Oils & Vinegar

Madeline's oils and vinegar collection brings together cooking and finishing oils alongside culinary vinegars from independent and natural-foods makers such as Country Life Natural Foods. The oils range from extra virgin olive oil to virgin and refined coconut oils for everyday cooking, while the vinegars.

Read the buying guide and FAQ126 productsIn stock only

Start here

Madeline's oils and vinegar collection brings together cooking and finishing oils alongside culinary vinegars from independent and natural-foods makers such as Country Life Natural Foods. The oils range from extra virgin olive oil to virgin and refined coconut oils for everyday cooking, while the vinegars cover styles used for dressings, marinades, and finishing. Many are organic or minimally processed, in sizes from kitchen bottles to bulk. Whether you need a finishing oil to drizzle, a neutral cooking fat, or a vinegar for a vinaigrette, you can shop by type and use here.

How to choose

  • Cooking vs. finishing oil. Refined and neutral oils handle higher heat for sauteing and frying; extra virgin olive oil and unrefined oils are best drizzled or used in low-heat cooking to keep their flavor.
  • Olive or coconut. Olive oil is savory and versatile; virgin coconut oil adds a light coconut note, while refined coconut oil is neutral and good for baking.
  • Pick the vinegar for the job. Balsamic is sweet and syrupy for finishing, wine vinegars are bright for dressings, and apple cider vinegar is all-purpose and tangy.
  • Balance a vinaigrette. A common ratio is about three parts oil to one part vinegar, adjusted to taste with salt and seasoning.
  • Buy a size that fits. Smaller bottles keep finishing oils fresh; bulk sizes are better value for oils you cook with daily.

Frequently asked questions

Which oils are best for high-heat cooking? Refined oils with higher smoke points, such as refined coconut oil, are better suited to frying and searing. Extra virgin olive oil and unrefined oils are best for lower-heat cooking and finishing to preserve their flavor.

How should I store oil so it does not go rancid? Keep oil in a cool, dark place away from heat and light, tightly capped. Buy a size you will use within a few months, since exposure to air and light speeds rancidity.

What is the difference between virgin and refined coconut oil? Virgin coconut oil is unrefined and keeps a coconut aroma and flavor, while refined coconut oil is processed to be neutral with a higher smoke point, making it more versatile for general cooking.

How do I make a basic vinaigrette? Whisk roughly three parts oil with one part vinegar, add salt, pepper, and optional mustard or honey to emulsify and balance, then taste and adjust.

Related collections

Related guides