I’ve been a loyal olive oil lover for years, but when the folks at Thrive reached out to me about their new algae oil, I was too curious not to try it.

thrive algae oilThe verdict? Loved it! From a culinary standpoint, it’s incredibly versatile. The mild flavor (not the least bit marine-like) and high smoke point make it ideal for a variety of dishes and cooking methods. A few of my favorite uses so far: caramelized onions and roasted sweet potatoes.

It’s also got some pretty impressive nutrition stats. 90% of the fat content comes from heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which raise HDL (“good” cholesterol and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. That’s even more than olive oil!

Though I don’t intend to give up my olive oil or coconut oil anytime soon (sometimes you just want that specific flavor and texture), I have a new favorite neutral oil for everyday use.

Though Thrive algae oil is only just becoming available in stores, you can pre-order it on the company’s website if you want to try it for yourself.

What’s your favorite cooking oil?