No, cold-pressed hemp oil is not made for frying. It has a low smoke point and a high share of polyunsaturated fat that breaks down and oxidises when heated. Use it cold instead — in dressing, dip or drizzled over finished food just before serving.
Can you fry in hemp oil?
Cold-pressed hemp oil consists largely of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and 6). Those are the fats most sensitive to heat and oxygen:
- Low smoke point. Unrefined, cold-pressed oils sit low — hemp oil around 165 °C or below. Frying and deep-frying easily pass that point.
- Oxidation. Heat accelerates the breakdown of polyunsaturated fats, which degrades both flavour and quality. See also hempseed essential fatty acids.
- Flavour. The nutty, green character disappears when the oil is heated.
What do you use hemp oil for?
- In salad dressings and vinaigrettes
- As a dip for bread
- Drizzled over soup, porridge, hummus or root vegetables after cooking
- In cold sauces and pesto
For high-heat cooking, use an oil with a higher smoke point and more saturated/monounsaturated fat. Save the hemp oil for cold use. Read more in what is hemp oil and compare with hemp oil vs CBD oil.
FAQ
Can you fry in hemp oil?
No, the smoke point is too low and the polyunsaturated content too high. It is made for cold use.
Can you heat hemp oil at all?
Avoid heating. Add it at the end, after the food has been removed from the heat.
Can you use hemp oil in the oven?
No, oven heat breaks down the polyunsaturated fats the same way frying does.
What is hemp oil used for?
Cold food: dressing, dip, cold sauces and as a finishing oil for ready dishes.