The Top 4 Sesame Oil Substitutes | Ultimate Paleo Guide


Sesame oil is a signature ingredient in many southeast asian dishes – including salad dressing, noodles, and other bowls.

However, it’s not the healthiest option around and at times can be difficult to find.

So – if you’re looking for a solid sesame oil substitute or alternative, we’ve got a bunch for you.

The 4 Best Sesame Oil Substitutes

Here’s the best sesame oil substitutes in order of health + flavor.

Avocado Oil

Avocado is probably the best healthy alternative and flavor alternative to avocado oil.

If it’s good enough for Mark Sisson – it’s good enough for us.

Olive Oil

Maybe the closest analog to sesame oil – olive oil is a great choice for your sesame oil dish.

The lighter flavors may do a better job of imitating the flavors you’re looking for.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oils is a light oil and the flavor can match. The coconut adds a somewhat tropical flair to the dish – so eat up and enjoy.

Grass Fed Butter

Grass fed butter is a great healthy option to sesame oil, but might not have the same flavor profile you’re looking for.

Bad Alternatives to Sesame Oil

Here’s 5 sesame oil alternatives you’ll want to stay away from:

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed is a popular vegetable oil with an unoffensive taste, but is incredibly highly processed vegetable oil. We do into the details on why you should avoid vegetable oils altogether.

This is a no from us Bob.

Vegetable Oil

Generic vegetable oil. Again, from a health standpoint, you should avoid these at all costs.

Olive oil is a superior alternative to this on almost every individual level.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a highly processed oil that is not necessarily a good alternative for anything. We would avoid this.

Peanut Oil

High in omega 6s and with a huge population allergic to this – only use when you know exactly who’s going to be at dinner.

Walnut Oil

Another nut oil – while the flavor might be close, the health benefits are just not there.

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sesame oil, look at avocado, olive and coconut oil primarily. You can use the others in a pinch, but these tried + true healthy options are the best best.

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