How to Identify Pure Cold-Pressed Oil? 5 Simple Ways to Spot Authenticity

With the rising demand for healthier alternatives, cold-pressed oils have made a massive comeback. But not every bottle labeled “cold-pressed” guarantees purity. Many commercial brands market refined or semi-processed oils under this term. So, how do you know if you’re truly buying pure cold-pressed oil?

At Malmi, we stay true to traditional methods and ensure authenticity in every drop. Here are 5 simple ways to identify pure cold-pressed oil and avoid falling for marketing gimmicks.

1. Check the Aroma — It Should Smell Fresh & Natural

One of the easiest ways to spot authentic cold-pressed oil is by its aroma. Pure cold-pressed oils retain the natural fragrance of the seeds or nuts they are made from. For example:

Mustard oil will have a pungent, sharp aroma.
Coconut cold-pressed oil will smell like fresh coconut.
Groundnut oil will carry a rich, nutty fragrance.

Refined or impure oils often lack this natural aroma or have a synthetic smell due to added fragrances.

2. Look at the Color — It Should Be Natural & Unpolished

Pure cold-pressed oils are not crystal clear. They often have a slightly cloudy appearance with a natural, earthy color tone. For instance:

Wood pressed mustard oil will have a deep yellow to golden hue.
Coconut wood pressed oil will be milky white or slightly yellowish.
Sunflower oil will appear light golden.

Overly clear or shiny oils are often refined and stripped of their natural nutrients.

3. Feel the Texture — It Should Be Thick & Sticky

Unlike refined oils that feel light and slippery, pure cold-pressed oils have a slightly thicker and sticky texture. When you rub a few drops between your fingers, it should feel dense and leave a light, nourishing coat on your skin.

This thickness indicates the presence of natural antioxidants, essential fats, and nutrients that remain intact in wood-pressed oils.

4. Read the Label Carefully — Look for “Wood Pressed” or “Chekku/Ghani”

Many brands loosely use the term cold-pressed. However, true traditional oils are labeled as:

Wood Pressed Oil
Chekku Oil (Tamil)
Ghani Oil (Hindi/Marathi)

Check for mentions of no heat extraction, chemical-free, no solvents used, and small batch production on the label. Avoid products with additives, preservatives, or refined blends.

5. Price Matters — Too Cheap to Be Pure? Think Again!

Authentic wood pressed oils are priced slightly higher because of:

Premium quality seeds/nuts
Traditional slow pressing techniques
No chemical shortcuts
Small batch processing ensuring freshness

At Malmi, we ensure you get what you pay for — 100% pure, authentic cold-pressed oils.

Bonus Tip: Do the Refrigerator Test

Here’s a simple home test:

Pour a small quantity of oil in a glass jar.
Refrigerate it for 4-6 hours.
Pure cold-pressed oils will become cloudy or partially solidify due to their natural fats.

If the oil remains crystal clear and unchanged, it’s likely refined or adulterated.

Why Choose Malmi’s Cold-Pressed Oils?

Wooden cold-pressed (Chekku/Ghani) method
Sourced from the finest quality seeds and coconuts
No chemicals, preservatives, or solvents
Freshly extracted in small artisan batches
Available in 500ml, 1L, and 5L eco-friendly packaging

Final Thoughts

Your health begins with what you cook in. Choosing pure cold-pressed oil is a commitment to authenticity and well-being. Don’t be misled by fancy packaging—use these simple tips to ensure you’re bringing home the real thing.

With Malmi, you get pure, authentic wood pressed oils just like nature intended — no shortcuts, no compromises.