Groundnut Oil vs Olive Oil: Difference and Comparison

The wholesome seed of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated is Groundnut Oil and Olive Oil. The two are the most common cooking oil with healthy fats.

Groundnut Oil and Olive Oil have many similarities in health benefits and refining processes. Both gained so much popularity in the retail market in the last two decades. 

Key Takeaways

1. Groundnut oil, also known as peanut oil, is extracted from peanuts and features a mild, nutty flavor, while olive oil is derived from olives and has a distinct fruity, pungent taste.
2. Groundnut oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods like frying. In contrast, olive oil, especially extra-virgin, is best suited for low-heat cooking or finishing oil.
3. Both oils contain healthy monounsaturated fats, but olive oil boasts higher levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its reputation as a heart-healthy choice.

Groundnut Oil vs Olive Oil

Groundnut oil, is an oil made from peanuts. It has a neutral taste and is used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisine. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil is made by pressing fresh olives. It has a fruity flavor and is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Groundnut Oil is extracted from peanut seeds. It has a strong flavor of nutty peanuts in cold-pressed liquid. It is a cheap alternative to Olive Oil in the market.

Apart from being cold-pressed, it has no variation in taste. The first refinery of Groundnut Oil was operational in 1950.

Fewer antioxidants and vitamins are available in it. 

Olive Oil refers to the liquid fat extracted from the Olive fruit. Olive is a light green round-shaped fruit.

The color of extra virgin Olive Oil is likewise green  It has an extraordinary flavor that enhances the taste of dishes prepared.

In continental dishes, Extra virgin Olive oil is added as dressing.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Groundnut Oil	Olive Oil
Smoke Point	In Groundnut Oil, the smoke point is high during the frying process.	In Olive Oil, the smoke point is low during the frying process.
Health Perspective	Groundnut Oil is less healthy for the human body.	Olive Oil is more healthy for the human body.
Taste	Groundnut Oil does not alter the taste of food after cooking.	Olive Oil alters the taste of food after cooking.
Usage	Groundnut Oil can be used for deep fry and stir fry.	It can be consumed raw along with stir fry and deep fry.
Price Variation	Groundnut Oil is easy to buy and more affordable.	Olive Oil is not easy to buy and less affordable.

What is Groundnut Oil?

Groundnut Oil is also called Peanut oil and Arachis oil. It is mainly helpful in frying. A Budget-friendly option with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

The smoke point of unrefined Groundnut Oil is 320 °F/160 °C. Refined Groundnut Oil has a smoke point of 450 degrees Celcius.

Lower middle class and middle-class families prefer cooking in Groundnut Oil. 

It lacks antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols that are very nutritious. Rich omega-6 fatty acids are available in this liquid fat of Groundnuts.

Some unique utilization of Groundnut Oil in soap making with the help of soap-making essentials.

In north India, it is majorly supplied during fasting days as it is a non-wheat oil. Consuming Groundnut Oil is being considered a religion-friendly option after cow ghee. Groundnut is one of the forms of legumes.

The richness of legumes is purely available in Groundnut Oil. 

Groundnut Oil is reusable after the filtration process. Unlike Soyabean refined, it can be utilized several times. It doesn’t convert into rancid easily like other inferior oils in the market.

Its neutral flavor does not mix with the core flavor of the meal. The reusable feature makes it more marketable for the seller of Groundnut Oil.

Lastly, it is prone to heart issues.

What is Olive Oil?

The most preferred choice of health-conscious people in the present era is Olive Oil. The source of Olive Oil is the Olive tree.

It alters the core flavor of the dish while used in cooking.

In recent years, it has grown in the global market rapidly. It is not wrong to mention that Olive oil is the status symbol today. 

The rich Omega-9 fatty acids are present in Olive Oil. It has less polyunsaturated fat in it and is more monosaturated. Olive Oil has an array of antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols that are very nutritious.

The smoke point of Extra virgin olive oil is 410 degrees Celcius. Olive oil is grassy, sticky, bitter, and peppery. It helps in the reduction of inflammation. 

Olive Oil prevents heart stroke and improves metabolism in the body. Moderate consumption of Olive oil helps in balancing weight.

It is not prone to type 2 diabetes. Following are the five prime categories of Olive Oil:

1. Olive pomace oil,
2. Pure olive oil,
3. Refined olive,
4. Virgin Oil,
5. Extra Virgin Oil.

On a larger scale, it is used for body massage of infants. It is very effective for skin toning. Females also prefer it for scalp massage. International recipes are incomplete without Olive Oil dressings. 

Main Differences Between Groundnut Oil and Olive Oil

1. Antioxidants: Groundnut Oil has omega-6 fatty acids in it. On the flip side, Olive oil has omega-9 fatty acids. 
2. Side-Effects: Regular consumption of fried Groundnut Oil leads to cardiac arrest, whereas More consumption of Olive Oil leads to fat and slow function of organs.  
3. Saturated Fat: Groundnut Oil has more Saturated fats in it. On the other hand, Olive Oil has fewer Saturated fats in it.
4. Purpose: The purpose of using Groundnut Oil is Versatile cooking, and the motive of using Olive Oil is to add a different flavor. 
5. Existence: Refined Groundnut Oil has started during the 1950s, and Olive Oil refining was in existence since the Mediterranean 3500 BC. 

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814607012344
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027153170700142X

Last Updated : 18 July, 2023