A Guide to the Healthiest and Worst Cooking Oils

While many people are obsessed with the health benefits of coconut oil for everything from cooking nutritious meals (complete with healthy fats!) to boosting your beauty routine, there are many, many more to choose from that are also great for you. In fact, the variety of options in the grocery store can be somewhat overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why we talked to an expert to find out exactly which oils are healthy, which ones you should probably skip, and what to look for when you’re shopping for them.

Oils your body loves

“The best cooking oils and fats come from unrefined animal fats and naturally occurring oils from plants,” says nutritionist Cate Ritter. These oils are higher in saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and omega-3s — all things that are great for your body. “These fats and oils include unrefined coconut oil, unrefined red palm oil, avocado oil, pastured pork lard, pastured beef or bison tallow, duck fat, and grass-fed ghee,” Ritter notes. Of course, organic is best when it comes to all of these products, she adds.

It’s also important to keep in mind what happens when certain oils are heated, the temp can change their chemical composition and reduce their health benefits. “The best oils for raw use are MCT oil (made from medium-chain triglycerides), grass-fed butter, and extra virgin olive oil,” says Ritter. Though olive oil is commonly used for cooking, it loses many of its health benefits in the process, so it’s a good idea to use something different for high-heat cooking. This goes for many other oils made from nuts and seeds, like flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil. Ritter recommends that you “preserve these oils by keeping them tightly sealed in the fridge and use sparingly for raw purposes only. Avoid storing oils in sunny or hot spots, such as by a window sill or next to the stove top.” Two oils that have a very high smoke point and is great for cooking? Palm oil and avocado oil.

As for what to look for on the label, she suggests seeking out products that list just one ingredient and are organic. Keywords like “cold-pressed” and “expeller-pressed” are indicators that an oil is minimally processed and therefore, better for your body.

Grocery List:

  • Raw Use: MCT Oil, Grass-Fed Butter, EVOO, Flaxseed Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Sesame Oil
  • High Heat: Unrefined Red Palm Oil and Avocado Oil
  • Animal Fats: Pastured Beef or Bison Tallow, and Grass-Fed Ghee
  • Look for: Organic and Cold-Pressed Brands

Stay away from these OILS

You probably know that some ultra-processed oils, like corn and canola oil, aren’t great for you. According to Ritter, oils that are man- or machine-made by processing plants using high temperatures, deodorizers, and chemicals are ones you definitely want to stay away from. A few more examples of ones you should skip? Grape seed oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, and soybean oil. “Although these are referred to as vegetable oils, they’re not made from vegetables,” explains Ritter. “These tend to be higher in polyunsaturated fats that aren’t heat stable (meaning it’s not a great idea to cook with them).

Unfortunately, many of these oils are also made from genetically modified ingredients. Research shows that as much as 90 percent of canola oil is genetically modified,” she adds. While not *all* genetically modified plants are harmful to your health, there’s growing evidence that certain foods, like soybeans, may carry health risks when genetically modified.

Cooking Oils to Avoid:

  • Ultra-Processed: Canola Oil and Corn Oil
  • High in Polyunsaturated Fats: Grape Seed Oil, Peanut Oil, and Soybean Oil

Mix it up for the best health benefits

Once you figure out which oils you like the most, don’t be afraid to rotate them every so often, since it gives you a chance to ingest a wider variety of nutrients. “For example, grass-fed butter and ghee are good sources of fat-soluble vitamins and conjugated linoleum acid (which has anti-cancer properties),” says Ritter. “Coconut oil is rich in fat-burning medium-chain fatty acids that support metabolism. Avocado oil has even received prescription drug status in France for its ability to reverse arthritis!” Pretty amazing, right?

What’s your favorite oil to cook with? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Get ready to sleigh your stocking stuffer game this holiday season, because we've curated the ultimate list of 30 must-have goodies under $35! From heart-shaped sunglasses that scream sass to the coziest fuzzy socks that will have you Netflix-and-chill ready, we've got you covered. Whether you're shopping for your BFF, sister, or treating yourself (because, let's be real, you deserve it), our lineup is bursting with trendy finds and timeless classics. So, grab your shopping list and dive into the holiday magic with these wallet-friendly treasures that are sure to spark joy and spread the festive cheer. Let the stocking stuffing begin!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Opaque Tights

Tights might sound like a strange gift, but gifting red tights is a sign that you know whats up with the trends!

Amazon

Maxdot Heart Shape Sunglasses Rimless Transparent

It's time to embrace those heart eyes, darling! Cutesy accessories are the perfect little gift for any stylish romantic.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Velvet Bow Hair Ties, Set Of 6

Perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to a simple hairstyle, these hair ties are a must-have for achieving that Instagram-worthy look.

Target

Starface Hydro-Star Pimple Patches + Refillable Compact

Say goodbye to blemish blues with Starface Pimple Patches. Stick one on and let the healing magic begin!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Slip Scrunchie Ornament

Gentle on the locks and oh-so-chic, these scrunchies are the secret to achieving that effortlessly messy bun with a touch of glamour.

Urban Outfitters

Brand New

MOODEAUX Supercharged Skin Scent 2-in-1 Dry Oil Perfume Spray

Take someone's scent glands on a journey with MOODEAUX's fun-sized Supercharged Skin Scent Dry Oil Perfume Spray! Just like the name suggests, it has a delicious-smelling blend of fragrances and oils that help trigger a happier mood. From pink pepper to raspberry and saffron, your nose buds will be taken on a heavenly ride once they smell this for the first time.

We love MOODEAUX at Brit + Co and are excited to announce you'll be able to get your hands on the Dry Oil Perfume Sprays in 25 Urban Outfitters stores nationwide! Be sure to check out the official announcement here!

Anthropologie

Jingle Bell Bottle Opener

Now your fav boozy bae can pop open their favorite drinks with a jingle, and let the holiday vibes flow. It's a party in a bottle opener!

Anthropologie

Papier Pause Bookmark

A gentle reminder to slow down, relax, and take your time when getting lost in the pages of your favorite book.

Free People

Bow Taper Candles

Help set the mood with these cute and dainty candle sticks!

Sephora

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick

Universally flattering, this iconic shade adds a touch of mystery and allure to any pout.

Urban Outfitters

Chillhouse Chill Tips Press-On Manicure Kit

These trendy and hassle-free nails are a game-changer for anyone looking to level up their manicure game without the commitment.

Target

Fujifilm Quicksnap 135 Flash 400 2pk Camera

Forget filters and digital screens – these vintage-inspired cameras bring back the joy of film photography. Snap, click, and relive the memories!

Anthropologie

Mermade Hair Velcro Roller Set

Embrace the vintage aesthetic with Mermade Hair's pretty pink rollers. They're essential if you want to achieve a cute and flirty bedtime look.

Amazon

Ferrero Rocher 24 Count Chocolate Gift Box

Forrest Gump's mom didn't lie when she told him, "Life's like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get," because it often feels that way. But you can always count on Ferrero Rocher's chocolates to provide the same high-quality taste they're known for every time. We know your mom or grandma can't stop eating them so why not surprise them with their own gift boxes?

Sephora

Clarins Lip Comfort Hydrating Oil

Still can't get your hands on Dior? Opt for this luxe lip treatment from Clarins!

Skims

Skims Holiday Socks (2-Pack)

Comfy, cozy, and effortlessly cool, these holiday socks from Skims will help Santa decide if someone deserves an extra present or a lump of coal.

Skims

Skims Boyfriend Boxer

Comfort meets style in these chic boxers that redefine the meaning of intimate gifting. Because let's be real – everyone loves Skims!

Amazon

Magic 8 Ball

The Magic Eight Ball is your pocket-sized oracle for those burning questions. Will your crush text back? Shake it up and find out!

Anthropologie

The Petra Mini Drop Earrings

Delicate and charming, they add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Embrace the art of understated glam!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Classic Faux-Fur Earmuffs

A perfect blend of fashion and function, these earmuffs keep the "It Girl" warm while turning heads.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Sherpa Cozy Socks

Luxuriously soft and oh-so-cuddly, these socks are the perfect companions for a cozy night in.

Anthropologie

Tweezerman Enchanted Garden Mini Tweezer Set

These high-quality essentials are a game-changer for achieving perfectly groomed brows and precision plucking.

Urban Outfitters

Conair x Wicked Spa Satin Headband

From being a beauty routine essential to a casual brunch accessory, this accessory is the perfect blend of style and comfort.

Urban Outfitters

TONYMOLY All You Need Face Mask Set

Packed with skin-loving ingredients, these masks are your ticket to a radiant and refreshed complexion.

Nordstrom

Chunks Suki Claw Clip

This playful accessory is a statement piece that holds your tresses in style.

Free People

We're Not Really Strangers Card Game

Dive into deep and meaningful conversations with the We're Not Really Strangers Card Game. Perfect for game nights with friends or intimate moments with a loved one, this card game is a journey into connection and discovery.

Sephora

Beauty Blender Original Makeup Sponge

Because you can never have too many.

Sephora

Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum Travel Spray

This captivating scent is perfect for those who love a touch of enigma in their fragrance collection.

Target

Tile Mate

For those who are prone to misplacing things, Tile Mate is *the* trusty sidekick.

Salt Nails

Salt Nails Poppi Press-Ons

We swear by these easy-to-apply and study press-ons by Salt Nails! Not only are they stylish, but they don't interfere with everyday life! If you know a mom who dreads getting her nails done because of her baby or toddler's car seat, she'll love this stocking stuffer idea!

Amazon

Realsy Pitted & Stuffed Medjool Dates

We all know a few snackers in our lives who love eating on-the-go. With these yummy Medjool Dates, they'll be able to enjoy something that's fresh, tasty, and healthy. Plus, they're filled with mouth-watering natural nut butter from Realsy's "family-owned date farm!

Looking for more holidayhelp? Be sure to sign up for our weekly shopping newsletter for all your gifting inspo needs!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Urban Outfitters

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.