What is the best coconut oil you can buy? Whether you are looking for unrefined coconut oil or organic coconut oil let me share some of the best pure coconut oil to shop for at your grocery store or organic food store.
I love coconut oil and use it daily in my home. Coconut oil can be used to cook with, bake, or use for things around the home. Regardless there are tons of ways you can use it. So let’s get into it and learn about this spectacular white oil.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Here are some health benefits of coconut oil that you might not be aware of. These are just a few reasons why people love coconut oil so much.
- Great for Skin
- Antioxidant Properties
- Contains medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid
- Boosts the immune system
- Hair care benefits for dry hair
- May protect against free radicals
- Healthy fats
- Vitamin E
- Dry skin and other skin types benefits
How is coconut oil made?
Depending on the type of coconut oil you buy the process of how it is made varies. You will find that coconut oil is made by processing fresh coconut meat, which will make virgin coconut oil. Heat-processed coconut oil will be labeled as refined, Then other types will use copra meat that has been dried and then pressed. You will find that there is cold-pressed coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, and so much more.
Different Types of Coconut Oil
Several types of coconut oil are available at the supermarket and online. Let me help you decode these labels so you know which coconut oil is the best coconut oil to buy. The difference between these refined and unrefined oils comes down to how they are processed. The manufacturing process is different, and you will find the quality of the oil is a bit different.
Virgin Coconut Oil
This is the best coconut oil and the highest quality oil you’ll find. Virgin coconut oil is oil derived from fresh coconuts. No chemicals are needed to extract all that goodness. It is the purest grade oil you can use and has a very definite coconut flavor. If you don’t like the taste of coconut, you may want to look for an alternative. Watch my video of making virgin coconut oil from dried coconut meat here!
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This must be the best coconut oil you can buy, right? Extra-virgin coconut oil is the same as virgin coconut oil. It’s processed the same and doesn’t have any more benefits than virgin coconut oil.
Refined
I used to avoid refined coconut oil because I thought it was heavily processed. This isn’t the case though. Refined coconut oil is a favorite among many because it provides all the benefits of coconut oil without the distinctive coconut oil taste. It also has a higher smoke point and is potentially less triggering to those with allergies. Check the label and make sure that the oil is expeller-pressed coconut oil (a natural, non-chemical extraction process).
Liquid Coconut Oil
This liquid oil goes through a process that fractionates the oil. Unlike virgin or refined coconut oil, liquid coconut oil remains in a liquid form at room temperature. The fractionating process has a downside, in which some of the best benefits of coconut oil are removed. Lauric acid, a healthy fat found in most forms of coconut oil is mostly removed in the process. So while liquid coconut oil (also labeled MCT oil) is safe to use, you’re not getting all of the benefits of coconut oil by using it. On the flip side, MCT oil contains larger amounts of medium-chain triglycerides, which are beneficial for boosting energy and aiding in weight loss.
RBD Coconut Oil
Mainly used in cosmetics, this coconut oil goes through a manufacturing process called Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized. Similar to refined coconut oil, this oil has no coconut taste. Due to its refining process, this oil loses its polyphenols and antioxidant properties. You may notice that some refined oils are partially hydrogenated, which means they contain trans fats, which are terrible for heart health and may cause heart disease.
Top Coconut Oil Brands
So now that you know what to look for in terms of types of coconut milks, below I’ll share the best coconut milk brands you can buy from the grocery store or online!
#1 Nutiva
Nutiva made the top of my list because it’s such a great coconut oil, that is high quality and affordable! I use both refined and virgin coconut oil from Nutiva. They also offer coconut oil in both a plastic container and a glass jar, which I know some prefer.
Pros
- Organic
- Great tasting
- Non-Gmo Verified
- Climate Pledge Friendly
Cons
- Often found in plastic (may be an issue for some)
Great tasting coconut oil made from organic coconuts. Coconut Mama’s #1 pick!
#2 Artisana
Artisana is a wonderful coconut oil made with raw coconut. This brand packages all its coconut and nut butters in glass jars.
Pros
- Organic
- Made in small batches using temerature controlled process
- Always comes in glass bottles
- Raw
Cons
- Price: Usually a little more spendy than other brands.
- Usually only available at health food stores.
This is a great-tasting raw coconut oil bottled in a glass jar. Coconut Mama’s #2 pick!
#3 Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s makes the list again! Their brand of coconut oil is great tasting and affordable. It’s a great choice if you shop at Trader Joe’s. This coconut oil has an organic certification and is made from organic coconuts.
Pros
- Virgin coconut oil
- Stored in a glass jar
- Affordable
Cons
- Availability. Only found at Trader Joe’s. Note: You can purchase this brand from Amazon, but it’s very expensive. I suggest buying from Trader Joe’s store instead.
Pure coconut oil that you can find at Trader Joe’s. Coconut Mama’s #3 pick!
#4 Garden of Life
Garden of life coconut oil is another good choice if you are looking for great-tasting coconut oil. Their coconut oil is organic, cold-pressed, and comes in plastic and glass containers.
Pros
- Organic
- Great tasting
- Non-Gmo Verified
- Climate Pledge Friendly
Cons
- Price: Usually a little more spendy than other brands.
- Usually only available at health food stores.
Great gold-pressed coconut oil available at health food stores and amazon. Coconut Mama’s #4 pick!
#5 Kirkland Coconut Oil
This Costco brand coconut oil is a budget-friendly option. It’s virgin coconut, organic, and great tasting. I use this coconut oil for making popcorn all the time!
Pros
- Organic
- Great tasting
- Affordable
Cons
- Only available at Costco
- Comes in a plastic container.
My favorite budget-friendly coconut oil found at Costco! Coconut Mama’s #5 pick!
Other Brands
I have used a ton of different coconut oils over the years and the ones listed below didn’t make my top 5 cut, but are still great options!