You've probably heard about the many benefits of coconut oil to your skin, hair, and general health. Besides its nutrition, coconut oil tastes great and can be incorporated into anyone's diet in your cooking!
That's why we did some research and found 10 amazing coconut oils you can cook with. Viva Naturals Organic's extra virgin coconut oil was one of our favorites as it's versatile and works great in many different recipes. And for even more information and tips, we also included a buying guide at the end to help you choose the right product, reviewed and approved by a vegan pastry chef. Read on to see what we came up with!
Quick List - Top Coconut Oils
I am a pastry chef of 10+ years, classically trained. I'm also the owner and operator of Bleu Moon Bakery - Vegan (2016-2021). My newest endeavor (small business) - Baby Cakes - creates custom cakes and treats with allergy-friendly options.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Coconut oil is great, but why? In terms of cooking, depending on the grade of the coconut oil, the smoke point ranges from 350 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. That high heat tolerance makes it great for searing, sauteing, and baking. It can also be simply used as a spread.
Incorporating coconut oil into your diet can also improve your health. Specifically, coconut oil contains a lot of essential fatty acids and can boost your fat metabolism while supplying your body and brain with enough energy to function.
It helps increase the HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood as well. Moreover, 50 percent of the fatty acids in coconut oil are composed of lauric acid, which can prevent viral infections.
Coconut oil is also noteworthy for its medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) content as well. MCTs can help with weight loss, energy levels, blood sugar levels, and more. Coconuts naturally contain anywhere from 45 percent to 65 percent MCTs, but some liquid forms may contain even more. If you're more interested in these MCT health benefits than the best coconut oil for cooking, we suggest looking for MCT oils instead!
Choosing a great coconut oil is not an easy task due to the plethora of coconut oils currently sold on the market. In this buying guide, we provide you with some tips that you may want to consider when making a purchase!
Coconut oil comes in two main types: virgin and refined. It's important to keep in mind the flavor and smoke point of each type in order to choose one that best meets your needs.
Virgin coconut oil is extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. There are no chemical processes involved, so virgin coconut oil still retains the purest taste with the most benefits. However, it has a strong coconut flavor and aroma that may scare away those who dislike the taste of coconut.
Many people are enticed by "extra-virgin coconut oil" products and assume that the difference is the same as with virgin and extra-virgin olive oils. Unfortunately, virgin and extra-virgin coconut oil are not distinguished according to the USDA (they're simply both unrefined), so this label may not signify any real difference.
For cooking, the smoke point of virgin coconut oil is 350 degrees. This makes it great for baking and sauteing, but not for frying or high cooking temperatures. For baking, it's a great grease to use for pans.
For your body - especially your hair - coconut oil can stimulate hair growth, add shine, and add moisture back to your hair.
Refined coconut oil is not the purest, but it still retains the benefits of coconut oil without having a strong, distinct coconut flavor. For those with coconut allergies, highly refined coconut oil is a safer option.
Don't think that all refined products are bad and contain harmful additives. As long as the refined coconut oil is not chemically processed, it should still be healthy for you! Refined coconut oil is often cheaper than virgin coconut oil and can be used for cooking dishes where you don't want the coconut flavor.
Since the smoke point of refined coconut oil is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it's suited to high-heat cooking such as stir-frying and deep-frying.
Coconut oil is a product that has no distinctive taste due to the process in which refined coconut oil is extracted. This is a great thing for cooking and baking because you can control the flavor and taste of the dishes you choose to use coconut oil in without it tasting like coconut. That's so important, especially when it comes to flavor and health benefits.
Coconut oil can be produced using various methods. Different processing methods yield oils varying in flavors and nutritional values. Read on to learn more!
Expeller-pressed coconut oil is extracted from coconut meat through a mechanical process that relies on force. There are no chemicals involved in the extraction process.
However, keep in mind that this method involves higher temperatures than cold-pressing (which doesn't exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, expeller-pressed coconut oil product has less nutritional value.
When it comes to versatility, expeller-pressed coconut oil tends to be the best choice. It has a neutral flavor and can meet all of your baking, frying, and cooking needs.
Despite how good the coconut source is, the oil can still be oxidized and lose all of the beneficial nutrients if processed using the traditional hot-pressing method. If you're looking for a type of coconut oil that provides you with the most health benefits, consider oil produced using a cold-pressing method.
Cold pressing is a mechanical process that extracts oil from coconut meat. There is no heat involved, so all the healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants still remain. Coconut oil obtained through this method retains most of the flavor and aroma as well. So if you don't like the coconut flavor, you might find the taste of cold-pressed oil too strong.
Cold-pressed coconut oil is great for baking, roasting, as well as sauteing. You can also use it to make salad dressings or sauces.
As its name implies, cold-pressed pure coconut oil is extracted without any heat. When you're talking about health benefits, it's great! Due to the fact that the oil is unheated, many of the antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits are at their strongest capabilities, and it's completely free of additives.
Coconut oils can come in sprays or jars. Sprays allow you to grease pans with a thin and even coat of coconut oil. But if you need to use a large amount of oil, a spray is not the best choice.
On the other hand, jars are simple to use and tend to hold from 14 to 64 ounces of coconut oil. Simply spoon out the amount you need and close the lid to preserve the quality of the oil.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Viva Naturals Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best Pure Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil | |
2 | Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best for the Mild Coconut Flavor | |
3 | Pompeian Organic MCT Oil | ![]() | Best for Coating Cookware to Prevent Sticking | |
4 | Carrington Farms Virgin Organic Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best for the Rich and Creamy Consistency | |
5 | Nutiva Organic Steam-Refined Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best for High-Heat Cooking | |
6 | Nature's Way Liquid Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best Liquid Coconut Oil | |
7 | BetterBody Foods Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Softgels | ![]() | Best Versatile Oil for All Your Cooking Needs | |
8 | Barlean's Organic Oils Fractionated Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best for Mixing in Smoothies and Protein Shakes | |
9 | Garden of Life Centrifuge Extracted Organic Coconut Oil | ![]() | Best for Other Uses in Addition to Cooking | |
10 | Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil With Non-Dairy Butter Flavor|2 pack | ![]() | Best Vegan Alternative to Butter |
Made from 100 percent fresh, organic coconuts using the cold-pressing method, this jar of coconut oil has a rich, enticing coconut-y flavor and aroma. Since the oil is cold-pressed, no nutrients are lost in the process, providing you with all of the goodness possible.
With a high smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use it for baking, frying, or sautéing, or even as a spread. This coconut oil is also USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified Gluten-Free, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. This versatile oil can also be used to hydrate your skin and hair.
Pros:
Cons:
Nature's Way extra virgin coconut oil is produced using a cold-pressing method without the addition of harmful chemicals, toxins, or heat. Containing 8.69 grams of medium-chain triglycerides per serving, this oil helps increase your energy level and boost your metabolism!
A few buyers complain about the consistency, saying it's a bit gritty. On the other hand, most reviewers compliment the mild coconut flavor that works well for baking, cooking, and frying. Many love adding this coconut oil to their drinks for some extra health benefits as well.
Pros:
Cons:
Pompeian's coconut oil is expeller-pressed and doesn't contain any artificial ingredients. It has a mild coconut flavor that goes especially well with seafood. The spray form also allows you to get an even coating of coconut oil over your cookware or foods.
A few buyers warn that the oil smokes easily and isn't suitable for frying. Besides that, the majority agree that it's great for baking needs. It's said that this coconut oil helps enhance the flavor of their foods as well.
Pros:
Cons:
This coconut oil is extracted from coconuts from the Philippines and is filtered four times to achieve its purest state. Its rich and creamy texture makes it a great addition to coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. And with every purchase, you contribute to the Carrington Cares program that helps feed over 250 children in the Philippines weekly.
A couple of reviewers note that the coconut taste is very strong and can overwhelm dishes. Yet, the majority compliment its creamy consistency and find that it makes a great substitute for butter and normal vegetable oil. It's said that the oil has a high smoke point and can be used in many baking and cooking recipes.
Pros:
Thanks to the expeller-pressing method, the oil still contains 63 percent medium-chain triglycerides, which is about the same as virgin coconut oil. With a high smoke point, it can be used for baking, sautéing, or stir-frying.
Some buyers complain about the gritty texture, while some others are concerned that the coconut oil has a yellow color. But keep in mind that refined coconut oil in the liquid form is usually yellowish. Meanwhile, most buyers love that the oil has no flavor or scent and further comment that it is a versatile choice for culinary uses.
Pros:
This liquid coconut oil contains 93% medium-chain triglycerides and can supply you with 13 grams per serving. This cooking oil can be heated up to 350 degrees and works well for baking or sautéeing. You can also use it to make salad dressings or dips.
Some buyers say that the bottle leaks easily. However, many reviewers like the light coconut flavor as it doesn't interfere with the taste of their foods or drinks. They also praise that the oil doesn't burn at high temperatures. It's also mentioned that the liquid form is easy to use.
Pros:
BetterBody Foods' cold-pressed coconut oil is produced from coconuts harvested in the Philippines and Sri Lanka. It's rich in medium-chain triglycerides and is a healthier substitute for butter and margarine in baked goods. Its mild flavor can also elevate a wide range of dishes from stir-fries to salads.
There are some complaints of a gritty texture. But many buyers agree that this coconut flavor is spot on. They love using it for cooking or baking. It's great in coffee and smoothies as well, buyers mention.
Pros:
Cons:
This virgin coconut oil is certified organic by the USDA and doesn't contain any GMO ingredients. It's cold-pressed and has a slightly sweet, slightly nutty coconut flavor that blends nicely with the bitterness of coffee. This coconut oil is great for baking, grilling, or stir-frying as well.
Some reviewers note that the safety seal is slightly lifted. Nevertheless, most reviewers love this coconut oil for its mild and pleasant scent and flavor. They also praise the smooth consistency that mixes easily with smoothies and protein shakes.
Pros:
Cons:
This coconut oil from Garden of Life is certified organic by the USDA. It's extracted using a cold-pressing method and never goes through a refining process that involves deodorization or bleaching. This oil has a mild, light coconut flavor that is great for cooking or adding straight to your beverages or food.
A few reviewers mention that the is no protective seal around the cap. Some also wish that the jar was glass instead of plastic. Still, many others comment that the consistency is smooth, and they have no trouble scooping it out of the jar for cooking, eating raw, or even beauty-related uses. The taste and scent are great as well, buyers note.
Pros:
If you want the health benefits of coconut oil but still cannot resist the delicious taste of butter, consider this refined coconut oil. It's blended with organic plants such as sunflower and mint to produce an irresistibly buttery taste. Use it in a recipe that calls for butter or ghee.
A few reviewers find the smell too strong. Even so, many reviewers are pleased with the natural butter taste of this coconut oil. They also say that it's delicious on toast, bread, pancakes, waffles, and popcorn. There are reports that this coconut oil melts easily and works great for cooking or baking.
Maybe you've sorted out which coconut oil to get, and maybe you haven't. The answers to these commonly asked questions may solve your problems until you decide on the best coconut oil for you!
Coconut oil can certainly be used for your skin! In fact, coconut oil contains a high amount of fatty acids to enhance your skin's protective barrier and keep the skin moisturized and supple. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin! Just be careful of using it on your face if you're acne-prone; it can paradoxically cause fungal acne.
Shayanne says, "It's best to store coconut oil in a dark container, but not a reactive metal container (to avoid losing flavor). Due to its extremely low melting point, it is best to store in a cupboard away from areas that might get warmer than 75 degrees.
It is best not to refrigerate because it becomes hard and more difficult to use when too cold. Coconut oil has a long shelf life of up to two years if stored properly. Make sure to check for mold and a rancid smell as your indicators of it turning."
Coconut oil has a high level of saturated fats and is also high in calories. So, over-consumption of coconut oil may actually lead to weight gain. To attain the best benefits of coconut oil, consuming about one to two tablespoons per day is suggested by many studies!
Coconut oil, though high in health benefits, can also have negative effects from overconsuming. Some of these negative effects can include, diarrhea, cramps, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
People with cardiovascular risks should also beware of overconsuming coconut oil, due to the high saturated fats contained in the oil which could increase your LDL levels (bad cholesterol).
Coconut oil might not be the be-all-and-end-all of your cooking supplies. Here are a couple more cooking oils you might enjoy, as well as equally versatile coconut milk!
If you use coconut oil for cooking, you might be interested in a few other plant-based cooking essentials to add to your kitchen. We've consulted plant-based food enthusiast Amy Rosen, and she has given a breakdown of the must-have tools to accompany your ingredients.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Viva Naturals|Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
No. 2: Nature's Way|Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
No. 3: Pompeian|Organic MCT Oil
No. 4: Carrington Farms|Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
No. 5: Nutiva|Organic Steam-Refined Coconut Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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