Cooking spray has become a popular alternative to traditional cooking oils and butter due to its convenience and ease of use. But, many people are concerned about the calorie count of cooking spray and whether it is truly a “zero calorie” option.
Here, I will analyze the calorie count of cooking spray based on the number of sprays, time per spray, and type of oil used. Using this information, it will be easy to identify the best zero-calorie cooking spray available in the market.
Table of Contents
- 1 Our Top Pick.
- 2 What Is A Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray?
- 3 What Are The Best Zero-Calorie Cooking Sprays?
- 4 Comparison Of The Top 5 Zero-Calorie Cooking Sprays.
- 5 Does Cooking Spray Have 0 Calories?
- 6 Final Thoughts On The Best Zero-Calorie Cooking Sprays.
- 7 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
- 7.1 How Many Calories Is 0 Cal Spray?
- 7.2 Is Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray Healthier Than Traditional Cooking Oil?
- 7.3 Can I Use Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray On A Non-Stick Pan?
- 7.4 How Many Calories Are In One Serving Of Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray?
- 7.5 Can I Use It For Baking?
- 7.6 Can I Use Cooking Spray For Deep-Frying?
Our Top Pick.
What Is A Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray?
Zero-calorie cooking spray is a type of cooking oil that has been processed in such a way that it has zero calories per serving. It is typically made from a blend of oils and other ingredients, such as lecithin, which help to create a smooth, non-stick surface when cooking. Zero-calorie cooking spray is a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils and can help you reduce your calorie intake.
Also Read – What Can I Use Instead Of Cooking Spray?
What Are The Benefits of Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray?
There are many benefits to using zero-calorie cooking spray, including the following:
- It has zero calories per serving, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
- It is a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils, which are high in calories and can be harmful to your health if consumed in excess.
- It creates a non-stick surface when cooking, which helps to prevent food from sticking to the pan and burning.
- It is easy to use and can be sprayed directly onto the food or the pan.
- It comes in various flavors and can add flavor to your dishes without adding extra calories.
Also Read – Best Cooking Sprays For Eggs
What Are The Best Zero-Calorie Cooking Sprays?
There are many zero-calorie cooking sprays available but here are the top 5 you can try.
1. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray.
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil is a naturally refined cooking oil made from avocados ripened to perfection. It is 100% pure and never diluted, offering a delicious and healthy option for cooking, baking, dressings, and marinades. With its neutral flavor, it is a versatile kitchen staple suitable for any purpose.
PROS
- Made with 100% pure avocado oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
- A high smoke point of 500°F makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like grilling and searing.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- It comes in a non-aerosol spray Can.
CONS
- Some users have reported issues with the spray nozzle clogging.
User Reviews.
- “I am so happy I discovered this product! It’s easy to use and adds a great taste to my dishes. Plus, it’s much healthier than using traditional oil. Highly recommend!” – Jane, Amazon.
- “I love this spray! It’s perfect for cooking and baking, and it’s also great for spraying on salads. Highly recommend!” – Sarah, Thrive Market.
2. Pam Original Cooking Spray.
Pam Original Cooking Spray is a classic and versatile cooking spray that is perfect for all types of cooking. It is made from a blend of canola and palm oil and has zero calories per serving. It is also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Pam Original Cooking Spray creates a non-stick surface that helps prevent food from sticking to the pan, making clean-up easier.
PROS
- Affordable and widely available.
- Suitable for frying, grilling, baking, or roasting, providing a solution for various cooking needs.
- Offers the benefits of traditional cooking oils without the added calories or fat.
- It provides a light and even coating, reducing the amount of oil needed in recipes.
- Non-stick properties help to prevent food from sticking to pans.
CONS
- The lower smoke point of 400°F is not ideal for high-heat cooking methods.
- Contains soy lecithin, which may be a concern for those with soy allergies.
User Reviews.
- “This is a staple in my kitchen! It’s perfect for cooking and baking, and it’s so easy to use. Highly recommend!” – John, Walmart.
- “I’ve been using PAM for years and it never fails me. It’s a great way to reduce calories and fat in my cooking, and it never sticks to my pans.” – Emily, Amazon.
3. Crisco Olive Oil Spray.
Crisco Olive Oil Spray is made with 100% extra virgin olive oil, offering a rich flavor and a healthier option for cooking. It is specially formulated for fat-free cooking and contains 0 grams of trans fat per serving. This versatile cooking spray can be used for frying, grilling, baking, and roasting, making it a convenient choice for a variety of recipes. The spray is alcohol-free, allowing the full flavor of the food to come through.
PROS
- It is made with 100% extra virgin olive oil, providing a rich flavor and health benefits.
- It contains 0 grams of trans fat per serving, making it a healthier option for cooking.
- A high smoke point of 450°F makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods.
- Suitable for various cooking methods, including frying, grilling, baking, and roasting.
- It prevents food from sticking to cookware, ensuring easy food release and cleanup.
CONS
- Some users have reported leakage and defective spray nozzles, leading to a messy application.
User Reviews.
- “I was pleasantly surprised with how great this spray worked. It doesn’t leave any residue on my pans and it adds a great flavor to my dishes.” – Mark, Amazon.com.
- “I love using this spray for baking and roasting. It gives my food a great taste and it’s much healthier than using traditional oil.” – Katie, Walmart.com.
4. Spectrum Naturals Coconut Oil Spray.
Spectrum Naturals Coconut Spray Oil offers a subtle coconut aroma and natural flavor, perfect for sautéing, stir-frying, and baking. Made with refined organic coconut oil, this spray is great for medium-high heat cooking, reaching temperatures up to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a Non-GMO Project Certified and Certified Kosher by the OU.
PROS
- It is made with high-quality, naturally refined organic coconut oil.
- Suitable for sautéing, stir-frying, and baking, adding a subtle coconut aroma and flavor to dishes.
- Certified non-GMO, ensuring the ingredients meet rigorous standards.
- The spray nozzle makes it easy to apply and control the amount of oil used in cooking.
- Non-stick properties help to prevent food from sticking to pans.
- Certified Kosher by the OU, meeting kosher dietary requirements.
CONS
- The lower smoke point of 350°F is not ideal for high-heat cooking methods.
- Coconut flavor may not be desirable for all recipes.
User Reviews.
- “This spray is perfect for cooking. It provides a subtle coconut aroma and adds a great flavor to my dishes. It’s much healthier than using traditional oil.” – Lisa, Thrive Market.
- “I love using this spray for sautéing vegetables. It adds a great coconut flavor and it’s so easy to use.” – Mike, Amazon.
5. La Tourangelle Avocado Oil Spray.
La Tourangelle Avocado Oil Spray offers pure, all-natural, and handcrafted oil from premium avocados. With its emerald green color and fine fruity roundness, this oil is wonderful for salads, grilled fish, or as skin and hair care products. La Tourangelle uses 150-year-old French traditional practices to craft this artisan oil, ensuring its quality and authenticity.
PROS
- Made with 100% pure avocado oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
- A high smoke point of 500°F makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like grilling and searing.
- Suitable for cooking, baking, and as a skin and hair care product, offering a subtle avocado flavor.
- It is crafted using traditional French methods, ensuring authenticity and quality.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
- La Tourangelle is committed to sustainability, supporting regenerative agriculture and green energy.
CONS
- Slightly more expensive than some other cooking sprays.
- I find the avocado flavor to be too subtle and would prefer a stronger taste.
User Reviews.
- “I recently switched to this spray and I’m so glad I did! It adds a great taste to my dishes and it’s much healthier than using traditional oil.” – Rachel, Amazon.
- “This spray is perfect for roasting vegetables and meats. It adds a great flavor and it’s so easy to use.” – Tom, Walmart.
Also Read – Kirkland Canola Oil Cooking Spray Review
Comparison Of The Top 5 Zero-Calorie Cooking Sprays.
Here is a comparison of the cooking sprays based on their ingredients, calories per serving, and smoke point.
Cooking Spray | Ingredients | Calories per Serving | Time per Spray | Smoke Point |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray | Avocado Oil, Propellant | 0 | 1/3 second | 500°F |
Pam Original Cooking Spray | Canola Oil, Soy Lecithin, Dimethyl Silicone (for Anti-Foaming) | 0 | 1/3 second | 400°F |
Crisco Olive Oil Spray | Olive Oil, Soy Lecithin, Dimethyl Silicone (for Anti-Foaming) | 0 | 1/3 second | 450°F |
Spectrum Naturals Coconut Oil Spray | Coconut Oil, Soy Lecithin, Propellant | 0 | 1/3 second | 350°F |
La Tourangelle Avocado Oil Spray | Avocado Oil, Propellant | 0 | 1/4 second | 500°F |
Also Read – Baking Spray Vs Cooking Spray
Does Cooking Spray Have 0 Calories?
The short answer is no, cooking spray does not contain 0 calories. While it is true that cooking spray contains very few calories per serving, it is not completely calorie-free. It will be yes only if you spray it for the recommended time, i.e., ¼ to ⅓ of a second, which is almost impossible to achieve. Even if you spray it for 3-4 seconds, which is an ideal time for spraying, you will consume comparatively fewer calories than traditional oils.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one spray of cooking spray contains about 3-5 calories. This may not seem like a lot, but if you use several sprays while cooking a meal, those calories can add up.
How Many Calories Are In Cooking Spray?
As mentioned earlier, one spray of cooking spray contains about 3-5 calories. But, the number of calories in a serving of cooking spray can vary depending on the brand and the type of oil used. Some brands of cooking spray advertise themselves as having 0 calories per serving, but this is not entirely true. In fact, the FDA allows food companies to label products as having 0 calories if they contain less than 5 calories per serving.
Also Read – Best Baking Spray With Flour And Without Flour
Final Thoughts On The Best Zero-Calorie Cooking Sprays.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a zero-calorie cooking spray. If you’re looking for a high-heat cooking spray, then Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray or La Tourangelle Avocado Oil Spray might be the best choice. If you’re looking for a spray that’s affordable and widely available, then Pam Original Cooking Spray might be the way to go.
It’s also important to keep in mind any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have when choosing a cooking spray. It is crucial to understand that cooking sprays are considered zero calories only if they are sprayed for the recommended duration, typically 1/4 to 1/3 of a second per spray. If sprayed for an extended period, the cooking spray will have calories proportional to the duration of the spray.
It’s also important to remember that while zero-calorie cooking sprays may be a healthier alternative to traditional oils, they should still be used in moderation. Overall, if used correctly, these sprays can be a great addition to your healthy cooking routine.
Also Read – Best Cooking Spray For Silicone Molds
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
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How Many Calories Is 0 Cal Spray?
Zero-calorie cooking sprays typically contain less than 5 calories per serving, as they are made up of a very small amount of oil mixed with propellants and other additives. But, it is important to note that even if a cooking spray is labeled as “0 calories”, it still contains some calories and should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Is Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray Healthier Than Traditional Cooking Oil?
Yes, it is a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oil, as it contains fewer calories and is free from harmful additives and chemicals.
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Can I Use Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray On A Non-Stick Pan?
Yes, it is safe to use on non-stick pans, as it creates a non-stick surface that helps prevent food from sticking to the pan.
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How Many Calories Are In One Serving Of Zero-Calorie Cooking Spray?
Zero-calorie cooking spray has zero calories per serving if you spray for the recommended time, i.e., ¼ to ⅓ of a second.
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Can I Use It For Baking?
Yes, zero-calorie cooking spray is perfect for baking, as it creates a non-stick surface that helps prevent food from sticking to the pan and helps ensure even baking.
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Can I Use Cooking Spray For Deep-Frying?
No, it is unsuitable for deep-frying, as it has a low smoke point and cannot withstand high temperatures for an extended period.
Katrina Smith is a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in all things related to cooking and the kitchen. As an avid cook and kitchen enthusiast, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise on cookware, kitchen appliances, kitchen tips, and kitchen staples.
Through her articles and reviews, Katrina aims to inspire and help others improve their cooking skills, experiment with different ingredients, and invest in quality cookware and appliances.