Choosing the best oil for a wood cutting board is important for keeping the board conditioned, protecting it from excessive moisture, and extending its useful life. But not every cooking oil belongs on a wooden chopping board.
So, what oil should you use on a cutting board? The best choice is a food-safe cutting board oil specifically formulated for wood, such as heat-treated walnut oil, or another suitable food-grade board oil. Food-grade mineral oil is also a widely used option, while fractionated coconut oil can work as a plant-based alternative.
In this guide, we'll explain what oil to put on chopping boards, which oils to avoid, whether coconut oil is suitable, how mineral oil compares with plant-based alternatives, and how to oil a wooden cutting board correctly.
Quick answer: For a plant-based option, TrueBoard Premium Walnut Cutting Board Oil is our preferred choice. Food-grade mineral oil is another established option, while fractionated coconut oil can be used as an alternative. Avoid ordinary cooking oils such as olive, canola, and vegetable oil because they can become rancid or leave an undesirable residue.
What are the Top Oils for Wood Cutting Boards?
1. TrueBoard Premium Walnut Cutting Board Oil - Best Oil for Teak Cutting Board
Our number one choice for the teak wood cutting board oil is our very own TrueBoard Premium Walnut cutting board oil, which is just as premium as our TrueBoard cutting board.
TrueBoard Walnut wood cutting board oil is made from high-quality, heat-treated natural walnut oil, which does not go rancid. We have specifically designed this oil to protect your wooden cutting board, keep it fresh, and enhance the taste.
Unlike the other cutting board oils, walnut oil is polymerized; thus, it dries up quickly, creating a protective coating. Also, walnut oil is food-grade safe, as it is 100% plant-based. It also repels moisture, which protects the wooden cutting board against cracks and bad odor.
Since our Walnut Oil is heat-treated, all the proteins that can cause allergic reactions are removed; thus, it is super-safe for usage.
Another thing that makes the Walnut cutting board oil stand out is that it enhances the wood-grain of the cutting board, making your cutting board look brand-new all the time.
Summing it up, TrueBoard Walnut Cutting Board oil is the best choice for your teak wood cutting board to keep it looking brand new and enhance its life.
2. Fractionated Coconut Oil
Unlike the regular coconut oil, which can go rancid at room temperature, fractioned coconut oil is one of the finest options out there for cutting boards.
If you are a fan of coconut oil scent, you will love coconut oil on your cutting board. As it’s a natural oil, it is 100% safe for your food, and keeps the cutting board in perfect condition.
Another perfect thing about the coconut oil is that you do not need to reapply it very often, which is another great thing.
3. Beeswax
In case you are not a big fan of oils, you will have a great time with the all-natural beeswax, which is made by the honeybees in their comb.
Beeswax is 100% natural, odor-free, and has excellent protective properties. It will make your cutting board look brand-new and shining with the very first application.
Likewise, it also creates a powerful waterproof coating on the cutting board, which will keep it protected for a longer period of time.
The downside of beeswax is that you will have to use it in combination with mineral oil or fractionated coconut oil.
5. Tung Oil
Tung oil is another amazing option for wood cutting boards. The best part about tung oil is that it hardens pretty quickly and forms a tough coating on the wood.
Another thing that I really like about the tung oil is that it has anti-fungal properties, which ensure that there is nothing unhygienic.
Tung oil provides deep penetration to the wood, which ensures that the wood is nourished and refreshed. Also, it provides a deep coating on the wood and keeps it waterproof. The downside is that you would need multiple coatings, and on top of that, you need to make sure the oil is 100% pure.
5. Food-Grade Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is another popular oil for wood cutting boards, but we do not recommend the mineral oil, as it's petroleum based product, and we do not want to use petroleum on our cutting boards.
However, there are a few reasons people still use mineral oil (which they shouldn't), food-grade mineral oil for wood cutting boards. Food-grade mineral oils are completely odor-free, which means you won’t have to deal with an irritating smell.
Moreover, the mineral oils are also completely flavorless and provide excellent nourishment to the cutting boards. Another cool thing about the mineral cutting oil is that it extends the life of the cutting board without being rancid.
Summing it up, although mineral oil is super-popular, still, since mineral oils are made out of petroleum, we are not big fans of mineral oils, and do not recommend them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best oil for wood cutting boards?
The best oil is a food-safe product specifically designed for wooden cutting boards. For a plant-based option, TrueBoard Premium Walnut Cutting Board Oil is our preferred choice. Food-grade mineral oil is another established option.
What oil do you use on a chopping board?
Use a food-safe cutting board oil. Popular choices include heat-treated walnut oil, food-grade mineral oil, and suitable fractionated coconut oil.
What oil should I use on a wooden chopping board?
Use an oil specifically intended for food-contact wooden surfaces. Avoid ordinary cooking oils such as olive, vegetable, and canola oil because they can oxidize and become rancid.
Can you use coconut oil on wooden cutting boards?
Yes, fractionated coconut oil can be suitable for wooden cutting boards when the product is food-safe and intended for the application. Regular culinary coconut oil is not our preferred cutting board conditioner.
Is coconut oil good for cutting boards?
Fractionated coconut oil can be a suitable cutting board oil. Regular coconut oil is less desirable because it can oxidize and become rancid over time.
Is mineral oil safe for cutting boards?
Yes, food-grade mineral oil is a conventional choice for cutting board maintenance. The FDA lists white mineral oil in food and food-contact regulations, and USDA specifically recommends mineral oil for maintaining bamboo cutting boards.
What is the best oil for a teak cutting board?
A food-safe cutting board oil such as TrueBoard Premium Walnut Cutting Board Oil can be used on teak. Food-grade mineral oil is another conventional option.
What is the best oil for a bamboo cutting board?
Food-grade mineral oil is a commonly recommended option for bamboo. USDA specifically advises rubbing bamboo cutting boards with mineral oil to help retain moisture.
Can I use olive oil on a cutting board?
It is generally better to avoid olive oil for cutting board conditioning. It can oxidize over time and may leave the surface sticky or rancid. Use an oil specifically formulated for cutting boards instead.
Can I use vegetable oil on a cutting board?
We do not recommend ordinary vegetable oil for cutting board maintenance because it can oxidize and become rancid. Choose a food-safe cutting board oil instead.
What is the best natural cutting board oil?
For a plant-based option, a purpose-made walnut cutting board oil is a strong choice. Fractionated coconut oil is another option when it is food-safe and suitable for wood.
What is the difference between cutting board oil and cutting board wax?
Cutting board oil conditions the wood, while wax creates a more protective surface layer. Many people use oil first and wax afterward for additional protection.
How often should I oil my wooden cutting board?
Oil your board when it begins to look dry or stops behaving as it normally does with moisture. For many regularly used boards, this may be every few weeks to every couple of months.
Conclusion
So, what is the best oil for wood cutting boards?
For a plant-based option, TrueBoard Premium Walnut Cutting Board Oil is our preferred choice. Its formulation is designed specifically for wooden cutting boards and helps condition the wood while enhancing its natural appearance.
Food-grade mineral oil remains a practical and well-established alternative, while fractionated coconut oil can work for people looking for a coconut-based option.
The most important thing is not simply choosing an oil that sounds natural. Choose a product that is food-safe, appropriate for wood, and specifically intended for food-contact surfaces.
And remember: oil is only one part of cutting board care. Wash your board after use, prevent cross-contamination, dry it thoroughly, condition it when needed, and replace it when deep grooves or damage make it difficult to clean. USDA recommends separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods when possible.
Looking for a plant-based cutting board oil? Explore TrueBoard Premium Walnut Cutting Board Oil and keep your wooden cutting board conditioned, protected, and ready for everyday use.