Sesame oil

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Sesame oil healthy?

Sesame oil scores 90/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the stronger scores in Scout's catalog. Sesame oil is a single-ingredient product, which indicates minimal processing and a clean label.

How processed is Sesame oil?

Sesame oil is NOVA Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients.

You might also like

See more

Sesame oil

Tesco
90 Excellent

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Tesco PLC
Category Cooking Oils
Summary

Sesame oil is a single-ingredient product, which indicates minimal processing and a clean label. As a processed culinary ingredient, it is not subject to the penalties associated with industrial seed oils. Its simplicity and lack of additives contribute positively to its health rating.

Key ingredients 1

Sesame oil
Neutral

Sesame oil is a culinary oil derived from sesame seeds, commonly used for its flavor and cooking properties. It is not classified as a seed oil in the context of harmful seed oils like canola or soybean oil. The oil contains a balance of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, but its health impact depends on consumption levels and dietary balance.

Risks

Excessive consumption of sesame oil may contribute to an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation.

Benefits

Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants such as sesamol and sesamin, which may offer some health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

See more about Sesame oil →

Processing

Group 2 · Culinary ingredients

Processed Culinary Ingredients

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Cooking Oils