Can You Cook With Hazelnut Oil? Uses, Taste, Benefits & More

29 juin 2026

Can You Cook With Hazelnut Oil? Uses, Taste, Benefits & More

Whenever we bring hazelnut oil to a tasting, the same questions come up almost every time.

"Can you actually cook with it?"

"What does it taste like?"

"Is it just for skincare?"

I don't blame people for asking. Hazelnut oil isn't nearly as common in Canada as olive oil or avocado oil, so for a lot of people it's their first time seeing it.

The short answer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook with it.

In fact, that's exactly why we started pressing it.

What Is Hazelnut Oil?

Hazelnut oil is simply oil extracted from the kernel of the hazelnut.

Sounds simple enough, but how it's produced makes a huge difference.

One thing I've learned since we started pressing oil is that not all oils are supposed to taste the same.

Somewhere along the way, people got used to cooking oils that don't really taste like much.

Cold-pressed hazelnut oil is different. It still tastes like the nut it came from.

At RM Essentials, we cold-press BC hazelnuts in small batches. No solvents. No chemical extraction. No unnecessary additives.

The goal isn't to make the oil taste like nothing.

The goal is to let the hazelnuts speak for themselves.

Can You Cook With Hazelnut Oil?

Absolutely.

We produce our hazelnut oil as a culinary oil first and foremost.

It's incredibly versatile and works well in:

Salad dressings
Homemade vinaigrettes
Roasted vegetables
PastaBakingMarinades
Drizzling over grilled chicken or fish
Fresh bread with balsamic vinegar

One thing people often assume is that hazelnut oil has an overpowering flavour.

It really doesn't.

It's smooth, buttery, and lightly nutty. It complements food instead of taking it over.

After introducing it to hundreds of people at tastings, I've noticed the same reaction over and over.

People expect something really strong.

Then they try it.

Usually the first thing I hear is,

"Wow... that's way lighter than I expected."

That probably sums up hazelnut oil better than I ever could.

Can You Fry With Hazelnut Oil?

Another question that comes up quite a bit is whether you can fry with hazelnut oil.

The answer is yes, although it depends on how you're cooking.

Cold-pressed hazelnut oil has a smoke point that's generally reported around 220°C, or 428°F, making it suitable for most everyday cooking, including sautéing, roasting, and pan frying.

Personally, I prefer using it where you can actually taste it. Roasted vegetables, homemade dressings, fresh bread with balsamic vinegar, or finishing a steak are where I think it really shines.

If you're deep frying a basket of french fries, I'd probably save the hazelnut oil for another meal.

Is Hazelnut Oil Good for Cooking?

Yes.

Hazelnut oil is naturally rich in monounsaturated fat, particularly oleic acid, which makes up roughly 75 to 80 percent of the oil depending on the variety of hazelnut and growing conditions. It also contains naturally occurring vitamin E, along with smaller amounts of linoleic acid and other fatty acids.

Those characteristics have made hazelnut oil popular in European kitchens for years.

Cold-pressed hazelnut oil is commonly used anywhere you want to add flavour, while refined hazelnut oil is often chosen when a more neutral taste is preferred.

Personally, I think using a cold-pressed oil because it actually tastes like hazelnuts is half the fun.

What Does Hazelnut Oil Taste Like?

If I had to describe it in one sentence, I'd say it's buttery with a mild roasted hazelnut finish.

It's delicate.

It isn't sweet.

It isn't overpowering.

It doesn't taste like liquid Nutella.

That's another thing people are usually surprised by.

Because the flavour is fairly subtle, it's easy to pair with both savoury and sweet dishes.

We've had customers use it in salad dressings, over roasted vegetables, in baking, on pancakes, mixed into oatmeal, and even drizzled over vanilla ice cream.

That's one of my favourite things about doing tastings.

Every person seems to leave with a different idea of what they're going to try it on next.

What Foods Pair Well With Hazelnut Oil?

One of the questions that usually comes after someone tries a sample is:

"Okay... what do you actually use it on?"

Honestly, there are more options than you might expect.

Some of my favourites include:

Fresh bread with balsamic vinegar (my personal fave)
Roasted carrots
Brussels sprouts
Beets
Spinach salads
Homemade vinaigrettes
Parmesan cheese
PastaGrilled chicken
Baked salmon
Pancakes
Oatmeal
Vanilla ice cream

My advice?

Start simple.

Taste it on a piece of fresh bread first.

Once you understand its flavour, you'll naturally start finding places to use it.

Is Hazelnut Oil Healthier Than Olive Oil?

This question comes up all the time.

Personally, I don't think it's a competition.

Olive oil has earned its reputation, and there's always a bottle in my kitchen.

There's also a bottle of hazelnut oil.

Both oils are naturally rich in monounsaturated fats and fit well into a balanced diet. Hazelnut oil also contains considerably more vitamin E than olive oil, while olive oil contains more vitamin K.

For me, the decision usually comes down to flavour.

If I'm making a Greek salad, I'll probably reach for olive oil.

If I want something smooth, buttery, and just a little different, I'm reaching for hazelnut oil.

I don't think one replaces the other.

I think they complement each other.

Who Should Try Hazelnut Oil?

I'd recommend hazelnut oil if you:

Enjoy cooking from scratch
Like trying new ingredients
Want an alternative to olive oil
Appreciate locally produced foods
Prefer minimally processed ingredients

If you're expecting an oil that completely changes every meal, you might actually be disappointed.

Hazelnut oil is subtle.

That's exactly what makes it so versatile.

Can You Use Hazelnut Oil on Your Skin?

Yes, and a lot of people do.

We originally started pressing hazelnut oil because we wanted a versatile cooking oil, but over time we've had more and more customers tell us they use it as part of their skincare routine as well.

Hazelnut oil is naturally rich in vitamin E and contains a high percentage of oleic acid, two components that have been widely studied and are commonly found in skincare products. It's also considered a relatively lightweight oil, which is one reason many people enjoy using it on their skin and hair.

I like that it's one simple product that people find different uses for.

Some customers keep a bottle in the kitchen for cooking, while others also reach for it after washing their hands, working in the garden, or as part of their evening skincare routine.

We don't market it as a miracle product, but we also aren't surprised when customers tell us they've found another use for it.

As with any natural oil, everyone's skin is different. If you're trying it for the first time, it's always a good idea to test a small area first and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Why We Decided to Press Hazelnut Oil

I'll be honest.

When we first started pressing hazelnut oil, I didn't think it would become one of our flagship grocery store products.

Our Black seed oil gets most of the attention online.

Hazelnut oil quietly wins people over in person.

Once someone tastes it, they usually understand why we keep pressing it.

One of my favourite parts of this business is watching someone try hazelnut oil for the first time.

Almost every time, I hear,

"I wasn't expecting that."

Neither was I.

That's probably why it's become one of my favourite oils to press.

Does Hazelnut Oil Need to Be Refrigerated?

Like any cold-pressed oil, freshness matters.

We recommend storing hazelnut oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Once opened, refrigeration can help preserve freshness, especially if you don't use it regularly.

Because we press in small batches, we'd much rather see a bottle enjoyed than sitting in the back of a cupboard for years.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for an oil with a bold, overpowering flavour, hazelnut oil probably isn't for you.

If you're looking for something smooth, versatile, and a little different from the usual bottle of olive oil, I think it's worth having in the kitchen.

After pressing it for the past couple of years and watching hundreds of people try it for the first time, I can honestly say it's one of the most underrated oils we produce.

If you've never tried cold-pressed hazelnut oil before, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

If you've never tried cold-pressed hazelnut oil before, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. And if you're curious about some of the other oils we press here in the Okanagan, feel free to browse our full lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fry with hazelnut oil?

Yes. Cold-pressed hazelnut oil has a smoke point of around 220°C, or 428°F, making it suitable for sautéing, roasting, and pan frying. Personally, I think it shines when you use it in dishes where you can actually appreciate its flavour.

Does hazelnut oil taste like hazelnuts?

Yes, but probably not as much as you're expecting. It's smooth, buttery, and lightly nutty rather than bold or overpowering. That's one of the biggest surprises people have when they try it for the first time.

Can hazelnut oil replace olive oil?

Absolutely. I don't think of it as replacing olive oil, though. I keep both in my kitchen because they each bring something different to the table. Olive oil has a more robust flavour, while hazelnut oil offers a smoother, buttery finish.

Should hazelnut oil be refrigerated?

It doesn't have to be, but refrigeration after opening can help preserve freshness, especially if you don't use it regularly. Whether refrigerated or not, keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.

Can you use hazelnut oil on your skin?

Many people do. Because it's simply cold-pressed hazelnut oil with nothing added, some people choose to use it as part of their skincare routine as well as in the kitchen. As with any skincare product, it's always a good idea to patch test first.