Joybuy Insights

Finding the Right Sesame Oil in the UK: Our Top Recommendations for 2026

By Joybuy

Updated June 2026

5 Min Read

A few drops of the right sesame oil can transform a simple dish into something truly memorable, lending a deep, nutty aroma that is the hallmark of many beloved Asian cuisines. Yet, when you decide to buy sesame oil online or browse the supermarket aisle, the choice can be surprisingly complex. Should you get toasted or cold-pressed? Is Korean sesame oil different from Chinese?

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate these choices. This guide cuts through the clutter, offering practical advice to help you select a high-quality sesame oil that will elevate your home cooking, whether you're preparing stir-fries, marinades or simply looking for the perfect finishing oil for your noodles.

A Quick Guide to Choosing Your Sesame Oil

Before we look at specific products, here are a few key points to consider. Understanding these will help you find the perfect match for your culinary needs.

1. Toasted vs. Cold-Pressed: It's All About Flavour and Use

The most significant distinction is how the oil is processed. This directly impacts its colour, flavour and best use in the kitchen.

Toasted Sesame Oil: This is the most common type used in Asian cooking for flavour. It's made from sesame seeds that have been roasted before pressing. The result is a darker, amber-coloured oil with a powerful, nutty fragrance and taste. Due to its strong flavour and lower smoke point, it's primarily used as a finishing oil—drizzled over dishes just before serving—or as a key flavour component in marinades and dressings.
Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil: This oil is extracted from raw, un-toasted sesame seeds. It is much lighter in colour (pale yellow) and has a milder, more neutral flavour. While less common as a flavouring agent in East Asian cuisine, its higher smoke point makes it more suitable for light sautéing, though other oils are generally preferred for high-heat cooking.

2. Look for Purity

For the most authentic and potent flavour, always check the ingredients list. The goal is to find pure sesame oil, which should contain only one ingredient: 100% sesame oil or sesame seeds. Some lower-cost alternatives are blended with other vegetable oils, which dilutes the characteristic nutty aroma and flavour you're looking for.

3. Consider the Origin

While not a strict rule, the origin can sometimes give a clue about the flavour profile. For instance, Korean sesame oil is often prized for its particularly deep, rich and well-rounded toasted flavour, making it a staple for dishes like bibimbap and japchae. Different brands and regions will have subtle variations in their roasting process, leading to unique aromatic profiles.

Our Top Recommendations for 2026

Here are a few carefully selected sesame oils available on Joybuy, each offering something distinct for the home cook.

Chu Bang Fragrant Pure Sesame Oil 150ml

Why It Stands Out: This oil is produced using a cold-pressed process, which sets it apart from the more common toasted varieties. This method helps retain more of the sesame's original nutrients and results in a lighter, more delicate flavour.

Pros:
- Made from 100% pure sesame oil.
- Mellow aroma suitable for dishes where you don't want an overpowering toasted note.
- Excellent for cold dishes, dressings and light seasoning.
Who is it for?
- Home cooks looking for a high-quality, milder sesame oil for salads, cold noodle dishes or for creating their own dipping sauces from scratch.

bibigo Korean Sesame Oil 500ml

Why It Stands Out: As a classic Korean sesame oil, this product delivers the deep, robust and toasted flavour that is essential for authentic Korean cuisine. The generous 500ml bottle offers great value for those who use sesame oil regularly.

Pros:
- Rich, nutty aroma and deep toasted flavour profile.
- Versatile for use in cooking, marinades and as a finishing drizzle.
- Large bottle size is economical for frequent use.
Who is it for?
- Food enthusiasts and home cooks dedicated to making authentic Korean dishes like bulgogi, bibimbap and banchan (side dishes). It's a true Asian cooking oil staple.

Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil 207ml

Why It Stands Out: Made from carefully roasted sesame seeds, this oil from the well-established brand Lee Kum Kee is known for its intense, fragrant aroma. It is specifically designed as a finishing oil, where just a small amount adds a significant flavour boost.

Pros:
- Intensely aromatic and flavourful; a little goes a long way.
- Made from 100% roasted sesame seeds.
- Ideal for drizzling over soups, stir-fries and as a key ingredient in marinades.
Who is it for?
- Anyone looking for a reliable and potent flavour enhancer. It's an excellent choice for adding that final authentic touch to a wide range of Asian dishes, especially as a sesame oil for noodles.

Looking for the Building Blocks of Flavour?

The incredible taste of sesame oil starts with the seed itself. If you're interested in exploring further, from making your own toasted seeds for garnish to creating homemade tahini, why not browse our selection of high-quality sesame seeds?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sesame oil for high-heat frying?

It is generally not recommended to use toasted sesame oil for high-heat frying. Its lower smoke point means it can burn quickly, which creates a bitter taste and diminishes its lovely aroma. It is best used as a finishing oil or added at the very end of cooking. Lighter, cold-pressed sesame oils have a higher smoke point but other neutral oils like rapeseed or sunflower are often better suited for frying.

What is the difference between light and dark sesame oil?

This comes down to the process. Dark sesame oil is toasted sesame oil, made from roasted seeds, giving it a dark amber colour and strong, nutty flavour. Light sesame oil is typically cold-pressed from raw seeds, resulting in a pale colour and a much milder taste. For adding that characteristic "sesame" flavour to Asian dishes, you almost always want the dark, toasted variety.

How should I store sesame oil to keep it fresh?

To protect its delicate flavour and prevent it from going rancid, store your sesame oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like your cooker. After opening, sealing the bottle tightly is crucial. Some manufacturers recommend refrigeration after opening to further extend its freshness, so it's always a good idea to check the storage instructions on the packaging.

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