The Era of Quality Oils: Consumers Willing to Pay More for Healthier Options

A recent survey conducted by SieteX, a company specializing in cooking oil reduction devices, and Oisix, a subscription-based grocery service, highlights a significant shift in consumer preferences regarding cooking oils. From January 7 to January 21, 2026, the organizations surveyed 7,475 Oisix members about their perceptions of fried foods, uncovering some intriguing insights. The findings reveal that more than 70% of respondents expressed a willingness to pay extra for fried foods prepared with quality oils.

Main Findings of the Survey

The survey indicates that 72% of respondents are open to paying a premium for fried items if the establishment clearly communicates its use of high-quality oils. Specifically, 33% are willing to pay 5% more, another 31% are amenable to a 10% increase, and about 8% would accept increases of 20% or more. This reflects a strong consumer recognition of the value associated with high-quality oils, suggesting a readiness to invest in healthier dining options.

Importance of Oil Quality in Dining Choices

As for dining out and takeout options, the survey identified several characteristics that consumers prefer to avoid in restaurants: 73.5% indicated that they evade establishments with soggy coatings or greasy oils, while 56.7% are deterred by the appearance of cooking oil (such as discoloration or bubbling), 51.8% avoid kitchens that appear greasy or unhygienic, and 47.3% avoid places with a strong lingering smell of oil. This shows consumers’ priority on the freshness and management of the oils used in their meals.

Challenges of Home Cooking

For those who frequently cook fried foods at home, 55.6% expressed a desire for easier cleanup and to minimize oil splatter. Their concerns suggest that the barriers to enjoying fried foods stem less from taste and more from the hassle of managing oil usage. Notably, even among those who rarely fry foods, 46.2% stated they would be more likely to do so if cleanup could be made easier. This finding implies that support tools for managing oil play a crucial role in encouraging at-home frying.

A Shift Towards Quality and Health

The survey results indicate a broader trend among consumers prioritizing quality and health over price. Interestingly, 44.2% of participants ranked the type and quality of oil as a significant aspect of their dining experience, placing it second behind health and nutritional balance considerations, which garnered 31.6%. Thus, consumers are not merely craving fried food; they are concerned with the oil quality and cooking methods as well.

Common Challenges in Home and Restaurant Settings

In households, the major hurdles presented by home frying include cleanup, oil management, and kitchen mess. Comparatively, in restaurants, issues such as sogginess, oil degradation, unsanitary conditions, and strong odors deter consumers. Both settings reveal a heightened concern for oil quality and management, emphasizing the importance of these factors.

Enhancing Home Frying Experiences

SieteX provides a home cooking aid known as Home SieteX, designed to simplify frying at home. This device can be used directly in pots to reduce oil absorption, resulting in crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. Furthermore, it helps curtail oil oxidation and excess oil absorption, maintaining a satisfying crunch even after cooling while minimizing splatter and odors that can complicate kitchen cleanup. Home SieteX is available for purchase on Amazon, creating a more user-friendly cooking experience.

Strategies for Differentiation in Dining

For restaurants, the survey results offer valuable insights into developing differentiation strategies beyond pricing. As consumers demonstrate a willingness to pay more for establishments that use high-quality oils, investing in oil quality can lead to increased sales. SieteX presents three key value propositions for businesses:

1. Increased Revenue: By promoting the use of high-quality oils, restaurants can justify a price increase of 5% to 10%, as indicated by the survey results.

2. Reducing Oil Costs: By using SieteX technology, oil viscosity is improved, resulting in reduced absorption and prolonged oil life, which can lead to a remarkable decrease in oil usage, often between 30% to 60%.

3. Healthier Frying Options: SieteX offers a solution to combat the negatives highlighted in the survey, leading to healthier, appealing fried items that can enhance customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Addressing the Growing Health Consciousness

Today’s health-conscious culture is not a passing trend; it's increasingly influencing consumer choices. Investing in the quality of oils used is essential for businesses seeking to improve their cleanliness and trustworthiness. Early adopters of this strategy can secure lasting support from consumers. SieteX provides the perfect solution to implement oil quality improvements seamlessly. With free demonstrations and oil savings simulations, businesses are encouraged to reach out for consultations.