North America Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook, 2030

Cold pressed oils retain more nutrients, antioxidants, and natural flavor compared to conventionally processed oils, making them popular among health-conscious consumers, especially in the U.S. and Canada. The regional demand is particularly strong in urban and metropolitan areas where dietary shifts toward organic and clean-label food products are pronounced. For instance, the U.S. has ample access to sunflower, soybean, and canola due to large-scale agriculture in states like Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota, while avocado and olive oil rely more on imports or production in California and Mexico.

The cold pressing process requires high-quality seeds or fruits, and the increasing emphasis on non-GMO and organic certifications has led to the establishment of more localized and vertically integrated supply chains. Local farmers’ markets and organic cooperatives have become essential raw material sources for small and medium-sized cold pressed oil producers. Furthermore, many producers are investing in sustainable farming practices and traceability systems to appeal to environmentally and ethically conscious consumers. The North American market operates under strict labeling and quality standards enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and various state-level departments. Cold pressed oils must comply with labeling laws related to health claims, nutritional content, and organic certification. The USDA Organic certification is especially important for gaining consumer trust. Additionally, there has been a push for increased transparency and standardization in the definition of “cold pressed,” as variations in processing temperatures and techniques exist. While currently there is no universally accepted temperature limit, many manufacturers adhere to less than 49°C (120°F) to qualify as truly “cold pressed.”

According to the research report "North America Cold Pressed Oil Market Overview, 2030,", the North America Cold Pressed Oil market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 10.89 Billion by 2030. The rise of domestic production and vertically integrated supply chains in California, for instance, has become a hotspot for cold pressed avocado and olive oil production, with local producers focusing on small-batch, organic, and traceable outputs to cater to premium segments. Similarly, Canada’s interest in flaxseed oil has grown with the support of regional flax cultivation. The U.S.

Midwest, with its vast farmland, contributes significantly to raw material availability for sunflower and soybean cold pressed oil. Farmers and manufacturers are increasingly adopting non-GMO and organic practices to meet consumer preferences, often supported by government incentives and collaborations with organic cooperatives. Moreover, tech-enabled cold pressing equipment is helping improve oil yield and maintain quality, making the production process more efficient and scalable. North American startups and boutique brands are leveraging online platforms like Amazon, Thrive Market, and direct-to-consumer websites to offer a wider variety of cold pressed oils with transparency around sourcing and production methods. The pandemic played a catalytic role in this shift, as more consumers turned to online channels for purchasing specialty health products. Brands have also introduced innovative packaging, sustainability-focused branding, and subscription models to retain customer loyalty. Social media influencers and wellness bloggers have played a role in boosting product awareness, especially among younger demographics. The USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and cold pressed labels are important trust signals in the market. There is also ongoing discussion among industry players and regulators around standardizing the definition and allowable temperature limits for “cold pressed” products, to ensure authenticity and avoid misleading claims. Environmentally, the push toward sustainable sourcing, low-carbon production and zero-waste packaging aligns with both consumer values and policy movements in the region.

Market Drivers

• Rising Demand for Organic and Clean-Label Products: In North America, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, there is a significant shift toward organic and clean-label food consumption. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing transparency in food sourcing and production methods, which has led to higher demand for cold pressed oils that are natural, minimally processed, and free from synthetic additives. The market is benefiting from consumers’ preference for chemical-free cooking oils that preserve nutritional integrity. The trend aligns with the broader movement toward holistic wellness and sustainable food systems, fueling sustained growth in cold pressed oil consumption.
• Expanding Application in Gourmet and Health-Focused Food Segments: Another major driver in the North American cold pressed oil market is the increasing use of these oils in gourmet cooking, premium foodservice, and health-conscious culinary spaces. Chefs and health food manufacturers are using cold pressed oils for their distinct flavors, nutritional richness, and appeal to high-end consumers. Oils like cold pressed avocado, walnut, and pumpkin seed are being used in salad dressings, dips, and functional foods, contributing to premium product offerings in retail and foodservice sectors. This upmarket demand enhances the profitability and diversity of cold pressed oil use across North America.

Market Challenges

• Price Sensitivity and Competition from Cheaper Alternatives: Despite rising health awareness, the relatively higher cost of cold pressed oils compared to conventional refined oils remains a hurdle, especially for middle-income consumers. The cold pressing process involves higher input costs and lower oil yield, making these oils more expensive. This price barrier limits their adoption among broader population segments, especially when cheaper vegetable and canola oils are widely available and deeply entrenched in traditional food habits. The price sensitivity in mainstream retail channels restricts market expansion beyond niche and health-focused audiences.
• Supply Chain and Raw Material Constraints: The availability and cost of high-quality seeds and nuts used in cold pressing, such as sunflower, flaxseed, and avocado, can pose challenges for producers in North America. Domestic agricultural supply fluctuations, competition for raw materials with other industries, and weather-related crop issues can impact the consistency and cost of production. Moreover, smaller manufacturers face logistical difficulties in sourcing organic-certified inputs, maintaining freshness, and ensuring cold chain logistics, which are crucial for preserving oil quality. These factors increase operational complexities for market players.

Market Trends

• Surge in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and Online Retail Sales: Digital transformation is reshaping how cold pressed oils are marketed and sold in North America. With a growing preference for online shopping, many brands are focusing on direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies through e-commerce websites and health-focused online marketplaces. These platforms enable better consumer education, brand storytelling, and access to niche audiences. Subscription models and influencer-driven marketing are also gaining traction, helping smaller and emerging brands to scale without relying solely on brick-and-mortar retail.
• Product Diversification with Functional and Specialty Oils: North American consumers are showing strong interest in specialized oils offering targeted health benefits, such as high-antioxidant content or omega-3 enrichment. As a result, manufacturers are expanding their product lines to include cold pressed functional oils, including infused variants with herbs or natural flavorings. There is also rising demand for non-traditional oils like hemp seed, chia seed, and black seed oils, which appeal to consumers looking for novel superfoods and nutritional supplementation. This trend of product innovation helps companies tap into new consumer needs and differentiate in a competitive marketplace.

Rapeseed oil leads the North America cold pressed oil industry due to its high omega-3 content and versatility across food, industrial, and personal care applications, aligning with health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumer trends.

Rapeseed oil, particularly in its cold pressed form, has emerged as the dominant type in the North American cold pressed oil industry, largely driven by its rich nutritional profile and multifunctionality. With rising health consciousness among consumers, the demand for oils high in unsaturated fats especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has surged. Cold pressed rapeseed oil is naturally low in saturated fat and contains a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, making it a popular choice for heart-healthy diets. As more North Americans shift towards plant-based and minimally processed foods, rapeseed oil’s “clean label” appeal aligns well with market demand.

Unlike refined oils, cold pressed rapeseed oil retains its nutrients, antioxidants, and natural flavor, further increasing its desirability among health-aware consumers. Moreover, rapeseed oil’s light taste and high smoke point make it suitable for a variety of culinary uses from salad dressings and sautéing to baking and frying enhancing its demand in both household and commercial food sectors. The growing trend of home cooking, functional foods, and clean eating has led to more consumers selecting oils that offer health benefits and culinary performance, reinforcing rapeseed oil's position in the cold pressed category. Additionally, food service companies and restaurants that promote healthy menu items are incorporating cold pressed rapeseed oil as a premium cooking oil alternative. Rapeseed oil’s usage extends into the personal care and cosmetics industry, where it serves as a natural emollient in products like moisturizers, soaps, and massage oils. Its skin-friendly properties and non-greasy texture are particularly valued in natural skincare formulations, a sector that has seen considerable growth in North America.

Convenience stores are witnessing moderate growth in the North America cold pressed oil industry due to their increasing focus on health-oriented product assortments and quick accessibility for urban, time-pressed consumers.

Traditionally known for selling snacks, beverages, and ready-to-consume goods, convenience stores are gradually expanding their offerings to include healthier and premium products like cold pressed oils. This shift aligns with a growing consumer demand for health-conscious alternatives that are also easily accessible. With busy lifestyles and the need for quick shopping trips, many urban and suburban shoppers rely on convenience stores for essential items, including cooking oils. The availability of cold pressed oils in these locations offers a practical solution for consumers looking for healthier cooking options without making a dedicated trip to a supermarket or specialty health store.

Retailers in this segment are adapting to market trends by dedicating more shelf space to natural and organic products, including smaller bottles of cold pressed oils like olive, coconut, avocado, and canola (rapeseed). These are often positioned as premium grab-and-go items that appeal to the health-aware but time-constrained consumer. Moreover, cold pressed oil manufacturers are recognizing this retail opportunity and are increasingly packaging their products in convenient, smaller formats suitable for the convenience retail environment. This approach allows brands to tap into impulse buying behavior while also making their products more affordable and trial-friendly for new customers. Space constraints often restrict the variety and volume of stock, and premium cold pressed oils tend to have higher price points, which can deter budget-conscious consumers in this setting. Additionally, convenience stores are not traditionally seen as destinations for specialized or health-focused shopping, meaning they still face a perception gap compared to health food stores or large supermarkets.

The food industry is the largest application segment in the North America cold pressed oil industry due to rising consumer preference for natural, unprocessed ingredients and the oil’s multifunctional use in cooking, flavoring, and food manufacturing.

The food industry holds the largest share in the cold pressed oil market, largely driven by the region’s shifting consumer preferences toward healthier, clean-label, and natural food ingredients. Cold pressed oils are minimally processed and retain their nutritional value, antioxidants, and natural flavors, making them highly desirable across various food applications. With growing awareness about the health risks associated with refined oils such as trans fats and chemical residues consumers and food companies are turning to cold pressed oils like olive, avocado, flaxseed, and canola for their superior nutritional profile and purity.

These oils are rich in unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, which appeal to health-conscious individuals aiming to improve heart health, digestion, and overall wellness. The culinary versatility of cold pressed oils further strengthens their dominance in the food industry. They are used extensively in salad dressings, marinades, sautéing, baking, and gourmet recipes due to their robust flavor profiles and nutrient retention. High-end restaurants, specialty food producers, and health-focused foodservice providers increasingly use cold pressed oils to align with evolving consumer expectations. Additionally, the trend of home cooking and clean eating accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to greater household demand for premium oils perceived as safe and nutritious. This is especially true in health-conscious urban centers like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, where cold pressed oils have become kitchen staples.

The USA is leading the North American cold pressed oil industry due to high consumer demand for health-conscious, organic food products supported by advanced processing technologies and a robust retail infrastructure.

The United States dominates the cold pressed oil market in North America largely because of its well-developed health and wellness culture, which has fueled significant demand for clean-label and nutrient-rich food products. As consumers become increasingly aware of the negative health impacts associated with refined and chemically processed oils, they are shifting toward healthier alternatives like cold pressed oils, which are perceived as more natural, chemical-free, and nutritionally superior. This demand is especially prominent among millennials, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals adopting vegan, keto, or plant-based diets.

Oils like cold pressed olive, flaxseed, avocado, and coconut have gained widespread popularity in both household cooking and the broader food service industry. The rising incidence of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes in the U.S. has also accelerated consumer interest in oils with health benefits like high antioxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients qualities inherent to cold pressed oils. Moreover, the U.S. boasts advanced cold pressing technologies and a large base of agricultural raw materials including soybeans, sunflower, canola, and hemp, facilitating large-scale production with consistent quality. The country also benefits from a well-structured supply chain and a vast retail ecosystem that includes supermarkets, organic food stores, farmers’ markets, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Thrive Market, which make cold pressed oils widely accessible across urban and suburban areas. The growth of direct-to-consumer brands and private label offerings has further expanded consumer access and awareness. Regulatory support from institutions like the USDA and the FDA, which promote food transparency and organic certification, adds another layer of credibility and trust to cold pressed oil products.