The Best Coconut Oils Of 2022
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Coconut oil is touted as having potential health benefits, although it's extremely high in saturated fat. It comes in many guises: organic, virgin, extra virgin, cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, refined, unrefined, and fractionated (to name a few). It can be used cosmetically for skin and hair care, and to improve oral hygiene (which is a process known as oil pulling, per Healthline), but it's mainly used in cooking and baking.
Organic coconut oil is also called pure coconut oil, and is processed differently than its non-organic cousin, writes Conscious Food. It uses fresh coconut meat, no heat, and is prepared in two ways: it's either dried to extract the oil or undergoes a process called wet milling. Both methods preserve the full coconut flavor and smell. Organic coconut oil has a longer shelf life than conventional coconut oil. You also might've heard of MCT oil while checking out the superfood coconut oil scene. MCT oil is a medium-chain triglyceride that can be found in palm and coconut oil. It's thought that MCT oils can help with weight loss, and is easily converted into energy for your brain and body.
The market is absolutely saturated with tons of different coconut oil products, so how do you know what exactly to look for? That's where we come in.
How we chose the coconut oils
Not all coconut oils are created equal. It's always important to take price into consideration anyway, but taste always plays a big part as well. For example, you might want all the benefits of good coconut oil, but you absolutely hate the flavor. Don't worry, we've got you covered. While a majority of coconut oils are intended for consumption, there are also those that are only meant to be used externally. Then there are others that have universal applications. Because Mashed is geared towards the food side of the world, we did take into consideration coconut oils that straddle both uses, but we did not choose to include oils that were solely for cosmetic purposes.
Like many cooking oils, coconut oil can also be virgin or extra virgin, refined or unrefined, and can be extracted using cold-pressed or expeller-pressed methods. We sourced feedback and reviews from independent small businesses, blogs, and websites that had a focus surrounding food and-or health, as well as our beloved global retailers like Walmart and the almighty Amazon. The following assortment of oils was extensively researched so that you might find some guidance in the wonderful world of coconut oil. All prices were accurate as of the publishing date of this article.
Best overall coconut oil
Taking the title of best overall is Whole Foods' private-label 365 organic unrefined virgin coconut oil. This product has over 4,620 global ratings on Amazon, with 87% of customers rating it five stars. 365 organic unrefined virgin coconut oil can be used in foods and for health and wellness applications. In fact, it's mentioned that this oil works well for removing makeup and also shaving legs, too (via Influenster). While we wouldn't recommend using the same container for both food and body use, it's always good to know that your options are plentiful. 365 organic unrefined virgin coconut oil works well in sautés, baked goods, and also mixed into beverages like tea and coffee. It's also an affordable option for individuals who want higher-quality products from established and well-known brands.
That being said, 365 organic unrefined virgin coconut oil is heavy on the coconut smell and taste. So if this isn't your absolute favorite flavor, you might want to pick a product with a more neutral flavor.
You can find 365 organic unrefined virgin coconut oil from Whole Foods for just under $9.
Best value coconut oil
If you're looking for high-quality coconut oil that has an uber-affordable price tag, then it's time to try Happy Belly organic virgin coconut oil. Like most of the coconut oils on this best-of list, this is considered to have universal applications. This particular brand is actually a private Amazon label, but don't let that deter you.
One satisfied Happy Belly organic virgin coconut oil buyer says that it is best-tasting coconut oils on the market. Like most of the oils mentioned on this list, it can also be used for oil pulling, skin and hair care, cooking, and adding to coffee. That being said, if you don't like coconut flavor, then don't purchase this highly affordable coconut oil. It's really rather pungent and definitely tastes like a tropical tree nut.
If you're looking for a great product that's also a serious financial score, check out Happy Belly organic virgin coconut oil on Amazon for just under $7.
Best refined coconut oil
One of the best things about BetterBody Foods organic refined coconut oil is that it has a high smoke point (around 425 degrees), which makes it ideal for roasting, sautéing, and also deep-frying. It also has practically no coconut smell and a very neutral taste, which means individuals who aren't too keen on the fragrant nutty tasting notes (but want the benefits of coconut oil) will be pretty pleased with this product. BetterBody Foods organic refined coconut oil is also a suitable vegan substitute for butter or margarine and has a similar spreading consistency when at room temperature. It's GMO-free, vegan, and cholesterol free.
If you're looking for coconut oil that smells and tastes like a tree nut, then BetterBody Foods organic refined coconut oil will not be your new go-to. Some individuals seem to forget that this product has a neutral taste. It's important to mention that others have received damaged jars, though this might have more to do with the shipper than BetterBody Foods brand.
If you're looking for a new healthy fat with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, just head on over to Amazon where you can find BetterBody Foods coconut oil for around $10.
Best unrefined coconut oil
Viva Naturals organic drops in for the winner of best unrefined coconut oil. It has over 71,970 reviews on Amazon (it's also the online merchant's number-one seller in coconut oils at the time of writing). It's affordable and does not have an overwhelming coconut scent, which is a common problem with other coconut oils on the market. Because this is an unrefined coconut oil, Viva Naturals organic works best when used as the fat replacer in baked dishes and sautéed foods. It's worth mentioning that this is a cold-pressed coconut oil, which means that it retains more of its phenols and nutritional value and has a more prominent nutty aroma and taste, per Organic Facts.
One concern is that there seems to be some issue with the way the Viva Natural product is produced and packaged, since it's not uncommon to read that people feel they've received a jar that's only a little over halfway filled.
If you're in the market for an extra nutrient-rich coconut oil that has versatile qualities and won't hurt your wallet, you can find Viva Naturals organic coconut oil on Amazon for $9.
Best unflavored coconut oil
Not everyone loves the fragrantly sweet taste of coconut. Healthline notes that coconut oil might have oral and skin benefits, but that it also has some serious brain-boosting and antimicrobial properties (it's all those MCT oils). But what are you supposed to do if you can't stand the taste? While some coconut oils still retain some sort of coconut essence, that's not the case with Carrington Farms liquid cooking oil. This product is odorless and tasteless, so your food won't be tainted with any unwanted floral undertones. Carrington Farms liquid cooking oil can also be utilized as part of your daily skin and oral care routine, and unlike other coconut oils, it does not solidify at room temperature.
While it's been noted that multiple consumers on Amazon have received expired or off-colored Carrington Farms liquid cooking oil, this does not reflect the quality of Carrington Farms as a product when it is fresh.
If you're looking for a versatile liquid coconut oil that stays liquid at room temperature and also won't assault your olfactory senses and palate with an overwhelming floral nuttiness, then head over to Amazon where you can purchase a bottle of Carrington Farms liquid cooking oil starting at just under $8.
Best organic coconut oil
When it comes to coconut oil, you may want to stick to the organic. Organic coconut oil doesn't use additives during processing, per Conscious Food, and retains more of its nutritional benefits. Nutiva organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil works well not only as a skin and hair moisturizer, but also on foods like popcorn, and even in coffee. While some oils in general can taste and feel a bit heavy, Nutiva organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is not like that and has a nice balance.
One minor issue (besides packaging issues during shipping, which is not necessarily the fault of the brand), is that Nutiva's organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil doesn't have as smooth a consistency when compared to other coconut oils out on the market. Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil has over 49,800 ratings, and an 84% overall favorable rating by Amazon reviewers.
If you're looking for an organic coconut oil that can cover both your cosmetic and cooking needs, then head on over to Amazon, where you can find Nutiva organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil for $12.
Best fractionated coconut oil
As noted by Healthline, fractionated coconut oil stays liquid at all temperatures because of the way that it has been processe. Nature's Way premium liquid coconut oil is the clear winner here, and not just because it can be used topically as well as in the kitchen. It's noted as having a very mild coconut taste and works well in smoothies, coffee, and tea. Nature's Way premium liquid coconut oil is also high in MCT oils (the company states that this liquid coconut oil is mostly composed of pure source medium-chain triglycerides). Nature's Way premium liquid coconut oil has a low smoke point (350 degrees), which makes it ideal for sautéing, per MasterClass.
The one minor gripe that seems to occasionally pop us is more with Nature's Way bottle design and not the actual premium coconut oil.
If you're looking for a healthy, multifaceted coconut oil that stays liquid even if it lives in your refrigerator, then head over to Amazon and check out Nature's Way premium liquid coconut oil for around $18.
Best all-purpose coconut oil
While many coconut oils can jump from culinary to cosmetic in the way that they're used, Nutiva all-purpose refined coconut oil definitely beats out the completion in at least the food-related categories. Some coconut oils can be heavy on the tree nut taste and smell, but this particular product has a clean and neutral taste. When it comes to cooking and baking, Nutiva all-purpose refined coconut oil can be successfully substituted in place of butter or other fats. It also has no coconutty smell and is made with coconuts that have been sustainably sourced from Southeast Asia. Because it's a refined coconut oil, Nutiva's all-purpose is considered to have a higher smoke point when compared to its unrefined coconut cousins.
The one minor problem is that the actual product customers are receiving is expired or poorly packaged (which is no fault of the manufacturer). Nutiva's all-purpose refined coconut oil boasts an impressive 80% five-star overall satisfaction rating on Amazon.
You can find Nutiva's all-purpose refined coconut oil on Amazon for around $11.
Best coconut oil for baking
La Tourangelle organic virgin unrefined coconut oil works well for cosmetic purposes, does great with cooking, but truly stands out when it comes to baking. Its consistency is cream-like and it doesn't firm up when it's hit with cold temperatures as much as many other coconut oils on the market.
La Tourangelle organic virgin unrefined coconut oil is frequently cited for being a high-quality, versatile, yet very affordable coconut oil. It's produced in California using traditional French expeller pressing techniques (as noted on the label). With no trans fats and bold, aromatic taste and flavor profiles, La Tourangelle organic virgin unrefined coconut oil works best in sautéing and baking due to its medium-high smoke point. That being said, some found this particular coconut oil to be a bit on the weaker side in terms of smell, which could be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. La Tourangelle is also a company that is committed to sustainable practices.
If you're looking for a high-quality, artisanally crafted coconut oil that's committed to sustainable earth practices, check out La Tourangelle organic virgin unrefined coconut oil on Amazon, where you can find it for just under $12.
Best coconut oil for popcorn
Nutiva organic coconut oil with butter flavoring is the perfect item for individuals that follow a plant-based diet, have dairy allergies, or are just trying to limit their overall butter intake. It tastes good on toast and bread, but what it's really touted as being compatible with is popcorn. People love the butter-flavored Nutiva organic coconut oil on their popcorn. Perhaps it's because upon opening, the smell is just like what you would experience at a movie theater. It also has a consistency that is rather similar to butter, and its melting ability is similar to its dairy stick relative.
That being said, it's a mixed bag when it comes to using this flavored coconut oil on vegetables and seafood, which is mostly due to its overwhelmingly powerful butter scent. There also seem to be some quality control issues at the manufacturing facility because air bubbles at the bottom of the jar sometimes give it a "filled to the brim" look.
You can find Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil with Butter Flavor on Amazon starting at around $8.