Spain).

How much is:

The price of the final product consists of the industrial method of production, quality, volume, brand, additional additives that enhance taste.

The average cost varies depending on the region of its implementation:

• from 55 rubles. for sunflower oil Aro, refined, deodorized, volume 0.9 l;
• up to 1960 rub. for organic sunflower oil Flora, 500 ml.

Rating of high-quality sunflower oil brands popular among buyers

Oleina / Sunflower oil, classic

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Volume: 1 liter;
• Average cost: 108 rubles;
• Reviews: rating 5 out of 5.

Sunflower oil of the Oleina trademark is a high-quality refined, deodorized oil of the 1st grade. Complies with GOST standards.

The markings on the packaging correspond to the actual quality. For convenience, the oil is presented in various volumes: 2 liters, 3 liters, 5 liters.

Seed odorless oil, suitable for cooking any dish, incl. and frying. Its deodorization speaks of its high-quality purification from impurities and the possibility of using it in dietary food.

Oleina is the leader in the content of linoleic acid (a healthy fat related to Omega 6 acids), which is essential for the human body and normal functioning.

In 100 gr. the product contains 99.9 gr. fat and 899 kcal.

The shelf life of the oil is higher than the standardized one, which is permissible (according to GOST).

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Natural products / High oleic sunflower oil / Krasnodar elite

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Volume: 500 ml .;
• Average cost: 146 rubles;
• Reviews: rating 5 out of 5, delicious, affordable price, unusual taste.

Russian sunflower oil from a Krasnodar manufacturer, which speaks of the quality and delicious raw oil. It is obtained using cold pressing, thanks to which all the useful substances are preserved in it. The oil is unrefined and has a pleasant light aroma.

Claimed as high oleic, which means a high content of Omega 3 acids with a simultaneous content of Omega 6 acids - an important quality for use in a balanced diet.

Packaging in the form of a glass bottle made of dark glass allows you to maintain quality not only on the store shelf, but also at home.

Energy value 100 gr. oil - 890 kcal, the fat content meets the standard - 99.9 g.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Sloboda / Sunflower oil, aromatic

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Volume: 1 liter;
• Average price: 93 rubles;
• Reviews: average rating 4.5 out of 5; buyers mark as the best scented oil.

Sloboda is one of the best food production firms in Russia.

The unrefined product from the Belgorod manufacturer EFKO OJSC was chosen by the majority of buyers as the best of a number of aromatic sunflower oils.

Made in accordance with GOST, it has 100 gr. 898 kcal and 99.7 g. fat.
Made by freezing - this is a gradual cooling with simultaneous slow stirring. Helps to preserve the maximum of nutrients while increasing the shelf life and preserving the taste.

The technological process determines the light yellow color of the product, without waxy sediment and turbidity.

The oil fully complies with GOST and the requirements of Roskachestvo standards.
A low acid number (mgKOH / g) indicates its purity.

This brand of sunflower oil in all respects meets quality standards and has an award of the Russian Quality Mark.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Kuban product / Sunflower oil, unrefined

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Volume: 500 ml;
• Average price: 168 rubles.

This type of sunflower oil is unrefined (with a smell).

Obtained in the process of the first cold pressing of pre-fried seeds. This gives an intense, rich flavor to the roasted sunflower seeds.

The first pressing oil is of the highest quality and retains the maximum amount of vitamins, carbohydrates, phospholipids, stearins - almost 10%.

Energy value 100 gr. oil - 898 kcal, fat - 99.9 g.

Composition - 100% sunflower oil. It is packaged in a dark glass bottle, which preserves its useful qualities for a long time.

The oil is perfect for adding to dishes such as boiled potatoes, vinaigrette, salted herring, etc., giving them a sunflower aroma.

Dignity:

Disadvantages:

Altero / Sunflower oil with the addition of rose petal extracts Rose

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Volume: 810 ml .;
• Average price: 120 rubles.

The sunflower oil of the Belgorod manufacturer is obtained by the cold pressing method, which allows to preserve the whole bouquet of useful qualities.

It is unrefined (with a slight aroma of seeds), suitable for lovers of aromatic oil. You can also fry in such oil - it will not smoke and foam.

The organic product is flavored with rose petal extract. It does not interrupt the general light aroma of seeds, it only adds a slight sourness to the main taste. Quite unusual and varied.

In addition, rose petals have a tonic, anti-inflammatory, refreshing effect, and restore the intestinal flora. They contain vitamins C, B, calcium, iron, carotene.

Suitable for preparing children's meals.

Oil of the first grade, made according to TU. In 100 gr. - 898 kcal, fat - 99.7 g.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Mr.Ricco / Organic sunflower oil, refined, deodorized

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Volume: 1 liter;
• Average price:
• Reviews: Average rating 4.6 out of 5.

Description:

JSC "Kazan Fat Plant" produces one of the best sunflower oils.

Refined oil of the highest grade, i.e. it lacks the specific aroma of sunflower. It is also deodorized, which speaks of its high quality and purification from unnecessary impurities, which shorten its shelf life.

The product is obtained using a cheese-pressing process, which retains the maximum of useful substances in an organic oil product.

Suitable for baby and diet food, because produced in accordance with GOST standards. B 100 gr. Ricco contains 99.9 gr. fat and 899 kcal.

The oil is packaged in a transparent plastic bottle, which may be its only, but not essential, drawback.

Putting it in a dark storage place or pouring it into a special bottle for oil made of dark glass, the deficiency will be eliminated, and the nutritional properties will be preserved.

In terms of functionality, the oil can be classified as universal, because suitable for all types of cooking and frying.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Ideal / Sunflower oil

• Manufacturer: Russia / Argentina;
• Volume: 1 liter;
• Average price: 109 rubles;
• Reviews: buyers note the price / quality ratio.

Ideal sunflower oil meets European quality standards, which speaks of the high quality and safety of the certified product.

Has a neutral odor, as evidenced by the information on the label "refined".

Deodorization extends its shelf life by 18 months. Made in accordance with GOST standards, it contains only sunflower oil.

Classification - 1st grade, with a fat content of 99.9 gr. and energy value. 899 kcal per 100 g. product.

In terms of the acid number, the oil can be equated to the highest grade of the "premium" class. It has good quality cleaning and refining.

A slight sediment may be observed, which indicates that the oil does not belong to frozen.

In general, according to other indicators, it is a decent oil of good quality.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Conclusion

Sunflower oil has many benefits. The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in it provides the human body with the normal functioning of the metabolic system, reproductive function, the state of the skin, nails, hair, strengthening the walls of blood vessels, increasing immunity, replenishing strength, increasing efficiency and simply improving the taste of the prepared dish.

The main thing is to use quality oil and store it correctly. And which one is better to buy - deodorized or aromatic, raw-pressed or cold-pressed, with or without flavors, it's up to you. If you have experience in using the brands of sunflower oil described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.