Flax Seed Oil Vs. Grape Seed Oil

Both flax seed oil and grape seed oil are polyunsaturated fats. They also contain the same number of calories per tablespoon. However, their uses, flavors and nutritional profiles are very different.

Smoke Point

• Grape seed oil can be used for frying or sautéing. frying vegetables image by ewa kubicka from Fotolia.com

  Grape seed oil has a higher smoke point than flax seed oil. Therefore, grape seed oil can be used for sautéing and frying. Flax seed oil can be used for room temperature or cold dishes such as dressings and salads.

Fatty Acids

• Grape seed oil comes from pressed grape seeds and skin. raisin image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com

  Flax seed oil is much higher than grape seed oil in omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health, reduce inflammation and improve brain function. One tbsp. of grape seed oil contains 13.5 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, while 1 tbsp. of flax seed oil has 7,196 mg.

Flavor

• Whole flax seeds and flax seed oil have a nutty flavor. flax seeds close-up image by Konstantin Sutyagin from Fotolia.com

  Grape seed oil usually has a bland taste that does not overpower other ingredients it's combined with. It can sometimes have a slight grape flavor depending on how it's manufactured. Flax seed oil has a rich, nutty flavor.