Best oils for cutting boards are another crucial item to have in your kitchen. You see, most quality butcher blocks are made of wood. And considering that it’s an organic material, you’ll need to take extra care to prevent it from drying out. This is why we highly recommend having at least a stock of mineral oil for cutting boards. Better yet, you can get linseed oil for cutting boards.
These oils apply to almost any wooden cooking utensil. You can take the best oil for cutting board and use it on a wooden bowl or spoon to prevent them from cracking. In this article, we’ve curated some of the best alternatives to a food grade mineral oil for cutting board. That way, you’ll be able to quickly find out which food safe oil for cutting board is best to serve your purpose and where you can get it. Without further ado, let’s get started!
How to Choose The Best Oils for Cutting Boards
Choosing the best oils for cutting boards is definitely not an easy task. It would be best if you considered several important factors, so you can really get a product that fits your purpose. First, see if the oil has the right key ingredients. Most people prefer mineral oil for cutting boards or linseed oil for cutting boards. But if you have a butcher block that requires specific treatment, feel free to go with a different type of oil.
Next, think about the consistency of the product. After that, see if it’s easy to apply. Nowadays, you can get the best oil for cutting board in liquid or spray form. Each has its own advantages. And to make things even easier, we’ve come up with three crucial factors to consider when choosing a food grade mineral oil for cutting board. Please keep these things in mind as you browse the food safe oil for cutting board on the market.
Ingredients
Remember, the best oils for cutting boards are supposed to prevent your butcher block from cracking, drying out, and splitting. Failing to do so will result in the formation of bacteria, which can lead to bad odors and contamination of your diet. So, make sure you get a product with a proven main ingredient. Most people prefer mineral oil for cutting boards, as they have no smell and taste at all. Or, if you want to keep your butcher block shining like new, consider getting linseed oil for cutting boards.
Application
As we said earlier, the best oil for cutting board now comes in different forms. There are two types of consistency for you to choose from: liquid or spray. The first one will allow you to make a lightning-fast application. However, you’ll also run the risk of splashing other cookware. A food grade mineral oil for cutting board is generally offered in this form.
On the other hand, Sprays are offering better control over the amount of oil you want to apply. That way, you can reduce the number of unwanted messes. But please note that you might need a longer application time. So unless you’re willing to spend more time in the kitchen, we recommend looking for another food safe oil for cutting board.
And in case you need some great recommendations for butcher blocks, don’t forget to check out our list of the 13 best cutting boards for meat. Discover some of the best options to get your meat-based projects done!
Conditioning
Lastly, see if the oil has any extra beneficial content. Some of the best oils for cutting boards are now shipped with added ingredients, such as beeswax or carnauba. These contents are great for maintaining the appearance and durability of your butcher block. So if you want a longer life span on your wooden kitchen utensils, get mineral oil for cutting boards or linseed oil for cutting boards with extra conditioning.
How Do You Seal a Wooden Cutting Board?
You can apply oil to your board at least once a month. It’s important to keep it in prime condition. If possible, use tungsten or linseed oil, as they’ll harden the wood and form barriers in the deep fibers. But if you can’t find them, using beeswax or walnut oil will work just fine.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Cutting Boards?
Yes, of course. You can use coconut oil to make your cutting board look shiny and healthy. This will make a good alternative when you can’t find linseed oil or mineral oil around. Apart from that, coconut oil is definitely healthy and good for your body.
How Many Coats of Oil Do You Put on a Cutting Board?
Basically, there are no strict rules regarding this. But from what we learned, most people apply at least two coats of oil to ‘season’ a new board. After that, you need to let it dry for at least an hour before it can be used. For thicker boards, you’ll want to apply at least 3-4 coats of oil.
And while we’re on the topic of cutting boards, did you know that several butcher blocks come with a non-slip feature? They’ll give you better overall stability so that you can do your chops with more precision. If you’re interested, you should check out our list of the 13 best cutting boards with rubber feet.
Sanco Premium
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Sanco Premium is a gallon of the best oil for cutting board made entirely in the United States. In other words, you can expect some of the highest manufacturing standards here. It’s one hundred percent pure and available at bargain prices, especially compared to other best oils for cutting boards. Apply this to your treasured butcher blocks to extend their lifespan. And if you want, this product also works well with other kitchen utensils.
Sanco states that this odor and color-free oil is also great for stainless steel cookware. It’ll provide an extra layer of protection and prevent rust from forming. And in case you have granite kitchen appliances, this food grade mineral for cutting boards is also good for maintaining their beauty.
What We Love
A multi-purpose oil that can be applied to wooden, stainless steel, and granite kitchen utensils
Pros:
- 100% food-grade minerals
- Prevents absorption of food odors
- Colorless
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- The bottle didn’t come full
Howard Products BBC0
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While known for their beneficial nature, wood butcher blocks require extensive care to prevent cracking and drying. However, please refrain from using a combination of water and regular soap, as they can make your cutting board dry really fast. Instead, try getting a food safe oil for cutting board, such as Howard Products BBC0.
It’s a conditioning product containing vitamin E, Brazilian carnauba wax, and pure beeswax. Regular application of this conditioner will restore your wood utensils and prevent dryness. Apart from that, it’s also less penetrable, especially compared to most linseed oil for cutting boards or mineral oil for cutting boards.
And while we’re on the topic of cutting, be sure to check out our list of the 13 best kitchen knives under 100. There we have some of the best knives on the market, available at bargain prices!
What We Love
A conditioner product containing carnauba and beeswax which is good for restoring your wooden cooking utensils
Pros:
- FDA-approved
- Restore your wooden butcher block
- Natural waxes
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- You need to make sure the board is completely clean before applying this
Clark’s Food Grade Mineral Oil
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Clark’s Food Grade Mineral Oil is claimed to be able to penetrate the grain of your wood butcher block down to the deepest point. This practically makes it one of the best oils for cutting boards, especially preventing dryness and cracking. Plus, you can freely apply this oil to various kitchen utensils, from salad bowls to flat spatulas.
Like most mineral oils for cutting boards, Clark’s uses natural ingredients to create this food-grade product. That’s why you’ll get a really fresh smell, as soon as you’re done with your wooden cookware maintenance. And even better, Clark’s also includes antimicrobial content to prevent the formation of bacteria that can ruin your food. If you can’t get your hands on linseed oil for cutting boards, this one will be a great alternative.
What We Love
Stirus oil with lemon and orange content that gives a nice smell to your wood butcher block
Pros:
- Prevents drying and cracking
- Delightful fresh scent
- Expert support
- Great for wood and bamboo
Cons:
- You need to use some kind of spatula to apply this oil
Thirteen Chefs Food Grade Mineral Oil
10
Getting the best oil for cutting board is an absolute must. Especially when you have an extensive collection of wooden butcher blocks in your kitchen. A food grade mineral oil for cutting board not only does a great job of protecting your cooking utensils but also prevents your dishes from being contaminated. An alternative worth considering is Thirteen Chefs Food Grade Mineral Oil.
This American-made product does a great job of penetrating and hydrating your wood cutting boards so they don’t dry out and crack easily. There’s a push applicator on top, so you can carefully determine how much oil you want to apply. This way, you won’t have a lot of unwanted mess around your counter. If you’re looking for a food safe oil for cutting board, this pure USP-grade product will be awesome.
What We Love
Penetrates deep into the wood grain, works great at hydrating and preventing cracking.
Pros:
- Food grade
- Easy application
- Penetrates deeply
- Multipurpose
Cons:
- The bottle is prone to impact
John Boos MYSB
9
John Boos is one of the veteran names in the industry. This brand has captured the attention of Americans with their version of the best oil for cutting board since the 80s. These days, they still consistently provide the best maintenance solutions for wooden kitchen utensils. Therefore, allow us to introduce you to John Boos MYSB! It’s a product that can penetrate deeply into the wood fibers, resulting in better protection and great revitalization.
Marketed as a food grade mineral oil for cutting board, MYSB is fully FDA approved. It uses a combination of mineral oil, linseed, and orange. There’s a pleasant scent, but it’s barely noticeable. However, please note that you need to be consistent to get the best results from this food safe oil for cutting board. With each polish, you’ll soon notice that the colors of your blocks are getting richer. So whenever you need a food safe oil for cutting board, this ‘Mystery’ oil will be a remarkable option.
What We Love
Food grade mineral oil that is fully FDA approved, using a combination of mineral oil, linseed, and orange
Pros:
- FDA-compliant
- Penetrates deeply
- Multipurpose
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Requires consistent application for best results
Ultra Pro White Mineral Oil
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If you’ve worked with wooden utensils before, you’ll know that these types of tools need to be seasoned beforehand. But the most crucial part is making sure that you do it only with the best oils for cutting boards. This way, the blocks will be completely protected from water penetration, preventing the formation of bacteria that can be harmful to your diet. And in case you haven’t decided on any mineral oil for cutting boards, allow us to introduce UltraPro Food Grade Mineral Oil.
Unlike traditional linseed oil for cutting boards, UltraPro is suitable for many different types of kitchen utensils. You can apply it to stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick pans, and the product will work just fine. Have a dull-looking cutting board or spatula at home? A few dabs of UltraPro will rejuvenate them in an instant. Prepare to be surprised as you watch your old cooking utensils return to their former glory!
What We Love
A perfect product for restoring old boards, made of completely food-safe natural materials
Pros:
- USDA-approved
- Contains moisturizer
- Multipurpose
- Great for old boards
Cons:
- You might have to wait quite a while before start seeing the results
Bayes Food Grade Oil
7
Have you ever tried bamboo cooking utensils? If you haven’t, then you should! Bamboo is one of the best choices for those who want a healthier lifestyle. They don’t contain any harmful chemicals and won’t spoil your dishes. The problem is, this kind of tool requires the best oil for cutting board for maintenance.
And this is the exact reason why we recommend you Bayes Food Grade Oil. Apply this product regularly to the surface of your treasured cookware, and they’ll always look brand new! Not only that, this food grade mineral oil for cutting board is also a fantastic cleaner. In case you have an old and stained kitchen utensil, don’t rush to throw it away. Apply a little Bayes, rub gently with a towel or rag, and slowly, you’ll see the stain magically disappear!
When it comes to cooking utensils, did you know of a couple of recommended sets available at affordable prices? If you’re interested, be sure to check out our list of the 13 best kitchen tools sets.
What We Love
A food-safe oil for cutting board that doubles as a cleaner. Great when you have old stained kitchen appliances at home.
Pros:
- High-performance mineral oil
- Great for wood and bamboo
- Doubles as a cleanser
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- There’s no seal under the lids
Swan Oil
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Have you ever wondered why your butcher block looks ugly, even though you rarely use it? Well, you need to know that wooden or bamboo instruments are prone to dryness. To keep them in pristine condition, you need to use and clean them frequently or do regular maintenance. For that, you’ll need one of those best oils for cutting boards. In this case, we recommend none other than Swan Oil for Cutting Board.
Compared to other mineral oils for cutting boards, this product is extremely flexible. It’ll make a good treatment for almost any type of wooden or bamboo utensils. The secret is in its content, consisting of 99.9 percent mineral oil and a small amount of tocopherol as a stabilizer. This combination can penetrate deep into the wood fibers, creating blocks to prevent moisture. So if you want your cooking utensils always to look beautiful and free of any bacteria, this product will be a great alternative to linseed oil for cutting boards.
What We Love
Offers a brilliant combination of pure minerals and tocopherols to keep moisture away and prevent your boards from drying out
Pros:
- Pure minerals
- Great for varied organic wood tools
- Easy to apply
- See through bottles, so you how many are left
Cons:
- Not made specifically for kitchen utensils
Greener Chef Oil
5
Getting a quality cutting board is a relatively easy task. You can find tons of options available around. But when it comes to maintenance, it’s a completely different story. How many times have you seen butcher blocks end up in the trash just because they look stained and old? While in fact, all they need is the best oil for cutting board, just like Greener Chef Oil.
Using this food grade mineral oil for cutting board, maintaining kitchen utensils will be a breeze. All you have to do is clean them thoroughly at least twice a month. You’ll see how your boards stay moist and retain their original color for longer. Made 100 percent from walnut oil, this food safe oil for cutting board is completely cruelty-free. You can apply it to almost any kitchen utensil, especially those used to prepare dishes.
What We Love
Great for maintaining wooden or bamboo kitchen utensils, apply at least twice a month
Pros:
- 100 percent pure walnut oil
- Cruelty-free
- Works well as a furniture polisher and conditioner
- Odorless
Cons:
- We’re still working on that!
Caron & Doucet Oil
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Caron & Doucet is one of the best oils for cutting boards that can work lightning fast. It should be excellent for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Unlike other mineral oils for cutting boards, you don’t have to wait up to eight hours to see results. Caron & Doucet will fully penetrate your butcher block in just a few minutes and create powerful shields to keep moisture away. The secret is in the main content, which is made from 100 percent natural ingredients. According to the official product page, this solution is made entirely from plant sources, including coconut and basil.
Compared to most linseed oils for cutting boards, Caron & Doucet works more effectively in fighting odors. It’ll instantly remove any unwanted smell from your butcher block, replacing it with a nice, refreshing scent. So if you need a product that’s healthy and works well at the same time, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
What We Love
Made from 100 percent healthy natural ingredients, which include coconut and walnuts
Pros:
- Food-safe
- Work fast
- Eliminate unwanted odors
- Keep moisture away
Cons:
- The bottle is made of plastic
Majestic Pure
3
Majestic Pure is the best oil for cutting board that you can get in a practical form. It’s available in a liquid state, easy to apply, and won’t create much mess. Being a food grade mineral oil for cutting board, this product is completely odorless. We’re quite surprised. Especially considering that most coconut oils are generally fragranced.
If you’re still not too sure, Majestic Pure is a food safe oil for cutting board that has garnered no less than 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon. This means that thousands of happy customers have already applied this product to their favorite butcher block. Other than that, Majestic Pure is sort of a magical ‘one size fits all’ solution. You can apply this liquid as a make-up remover, lotion, or even an essential oil mix!
Want to expand your cooking kit collection even further? Check out our list of the 13 best non-toxic kitchen utensils. Apart from being cruelty-free, they’re also great for getting jobs done!
What We Love
An odorless product that is available in a liquid state, practical, and easy to use
Pros:
- Coconut oil
- Premium quality
- Versatile
- 60-days replacement warranty
Cons:
- Although it’s completely safe for food, it has a slight flavor
Walrus Oil
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Walrus Oil is a complete single package. It’s one of the best oils for cutting boards which is rich in content. A gallon of this product is a great combination of coconut oil, mineral oil, vitamin E, and beeswax. If you’re looking forward to rejuvenating your butcher block and some of your old kitchen utensils, this is one mineral oil for cutting boards that deserves your attention.
Food-safe and FDA compliant, Walrus Oil is designed to bring the best beauty out of your boards. It’s also completely made in the United States, so there shouldn’t be any doubts about the production standards. Furthermore, applying this oil is pretty easy. All you need to do is make sure that the board’s surface is spotless. Next, apply a thin layer of oil, wait 12 to 24 hours for it to dry, wipe off if there’s any residue, and you’re done! If you didn’t find linseed oil for cutting boards where you live, this would be a great alternative.
What We Love
A cutting board oil made from a combination of mineral oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Designed to bring the best beauty out of your board.
Pros:
- Food-safe
- FDA compliant
- Made in the USA
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- You need to wait up to 24 hours to see the results
La Tourangelle’s Walnut Oil
1
La Tourangelle’s Walnut Oil is the best oil for cutting board that you definitely don’t want to miss. This British-made product is created through a delicate process. As a result, you get nothing but high-quality food grade mineral oil for cutting board. It’ll make your wooden chopping blocks look shiny and healthy!
Marketed as a food safe oil for cutting board, La Tourangelle’s won’t go tainted. You can apply as much as you want and we guarantee that there won’t be any weird smell in the food you prepare. In fact, this product actually comes with a mild and pleasant nutty scent. From a price-point view, this oil is an absolute bargain. Probably because it wasn’t specifically designed for cooking utensils. But don’t let that put you off, as La Tourangelle’s works just as well as any other cutting board oil.
What We Love
A walnut oil that won’t go rancid and give your food a weird smell. Plus, it’s available at bargain prices.
Pros:
- Artisanal oil with premium taste
- Natural and sustainable
- Versatile
- Almost odorless
Cons:
- Doesn’t come in a spray bottle
