Frequently asked questions

What makes Banhoek Chilli Oil unique to other chilli oils?

Two key factors distinguish our exceptional Chilli Oil: the chef and the ingredients.

The Chef: Co-founder Adi, our own "Walter White," possesses an incredible foodie palette. He experimented with over 60 edible oils and chilli combinations to create The Original.

The Ingredients: Banhoek Chilli Oil is comprised of premium ingredients. Our non-GMO canola (rapeseed) oil is sourced from the Overberg area in South Africa's Western Cape, known for its ideal agricultural climate. The Banhoek valley, part of the Stellenbosch Winelands, produces our locally grown chillies. Its temperate, Mediterranean climate and unique Fynbos nurtured soils (known for producing world renowned wines) contribute to the unmatched flavour of Banhoek Chilli Oil.

Do you use chilli oil instead of chilli sauce?

No! Chilli sauce (with all the maker’s secret ingredients) is designed to enhance the flavours of your dish. Chilli oil is designed to keep your dish’s flavours but compliment with a bit of heat.

What are the ingredients in BCO?

Non-GMO canola (rapeseed) oil infused with dried chillies.

Is Banhoek Chilli Oil healthy?

Yes! Please refer to our Product Information page.

Why use Canola Oil instead of Olive Oil?

Canola oil is neutral-tasting and complements the pure flavour of our chillies, delivering the perfect bite of flavour. Olive oil, on the other hand, has a strong olive taste that clashes with the pure taste of our chillies.

Is your Canola oil non-GMO?

Absolutely!! In fact, all canola crops grown in South Africa are GMO-free as regulated by the Department of Genetic Resources.

What is the difference between chilli oil and chilli sauce?

A chilli sauce is designed to alter the taste of your dish with each maker having their own secret recipe of ingredients. In contrast, chilli oil is designed to let the flavour of your dish shine through while adding some heat.

Is Canola Oil healthy?

Yes, canola oil is the healthier choice, with only 7% saturated fat (compared to Sunflower's 12% and Olive's 15%). Our canola oil is naturally cholesterol-free, endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation SA, and is the only cooking oil in South Africa to carry the CANSA Smart Choice Seal, due to its omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 2:1.

Are chillies healthy?

Yes, chillies contain a compound called capsaicin that speeds up the body's metabolism, directly burning calories. They are also a rich source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and prevents chronic illnesses, and contain potent antioxidants that help unblock arteries and blood vessels.

Do you support your local community?

Absolutely! Almost all our staff members are from the local community and can walk to work. This is vital as transportation is expensive and unreliable in South Africa due to public transport mismanagement. Additionally, our chillies are grown by a local community project that provides employment in a country in need of jobs.

What are your sustainability practices?

At Banhoek Chilli Oil, we add spice with sustainability! Each batch is handcrafted from locally sourced ingredients, making our chilli oil a fusion of flavour and eco-consciousness. We use sun-dried chillies that are hand-crushed and paired with golden, GMO-free canola (rapeseed) oil from the Overberg.

Just as we proudly support local businesses, we are equally passionate about our planet. We minimise waste, embrace green energy, and recycle on-site to reduce our environmental impact. Crafting with conscience, we deliver a much-loved chilli oil while showing our planet much-needed love.

100% BCO Original Goodness

Banhoek Chilli Oil is a 100% natural, premium-quality chilli-infused canola (rapeseed) oil. It is halaal and kosher certified, FSSC 22000 certified and vegan friendly. To find out more information about our use of ingredients, see our Frequently Asked Question page.

Ingredients

Canola (rapeseed) oil: 

  • Non-GMO canola (rapeseed) oil
  • Cholesterol free
  • Low in saturated fats
  • High in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
  • Great source of vitamins E and K

Chillies: 

  • Locally grown chillies
  • Sun-dried, hand-crushed and infused into neutral tasting canola (rapeseed) oil
  • Great source of vitamins A, B, C and E

Banhoek Chilli Oil is free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Health and Safety

We take health and safety seriously throughout our custom-built production kitchens. All staff undergo rigorous training and ongoing professional development, in terms of food safety best practice, as defined by our accreditation body FSSC 22000.

FSSC 22000 has been making an impact on global food safety for over 12 years. The scheme provides a certification model that can be used in the whole food supply chain to ensure food safety standards and processes. FSSC 22000 is GFSI recognised and follows the food chain category description as defined in ISO/TS 22003.