Popular Cooking Sprays Ranked Worst To Best

One of the most frustrating kitchen mishaps is having your perfectly cooked food stick to your pan or baking dish, leaving you with a messy and not-so-good-looking result. While butter and cooking oils certainly help prevent that from happening, cooking sprays offer a more convenient alternative by providing a thin and even coating of oil to cooking surfaces. Cooking sprays typically disperse the oil in a fine mist, making them easy to use. They also help reduce the amount of oil or butter needed while cooking.

When it comes to cooking sprays, there are plenty of options, ranging from canola or olive oils to sunflower, grapeseed, soybean, or coconut oils. Your choice often depends on what you plan to cook. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, each oil has its own smoke point — that's the temperature at which the oil overheats and becomes unhealthy. Thus, some oils are best for searing, while others are better for baking or stir-frying. In addition, cooking sprays typically contain other ingredients, such as propellants, flavorings, and emulsifiers that help create their sprayable consistency. While all of these ingredients are considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration, you might want to pay attention to what's inside each can if you're looking to avoid certain food additives. Here's a list of some of the most popular cooking sprays ranked from worst to best based on ingredients, taste, and spreadability to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Crisco is a popular brand of cooking oils and shortenings manufactured by The J.M. Smucker Company, and its Original No-Stick cooking spray is designed to provide a convenient and effective way to prevent food from sticking to your cooking surfaces. The spray is packaged in an aerosol can with a nozzle for easy application, and it delivers a fine mist of oil, allowing for precise coverage without using an excess amount. Moreover, it is made with 100% canola oil (also known as rapeseed oil), which, thanks to its high smoke point of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, is great for cooking at high temperatures.

However, Crisco Original No-Stick Spray earned the last spot in this ranking due to its additional ingredients as well as inconsistencies in customer reviews. On the one hand, despite being made with 100% canola oil, its ingredient list doesn't stop there. The product also includes soy lecithin, dimethyl silicone, and propellants, which help blend all the ingredients, prevent foaming, and push the contents out of the can, respectively. While this combination of ingredients ensures that the spray coats the cooking surface evenly, you may want to skip this product if you want to cut back on unnecessary additives. In addition, though many customers state that it has a good taste and its nozzle works perfectly, other reviewers report that the spray burns quickly and that their food still stuck to their pans.

Pam has been a trusted name in the cooking spray market for over 60 years, and its Original Cooking Spray is a well-known and widely used product. However, while it offers convenience and non-stick benefits, there are a few drawbacks that place it among the least favorite cooking sprays on this list. For starters, it is formulated with a combination of canola oil, palm oil, and coconut oil, which are selected for their neutral flavors and high smoke points, making them suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. Nevertheless, palm oil is known for having a harmful social and environmental impact when it is not sustainably sourced, as it may endanger communities and wildlife and contribute to climate change (via Conservation International).

In addition, Pam also lists the additives soy lecithin, dimethyl silicone, and propellants among its ingredients, which some people often prefer to avoid. And last but not least, its website is filled with poor ratings from customers who complain about the cooking spray's changed formula, which seems to have affected its spreadability. Several longtime users said the spray now leaves a buildup of residue on cooking surfaces. Multiple customers also wrote about it quickly burning and making it harder to clean, while others complained about it leaving a thick and butter-looking substance that was sticky and had an unpleasant taste.

Crisco Grill Master Vegetable Oil is specially formulated to enhance your grilling experience (aka no more food falling apart on your grill). It is made with soybean oil, which has a smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered pretty high. This means that it can withstand the heat of a grill without breaking down or producing excessive smoke. That also means you'll have a better grilling experience because it prevents the oil from burning too quickly and won't give your food any unwanted flavors.

While soybean oil provides various health benefits, it also packs high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that, if consumed in excess, can cause long-term inflammation, which has been linked to the development of several chronic diseases, according to Healthline. This cooking spray also contains the additives soy lecithin, dimethyl silicone, and propellants. Moreover, Crisco Grill Master Vegetable Oil may not be suitable for people with a soy allergy who cannot tolerate certain types of soybean oils (via Food Allergy Research & Education). Lastly, this cooking spray ranks ninth on this list because of a repetitive complaint among consumers who say it has a faulty nozzle that leaks or gets easily clogged.

Ever since coconut oil's popularity spiked over the last couple of years, you can increasingly find more coconut oil products on the market. Coconut oil-based cooking sprays are no exception. On that note, LouAna Coconut Oil Spray is a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire, particularly if you enjoy the distinct taste and aroma of coconut oil. This cooking spray is non-GMO (no genetically modified organisms) and made with organic coconut oil. Plus, it provides a convenient and mess-free way to apply a thin and even coating of coconut oil to cooking surfaces. Nevertheless, it does contain the typical food additives you find in many other aerosol cooking sprays, such as soy lecithin and propellants, as well as natural coconut flavor, which is why this product ranks among the least favorite cooking sprays on this list. This product also contains soybean in case you are on the lookout for that potential allergen.

Since coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (which is neither too high nor too low), the brand recommends using it for medium-heat cooking techniques, such as baking or grilling, which means you can spray it over unheated griddles and baking molds.

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray comes from a well-known brand that specializes in olive oils and other Italian-inspired food products. This particular spray is formulated only with organic extra virgin olive oil, which is derived from the first pressing of olives. The result is a high-quality oil often praised for its potential positive effects on heart health and inflammation as well as its beneficial antioxidant properties.

What's more, Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray provides a unique flavor to your dishes, with fruity and peppery notes that can enhance the taste of various recipes. Plus, since it is made exclusively with olive oil and doesn't contain any additives, you can also spray it directly onto foods, such as salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and pasta dishes. Amazon reviewers praised its flavor and absence of additives, giving it 4.7 out of 5 stars.

While this cooking spray offers a controlled way to apply olive oil to cooking surfaces — thereby reducing the amount of oil used compared with traditional pouring methods — the lack of propellants means that it streams out of the bottle instead of coming out as an aerosol mist. You may need to distribute it by hand to ensure an even coating of your cooking surfaces. Since that may add an extra step while cooking, this oil spray earned a spot in the middle of this ranking.

Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray, as its name implies, is derived from the seeds of grapes. This oil is known for its light and neutral flavor and smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for a range of high-heat cooking methods, including baking, sautéing, frying, and even grilling. Plus, like other Pompeian products, this cooking spray is certified non-GMO, and its Farmer Owned Seal shows the company's commitment and traceability to the families of farmers who produce the oil's one and only ingredient (meaning it doesn't contain propellants or other additives).

Yet, despite the product's positive qualities — it rates a 4.6 out of 5 stars among more than 1,100 Amazon customers — Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray ranks sixth on this list because there seem to be inconsistencies among customer reviews regarding the performance of its nozzle. On the one hand, the spray format allows for precise and controlled application. As one customer stated, "The design of the nozzle covers more area on one spray." But on the other hand, a common complaint among users is that the nozzles are either damaged or defective because they cause the oil to leak, get clogged, or straight up don't work. Some did not like that the oil comes out as a stream when they were expecting it to be dispersed as a mist.

Filippo Berio Mild & Light in Colour Olive Oil Spray is produced by a brand known for its high-quality olive oils. This particular spray is formulated with mild and light olive oil, which is made by combining refined and virgin olive oils. According to OliveOil.com, refined olive oil goes through a heating process to remove impurities and defects, whereas virgin olive oil does not, meaning that it retains some impurities but also keeps its numerous health-beneficial compounds. One of the key features of this cooking spray is its light color, which makes it an appealing choice for light-colored sauces, dressings, or baked goods. Plus, aside from being 100% natural, it has a smoke point of 428 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for frying, roasting, and baking.

However, the reason Filippo Berio Mild & Light in Colour Olive Oil Spray earned the fifth place on this ranking is due to its low spreadability. Since this cooking spray is dispersed via a pump spray instead of an aerosol mechanism, one customer explained that it "comes out like a water pistol rather than as a finer spray." That means users will have to manually spread it across their cooking surface or end up spraying more oil in an attempt to get decent coverage, which defeats the spray's purpose of helping reduce the amount of oil used in recipes.

If you're looking for a natural and organic cooking spray, then La Tourangelle Non-Stick Cooking Spray may be just what you were looking for. La Tourangelle focuses on providing all-natural and chemical-free food options, and its cooking spray is no exception. It is verified as non-GMO, certified gluten-free, kosher, organic, and vegan. In addition, the cooking spray contains only two ingredients (canola oil and sunflower lecithin). The container uses compressed air to deliver the oil, so it is free of propellants and preservatives. Plus, since canola oil has a high smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit and is known for its neutral flavor and versatility, it can be used in various medium- to high-heat cooking methods, including sautéing, frying, baking, and roasting.

Aside from the oil's great cooking qualities, La Tourangelle Non-Stick Cooking Spray earned a spot among the top four best cooking sprays in this ranking thanks to the flexibility of its nozzle, which can be adjusted to allow you to dispense the oil in the form of a drip or drizzle, a fine stream, or a full spray or mist by simply changing the pressure of your finger.

Mantova Coconut Oil Spray is made with 100% natural coconut oil, which is derived from the meat of coconuts and has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as aiding weight loss, boosting hair and skin health, and improving brain function. Plus, coconut oil is the spray's only ingredient, meaning that it doesn't contain any fillers, additives, or preservatives. One Amazon reviewer called the spray the "best on the market."

In addition to its simple ingredients, this spray ranks No. 3 on our list because of the innovative "bag in bottle" system, which helps with the oil's distribution and spreadability. In short, this system allows you to apply a thin and even coating of coconut oil without the need for propellants, aerosols, or other additives. In addition, since coconut oil has a particular tropical aroma and a mild and sweet taste, it can enhance the flavor of various dishes. With a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can choose to use it for a number of cooking applications, including sautéing, baking, and stir-frying. It can also be used as a non-stick cooking spray for pans and skillets or simply sprayed on top of your cooked meals.

If you want to add avocado oil to your cooking essentials, then Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray is a great place to start. This cooking spray is made with 100% pure and non-GMO avocados, and its ingredient list stops right there, meaning that it is free of propellants and other food additives. It is certified paleo and is also a glyphosate residue-free product, meaning its avocados were not treated with a commonly used herbicide that eliminates invasive or unwanted broadleafs and grasses that may also pose an ecological risk to other plants.

In addition, avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points among cooking oils, which means it can withstand higher cooking temperatures without producing harmful compounds or negatively affecting the flavor or looks of your food. Yet, the reason Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray ranks second and not first on this list is due to multiple negative reviews complaining about the product's container leaking and making a mess. For instance, one review states, "Had to place it in a ... (plastic) bag which is now half full. Almost the whole bottle has leaked out." Another customer complained about the oil leaking and staining their cupboard shelf.

The spot for the best cooking spray in this ranking belongs to BetterBody Foods Avocado Oil Spray made with 100% avocado oil, which is derived from the flesh of ripe Mexican avocados. Avocado oil is known for being rich in vitamin E, which can help improve your skin. It is also a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats that may help boost heart health and reduce inflammation. Moreover, it has an advantage over the other cooking oils on this list with a smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that you can use it for cooking just about anything that needs heating.

BetterBody Foods Avocado Oil Spray is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher and is made exclusively with avocado oil. It contains zero additives such as propellants, flavorings, or anti-foaming agents. In addition, it has a "bag on valve" technology, which allows for even distribution across your cooking surfaces. While some reviewers consider it to be on the pricier side compared with other brands, they did praise its neutral flavor. "This is quality from taste to performance," one Amazon reviewer stated. Another customer praised the spray's lack of flavor, adding, "The spray is lovely, it has a great mouth feel and keeps food from sticking.