Cooking Sprays Are Convenient and Low-Calorie, but Are They Healthy? Experts Weigh In

Cooking sprays provide a convenient and low-calorie way to grease pans, but questions arise about their healthiness. While convenient, cooking sprays may contain chemical propellants and additives that some consumers find concerning. Additionally, cooking sprays are refined oils that add calories to food, despite being marketed as low or zero calorie options.

Experts suggest that whole-food fats like avocados or nuts are a better, more nutritious alternative to cooking sprays. For those still interested in the convenience of sprays, making a homemade version with high-quality oil and water in a spray bottle is a more natural option. Alternatively, non-stick cookware or using ingredients like applesauce or mashed bananas can help reduce the need for added oils in cooking and baking. Ultimately, the use of cooking sprays should be minimized to promote overall health and nutrition.