Spray oils, also known as aerosol oils, were first marketed in the 1940s, but it was not until the 1960s that they became popular in homes and started to become more common in supermarkets. Since then, this type of oils have become a popular choice due to the various advantages they offer when cooking.
Advantages of spray oils:
Convenience: they are very easy to use and require little or no effort to apply. Simply shake the container and spray the oil where it is needed.
Easy application: spray oils can be applied evenly and precisely, making them ideal for cooking, grilling or even lubricating mechanical parts.
Time saving: can save time compared to manual application of oils, especially for recipes that require even application of oil.
Durability: oil sprays have a longer shelf life than other oils because they are protected from air and light, which can reduce oxidation of the oil and extend its life.
Size: its cylindrical size lends itself to easy storage in the kitchen.
Although cooking spray oils can be convenient, eye-catching and easy to use, most do not just contain oil; many are loaded with chemical additives to help improve their performance and stability.
Most common chemicals in spray oils:
Propellants: these are used to help the oil escape from the container in the form of an aerosol. Propellants can include gases such as butane, propane or CO₂.
Emulsifiers: these are used to keep the oil ingredients in suspension and prevent them from separating over time. Emulsifiers may include soy lecithin, mono- and diglycerides and polyglycerol esters.
Antioxidants: these are used to prevent oxidation of the oil, which can lead to the formation of free radicals and produce off-flavors and odors. Antioxidants can include tocopherols, ascorbic acid and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole).
Flavorings: Natural or artificial flavorings can be added to enhance the flavor and aroma of the spray oil. Flavorings may include essential oils, herbal extracts or artificial flavorings.
Dimethylsilicone: is an anti-foaming agent. It is also used as a textile finishing agent, paint additive and cosmetic ingredient. The health consequences of ingestion of dimethylsilicone have not been thoroughly investigated and are therefore not well known.
Although the Department of Agriculture (FDA) states that the chemical additives in spray oils are used in limited and controlled amounts and have therefore been evaluated as safe for human consumption, they are still foreign substances to your body that can interfere with cellular functioning.
Disadvantages of spray oils:
Over cost: spray oils tend to be more expensive than oils in their original bottled form. This is due to the fact that the manufacturing and packaging process is more complex than that of bottled oils.
Affects the environment: the use of sprays can have some effects on the environment and air quality, as propellants, such as butane and propane, are greenhouse gases and can contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere. In addition, some aerosols may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to smog formation and air pollution.
Highly flammable: there is a risk of fire, as they are highly flammable and must be handled with care and stored away from heat and flame.
Generates waste: may generate waste that can be difficult to recycle or dispose of properly once the product is finished.
It is important that you always read the labels of the products you are going to consume to make sure you choose healthy and high quality options, regardless of their presentation.
After seeing the big picture, as a mom and as a Health Coach, I prefer to minimize the consumption of chemicals in food and in my home in general. I recommend using oils in their original presentation whenever possible and using alternative methods to apply them, such as atomizing bottles or kitchen brushes.
It is worth remembering that the healthiest choices of oils and fats are olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, butter and ghee. When you go to buy them, ideally opt for those that are organic and come bottled in dark glass containers. As for butter and ghee, the healthiest alternative is an organic and grass-fed based product.
Alternatives to spray oils:
There are multiple healthy, chemical-free and economical alternatives on the market to manage oils and fats for cooking or food seasoning. Here is what I use every day in my kitchen. CLICK on each hyperlink to see them.
Atomizing bottles: It is the most ecological and healthier option than canned oils. This alternative is 100% chemical free and very easy to administer having the same effect as the spray.
Dispenser bottles: It is an excellent alternative for when you want a controlled stream of oil in your food.
Coocking brush: Alternative for when you need to apply an even layer on foods especially when dealing with more solid oils or fats such as coconut oil, butter and ghee.
In conclusion, although spray oils can be convenient in terms of application and dosage, there are several reasons why we should avoid using them because they usually contain chemicals that can be harmful to health and the environment, in addition to the extra cost involved in their production that you end up paying in the end. For these reasons, it is much more advisable to opt for healthy oils in their original presentation, knowing that there are additive-free, safe, economical and varied alternatives that you can reuse.
Disclaimer:
1. "The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and is made available as self-help tools for your own use; it is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a health care professional".
2. "As an Amazon affiliate I can earn a commission on purchases without affecting the price of the product".
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