13 Cooking Oils That Give Best Value Per Serving

Choosing the right cooking oil can make a big difference for your grocery budget and your meals. With so many options on the shelf, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by price tags and marketing claims. But when you break it down by value per serving, some oils clearly stand out for everyday cooking. Focusing on cooking oils that give the best value per serving means you get the most for your money without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Whether you’re frying, baking, or drizzling over salads, knowing which oils stretch your dollar is a smart move for any home cook. Let’s look at the top 13 cooking oils that give the best value per serving, so you can shop smarter and cook better.

Vegetable oil is a staple in many kitchens because it’s affordable and versatile. Made from a blend of plant sources like soybeans, corn, or sunflower, it’s often sold in large bottles that keep the cost per serving low. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it great for frying, sautéing, and baking. If you want an oil that works for nearly any recipe and stretches your grocery budget, vegetable oil is tough to beat for value per serving.

2. Canola Oil

Canola oil is known for its light taste and heart-healthy fat profile. It’s widely available and usually priced lower than many specialty oils. Because canola oil is often sold in bulk, the cost per serving is among the weakest of any cooking oil. It can be used for frying, baking, and salad dressings, making it a reliable, budget-friendly choice for home cooks looking for the best value per serving.

3. Corn Oil

Corn oil is popular for deep frying thanks to its high smoke point. It’s commonly found in large containers, which helps keep the price per serving down. Corn oil has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower dishes. If you cook for a crowd or do a lot of frying, corn oil offers solid value per serving and consistent results.

4. Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another wallet-friendly pick. It’s extracted from sunflower seeds and is often less expensive than olive or avocado oil. Sunflower oil’s light flavor and versatility make it a good match for sautéing, baking, and homemade mayonnaise. For those looking to maximize value per serving, it’s a practical choice that delivers good performance in the kitchen.

5. Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a favorite for frying, especially in Asian and Southern cuisines. While the upfront cost can be higher than other oils, peanut oil’s high smoke point means it can often be reused several times for frying. This reusable quality helps stretch each bottle further, giving you better value per serving, especially if you fry foods regularly.

6. Olive Oil (Regular/Light)

Regular or light olive oil offers a more affordable alternative to extra-virgin varieties. It’s typically sold in large bottles and used for sautéing, roasting, and even baking. While extra-virgin olive oil has a bolder flavor and higher price, regular olive oil still gives you the classic taste and health benefits at a lower cost per serving. For Mediterranean dishes or everyday cooking, it’s a great way to enjoy olive oil’s benefits without breaking the bank.

7. Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is one of the most common oils in processed foods and restaurant kitchens. It’s inexpensive, neutral-tasting, and widely available in large quantities. Because it’s often sold in bulk, soybean oil offers excellent value per serving, making it a smart pick for families or anyone who cooks in volume.

8. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking and is valued for its clean, light flavor. While it’s sometimes pricier than canola or vegetable oil, you can often find deals at warehouse clubs or online. Its versatility and moderate price per serving make it a good option for salad dressings, sautéing, and even baking. For those willing to shop around, grapeseed oil can offer good value per serving.

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is well-known for its unique taste and solid texture at room temperature. While the price per jar may seem high, a little goes a long way in recipes. Coconut oil is ideal for baking, curries, and even as a butter substitute in some dishes. When used sparingly, it can offer reasonable value per serving, especially if you buy in bulk.

10. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has gained popularity for its health benefits and high smoke point. It’s more expensive than many other oils, but you don’t need much for sautéing or drizzling over salads. Some brands offer larger bottles that reduce the price per serving. If you want a premium oil but still care about value per serving, look for sales or bulk options at your local store.

11. Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is similar to sunflower oil in taste and uses, but it’s sometimes overlooked. It’s generally affordable and has a high smoke point, making it great for frying and stir-frying. When bought in larger containers, safflower oil can deliver very good value per serving for home cooks who want a neutral-tasting option.

12. Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is popular in Asian cooking and is known for its mild flavor and high smoke point. It’s often sold in large bottles, which keeps the cost per serving competitive. Rice bran oil is a good choice for stir-frying, deep-frying, and salad dressings. For those looking to add variety to their oil lineup while still getting great value per serving, rice bran oil is worth considering.

13. Blended Cooking Oils

Some brands offer blended cooking oils, combining ingredients like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil. These blends are designed for affordability and versatility, often providing the lowest price per serving. If you’re not particular about single-source oils, blended oils are a practical way to get the best value per serving, especially for everyday cooking tasks.

Stretch Your Grocery Dollar with Smart Oil Choices

Finding cooking oils that give the best value per serving doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality. Everyday staples like vegetable oil, canola oil, and soybean oil help you cook a variety of dishes without overspending. Even premium options such as olive oil and avocado oil can be affordable if you buy in bulk or catch a good sale.

Which cooking oil do you rely on most for value per serving? Share your thoughts in the comments below!