New in the Market: Nutiva Red Palm Oil, Thrive Culinary Algae Oil, and Chosen Avocado Oil and Avocado Oil Spray

Trying different cooking oils not only adds new tastes but they provide a different nutrition profile than the oil you typically use. All these brands are healthy alternatives to traditional choices and worth a try.

Nutiva Red Palm Oil is USDA certified organic, fair trade, Non GMO Project Verified, and kosher certified (OU). The oil is a soft solid consistency at room temperature and does not require refrigeration after opening. It has a buttery flavor and a vibrant red-orange color that adds a beautiful glow to any food you sauté. The oil is sourced from small, organic farms in Ecuador. Nutiva contributes to Natural Habitats which supports sustainable production of

organic and fair trade products.

Red palm oil is different than palm kernel oil. Both are sourced from the palm tree but red palm oil comes from the red, fleshy fruit of the tree. Palm kernel oil comes from the seeds and is higher in saturated fat and lower in vitamins.

One tablespoon of Nutiva Red Palm Oil has 130 calories, no cholesterol because it is a plant-based fat, and 14 grams of total fat of which 6 grams are saturated, 1.5 grams are polyunsaturated and 6 grams are monounsaturated. One tablespoon is also an excellent source of vitamin A providing 12,000 IUs and a good source of vitamin E.

The company promotes Thrive Culinary Algae Oil as one of the healthiest, sustainable sources of edible oil. More gallons (over 400) of algae oil can be produced per acre than coconut, olive or canola oil. Thrive Algae Oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoking point which makes it suitable for any type of cooking as well as for salad dressings. It has a golden yellow color.

One tablespoon has 130 calories, no cholesterol because it is a plant-based fat, and 14 grams of total fat of which there is no polyunsaturated fat, 0.5 grams are saturated, and 13 grams are monounsaturated. Thrive Algae Oil has the lowest amount of saturated fat and the highest amount of monounsaturated fat of any cooking oil on the market.

Chosen Avocado Oil Spray comes in an air pressure can with no propellants or emulsifiers. It can be used in place of cooking sprays or to spray cooked vegetables or salad to add flavor. A one-third second spray has no calories and less than one gram of fat, but seconds count. It is estimated that it takes 1 second to spray a 10-inch pan and that adds about 5 calories. This is much less than 130 calories in a tablespoon but it is not calorie free.

Both Avocado Oil and Avocado Oil Spray are Non GMO Project Verified and kosher certified (OU)