Choosing Ethical Olive, Rapeseed and Coconut Oils
Which Cooking Oil brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Cooking Oil Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Choosing Ethical Olive, Rapeseed and Coconut Oils
The different types of cooking oil and their ethical concerns
The Good Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical and sustainability criteria since 2001. Cooking oil is one of the most widely purchased food products in the UK, and the sector raises a broad range of concerns — from pesticide use and deforestation to animal welfare and corporate ownership. Our Ethical Cooking Oil Ratings Table gives consumers a clear, independently researched comparison of the brands available.
Cooking oil is an essential ingredient in home cooking. It’s probably something we’re all buying every few weeks. We should all therefore ensure that we purchase sustainable products from ethical cooking oil brands. This article will explore the ethical benefits of each option and identify the best cooking oil products for you.
Cooking oil and the use of pesticides
It is important to note that the use of chemicals in non-organic farming is a concern for all cooking oils. Pesticides and herbicides pose a risk to bees and can pollute water sources, ultimately disrupting important ecosystems. We therefore recommend purchasing organic cooking oil, whether it’s organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, or other organic options. Organic certification from bodies such as the Soil Association guarantees that crops have been grown without synthetic pesticides, making it one of the most reliable signals of responsible sourcing.
Due to its bold flavours, olive oil is one of the most popular types of cooking oil. Unfortunately, as olives cannot be grown in the UK, we have no choice but to rely on imports for our olive oil consumption. According to statistics from the European Commission, 95% of olive trees in the world grow in the Mediterranean region, which is why most of our olive oil comes from countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. This means that the carbon footprint associated with olive oil transportation is unavoidable unless you choose not to purchase it at all. When buying olive oil, look for cold-pressed or extra virgin options, as these are produced without chemical solvents and are generally more traceable to their source. Several brands in our Ethical Cooking Oil Ratings Table also use bird-friendly harvesting techniques, avoiding the intensive nocturnal harvesting methods that harm migratory birds.
Rapeseed oil is also a popular choice for cooking oil. Rapeseed oil is a great option for buying local, as much of it is grown and produced within the UK. However, organic rapeseed oil is trickier to find than organic coconut oil or organic olive oil.
Coconut oil and monkey labour
Coconut oil is another cooking oil that is growing in popularity. However, there is a particularly unethical practice that occurs with the production of coconut oil that you may not be aware of. National Geographic reports that in Thailand, one of the world’s largest coconut producers, monkey labour is being used to supply coconuts to international brands. Monkeys, such as the pig-tailed macaque, are trained to climb trees and pick coconuts, whilst being kept in chains and cages under severe stress.
Monkeys can pick coconuts a lot faster than humans and do not need to be paid wages, so coconut producers exploit them for cheap and easy labour. We believe it is unacceptable to abuse animals for profit, so we recommend avoiding brands that use monkey labour to supply their coconuts. PETA publishes a list of companies that have committed to not using monkey labour.
The ethical issues within the cooking oil sector may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! Our Ethical Cooking Oil Ratings Table provides you with all the information you need to choose from an ethical cooking oil brand. The companies listed in the green section of our tables offer a wide range of ethical options, including organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, and organic rapeseed oil.
Palm oil, deforestation, and new regulations
Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world, appearing in many processed food products. Its production has long been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss — particularly in Southeast Asia. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force at the end of 2025, now requires companies to demonstrate that palm oil and other forest-risk commodities entering the EU supply chain are deforestation-free and legally produced. The UK is developing its own forest-risk commodity due diligence regulations, though secondary legislation has been delayed. Consumers can support more responsible sourcing by choosing brands that carry RSPO certification — the internationally recognised standard for sustainable palm oil — or by choosing cooking oils that avoid palm oil altogether. Our Ethical Cooking Oil Ratings Table helps you identify which brands are leading the way on these issues.
Our research: cooking oil brands to avoid
Our latest research shows the number of brands offering options for organic cooking oil, which includes organic olive oil and organic coconut oil. Out of 30 brands assessed, we found 17 brands to be selling at least one organic product. To find these products, such as organic olive oil and organic coconut oil, look for brands in our table with a top rating under the Organic category.
However, there are some cooking oil brands that are still engaging in unethical activities, particularly if they are owned by a controversial parent company. For instance, the olive oil brand Filippo Berio is a unique case. The Chinese government owns a majority share in this olive oil brand. The Chinese government has been criticised for its human rights abuses and poor environmental practices. Filippo Berio has therefore been marked down in our research under Public Record Criticisms. Our research assesses brands across Environment, Animals, and People criteria — including corporate ownership — which is why parent company behaviour forms an important part of our ethical ratings.
Our advice for buying the most ethical cooking oil: organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, and more
Consider other cooking oil options. Avocado oil, sesame seed oil, and hemp oil are also available from some of the ethical brands in our table.
If you are looking for organic olive oil or organic rapeseed oil, there are several ethical brands within our table to choose from, including Mr Organic and Clearspring.
Zaytoun in particular is a great brand to purchase from, as it offers organic olive oil that is also certified by the Fairtrade Foundation! Additionally, for organic coconut oil, TIANA and The Groovy Food Company are good ethical options. Brands that hold Ethical Accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide have had their ethical credentials independently verified — the clearest signal available to consumers that a brand takes its responsibilities seriously.
Ethical food shopping: the bigger picture
If you care about the ethics of your cooking oil, it is worth applying the same scrutiny to other food products in your kitchen. The Good Shopping Guide has been independently rating food brands since 2001 across dozens of categories. Many of the same issues — deforestation, pesticide use, corporate ownership, and Fairtrade sourcing — affect other food sectors too. See our Ethical Chocolate comparison table and our Ethical Tea comparison table, which apply the same independent ratings methodology to two other sectors closely linked to the issues raised on this page. For businesses in the food sector that want their ethical credentials independently recognised, find out more about The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation.
See our Ethical Cooking Oil Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Some of the most popular cooking oil brands are represented on our Ethical Ratings Tables. You can find out even more information about individual cooking oil brands by clicking on a brand name below, and reading in-depth articles about specific brands’ ethics and sustainability efforts.
Suma, Clearspring, Mr Organic, Equal Exchange, The Groovy Food Company, Zaytoun, Farrington’s Mellow Yellow, Organico, TIANA, Biona, Nutiva, Farchioni, KTC, Olivado, Good Hemp, Vita Coco, Bodrum, Borderfields, Belazu, Bio Orto, Carapelli, Fry Light, Fussels, Hillfarm, Odysea, La Española, Olivio, Filippo Berio, Mazola, Flora, Napolina, Crisp ‘n Dry and U:ME.
Why should consumers think about ethics when choosing cooking oil, even though it’s a basic kitchen ingredient?
Cooking oil is used frequently in most households, so its environmental and ethical impact adds up over time. The way crops are grown, processed and transported can affect ecosystems, workers and climate emissions. Because it’s such a commonly purchased product, choosing more sustainable and responsibly sourced oils can make a meaningful difference overall.
What environmental concerns are linked to non-organic cooking oil production?
Non-organic farming often relies on pesticides and herbicides, which can harm pollinators like bees and contaminate water systems. These chemicals can disrupt ecosystems and reduce biodiversity. For this reason, organic cooking oils are often recommended, as they avoid synthetic chemicals and are generally considered less harmful to the environment.
How do ethical rating systems evaluate cooking oil brands?
Ethical assessments typically consider factors such as environmental reporting, use of genetically modified ingredients, organic certification, fossil fuel use, animal welfare, and corporate behaviour like political donations. Brands that perform well across these categories — and are transparent about their practices — tend to receive higher ethical scores.
Which cooking oil brands tend to score highly on ethical and sustainability criteria?
Some of the highest-rated brands include TIANA and Zaytoun, both scoring very highly due to strong environmental practices, good organic performance and responsible corporate behaviour. Other well-rated brands include Clearspring and Nutiva, which also perform strongly across environmental, animal welfare and transparency categories.
Why do some cooking oil brands receive lower ethical ratings?
Lower-rated brands often lack organic certification, rely on genetically modified ingredients, or fail to publish strong environmental reports. Some may also have poor records on fossil fuel use, fair trade practices or corporate transparency. These gaps reduce their overall ethical performance compared with brands that provide clearer commitments and responsible sourcing.
What practical steps can consumers take to choose more ethical cooking oils?
To make more ethical choices, consumers can look for organic oils, avoid products with unclear sourcing, and favour brands with transparent environmental policies. Choosing oils produced with fewer chemicals and better sustainability practices — such as organic olive, coconut or other plant oils — helps reduce harm to ecosystems and supports more responsible agriculture.
Is Nutiva an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Nutiva sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and organic ingredients, while falling short in Fairtrade and Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its progressive approach. Although it exceeds the benchmark, obtaining Ethical Accreditation would further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Tiana an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Tiana sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and organic ingredients, while showing weaker performance in Fairtrade and lacking Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its progressive approach. As it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further strengthen its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Zaytoun an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Zaytoun sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, organic ingredients, and Fairtrade practices, although it falls short in achieving Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its strong ethical ethos. As it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further reinforce its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Clearspring an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Clearspring sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly across areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and organic certification, but falls short in Fairtrade and lacks Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, highlighting its forward-thinking approach. As it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further reinforce its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Farrington’s Mellow Yellow an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Farrington’s Mellow Yellow sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and animal welfare, although it falls short in organic certification and lacks Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, and while it exceeds the benchmark, achieving Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Hillfarm an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Hillfarm sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas such as environmental reporting and animal welfare, although it falls short in organic certification and does not yet hold Ethical Accreditation. The brand also has Ethical Innovator Status, and while it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation would further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Mr Organic an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Mr Organic sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and organic certification, reflecting its clear sustainability ethos, but falls short in Fairtrade and does not yet hold Ethical Accreditation. The brand has Ethical Innovator Status, and applying for Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Organico an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Organico sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and organic ingredients, while falling short in Fairtrade and lacking Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its forward-thinking approach. As it exceeds the benchmark, obtaining Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Suma an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Suma sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, GMO policies, and organic certification, although it falls short in Fairtrade and lacks Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, and while it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Good Hemp an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Good Hemp sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting and GMO policies, reflecting its clear sustainability ethos, though it falls short in organic certification and does not yet hold Ethical Accreditation. The brand also has Ethical Innovator Status, and as it exceeds the benchmark, applying for Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is The Groovy Food Company an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
The Groovy Food Company sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in some areas such as environmental reporting and GMO policies, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. Readers looking for brands that meet or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table may wish to consider other brands with stronger ethical profiles.
Is Farchioni an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Farchioni sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, organic certification, and animal welfare, although it falls short in GMO transparency and lacks Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, and as it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is La Española an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
La Española sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs adequately in areas such as GMO and organic ingredient use, but its environmental reporting and Fairtrade practices lag, and it lacks Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the ethical benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that do reach the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Biona an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Biona sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, organic certification, and GMO policies, although it falls short in Fairtrade and lacks Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, and as it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Borderfields an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Borderfields sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as environmental reporting and GMO policies, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the ethical benchmark, readers seeking more ethical choices should consult other brands that reach the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Napolina an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Napolina sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs adequately in areas such as organic ingredients and GMO transparency, but overall does not reach the ethical benchmark and lacks Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers looking for more ethical options should refer to other brands that meet or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Olivio an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Olivio sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as GMO transparency and ingredient sourcing, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that do reach the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Belazu an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Belazu sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas such as environmental reporting, organic certification, and Fairtrade practices, although it falls short in GMO transparency and does not yet hold Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, and as it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further reinforce its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Bodrum an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Bodrum sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs adequately in areas such as ingredient sourcing and GMO transparency but overall does not reach the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should refer to other brands that meet or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Crisp‑N‑Dry an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Crisp‑N‑Dry sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as ingredient sourcing and GMO transparency, but overall does not reach the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that meet or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Fussells an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Fussells sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as ingredient transparency and sourcing, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Odysea an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Odysea sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as ingredient sourcing and transparency, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Olivado an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Olivado sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as environmental reporting, organic certification, and Fairtrade practices, although it falls short in GMO transparency and does not yet hold Ethical Accreditation. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, and as it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Vita‑Coco an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Vita‑Coco sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas such as environmental reporting and GMO policies, although it falls short in Fairtrade and does not yet hold Ethical Accreditation. The brand also has Ethical Innovator Status, and as it exceeds the benchmark, gaining Ethical Accreditation could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is KTC an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
KTC sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as ingredient sourcing and GMO transparency, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Mazola an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Mazola sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in some areas such as ingredient sourcing and GMO transparency, but overall does not reach the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Filippo Berio an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Filippo Berio sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as ingredient sourcing and transparency, but overall falls short of the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand does not meet the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Carapelli an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Carapelli sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs moderately in areas such as ingredient sourcing and transparency, but overall does not meet the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Fry‑Light an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Fry‑Light sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs reasonably in areas such as ingredient sourcing and transparency, but overall does not meet the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
Is Flora an ethical Cooking Oil brand?
Flora sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cooking Oil Ethical Ratings Table. It performs moderately in areas such as ingredient sourcing and GMO transparency, but overall does not reach the ethical benchmark and does not hold Ethical Accreditation. As the brand falls short of the benchmark, readers seeking more ethical alternatives should consult other brands that reach or exceed the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s table.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.