We've been independently researching and testing products for over years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Coconut oil is versatile: You can use it to cook or bake, as a substitute for butter in vegan recipes , and you can even use coconut oil for healthier hair.

That said, there are many options — refined, unrefined, virgin, extra-virgin, cold-pressed — so shopping for the right jar can be a little confusing. When cooking, it's important to understand the differences between these options so you choose the best one for your recipe.

But first, a note on whether or not coconut oil is considered healthy. It has been shown to raise both bad LDL and good HDL cholesterol and has 11 grams of saturated fat which is close to the limit of 13 grams recommended by the American Heart Association based on a 2,calorie diet.

Fisher , a registered dietitian in the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab. In the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, we cook with different types of coconut oil depending on the recipe: Our homemade dessert shell uses refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor and our best-ever granola calls for unrefined for a hint of sweetness more on the difference below.

The test kitchen pros created this list of best coconut oils based on their experiences tasting and cooking and baking with! many coconut oils. These are the best coconut oils you can buy based on the ones we reach for most in our kitchen. At the bottom of this guide, you can find more information about how to shop for the best coconut oils.

NOW Foods coconut oil is cold-pressed and therefore preserves the MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides an important source of fat in the keto diet , fatty acids and flavor naturally found in coconuts.

From the moment we opened the jar, the aroma transported us to a tropical island. This neutral organic coconut oil was the most affordable option in our taste test. With a neutral flavor, it is a great bulk buy as a standard cooking oil in your kitchen.

Be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place and try to use within a year. Nutiva, a certified B-Corp with organic and fair trade practices, is a great go-to coconut oil offered in many sizes depending on your needs. This coconut oil boasts a °F smoke point making it great for stir-fries and sautés.

Packed in a BPA-free glass jar, La Tourangelle organic oil is coconut-forward and very aromatic. MCT medium-chain triglycerides oil, made from coconut or palm oil, is popular among athletes as a source of energy.

Coconuts are a natural source of MCTs and liquid coconut oil goes through an extra process step — fractionation — to remove long and short chain fatty acids before being bottled.

We liked this one because the bottle had an easy-to-use flip top and Carrington Farms is also a member of the Coconut Coalition of the Americas CCA. The most common types you will find in the supermarket are:.

Consider this difference when preparing to cook: If you want to add some tropical flavors, reach for the unrefined coconut oil. Looking for a neutral oil alternative? Refined is the way to go. Keep coconut oil in a dry, cool and dark place with a tight seal. Exposure to light, heat and air can cause your coconut oil to go rancid.

Toss your coconut oil if it is yellow, has dark spots, signs of mold, a sour or bitter taste or smell and a chunky texture.

It is also excellent for making face wash, eye makeup remover, shaving cream, and other homemade remedies for sunburn. The natural glycerin and aloe vera in the product provide overall hydration. Apply and circularly massage it onto your face, neck, and hands to achieve a healthy glowing complexion with a mild fragrance.

Thanks to the all-natural production, it is free from any foul odor and discoloration. Being extremely versatile, it also serves as a deep hair conditioner, under-eye cream, shaving oil, and even a makeup remover. It is also useful for massage therapies, as a base for other beauty products, and as a shine partner for rough hair.

This coconut oil for skin is packaged in a clear, UV-protected bottle to avoid damage. The product promises moisture retention and smooth skin as it is made of pure ingredients.

It is also free of any impurities, and absorbs quickly. You should use warm water to liquefy the tub before gently massaging it into your skin and hair. The product is free of added preservatives, contains only unrefined essential coconut oil, and is USDA organic certified. Coconut oil is a healthy fat extracted from mature coconut meat.

It contains saturated fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides, and lauric acid. A naturally occurring substance that has been used for thousands of years as food and medicine, coconut oil is also an excellent moisturizer. It protects your skin and hair from dryness and itchiness by effectively sealing in moisture.

Numerous coconut oil benefits are floating around the internet; here are some backed up by scientific evidence. Coconut oil has a wide range of applications. It can be combined with aloe vera gel or honey to make a soothing ointment for topical use.

It is also used as a fragrance by mixing essential oils like lavender with it. Coconut oil can be consumed on its own or mixed with food. Applying coconut oil to your skin and hair can help treat dry skin and hair. Look for brands that specifically state their coconut oils are made with organic ingredients when shopping for one.

Many brands sell oils that are not completely pure and are also unrefined, and these additives can lead to health issues. The color and texture of coconut oil can vary depending on the type and quality of the oil.

Some oils are clear, while others are light yellow or brown. Similarly, some oils are grainy, while others are smooth. Look for an oil that is white when solid and clear when in liquid form. When purchasing coconut oil, ensure that it contains no added flavors or fragrances.

These additives can be harmful and do not last very long. Instead, choose unscented coconut oil. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin, but it is difficult to find the right type.

The difference between refined and virgin coconut oils is the quality of the oil. Refined coconut oil is heated, resulting in a less nutritious product that may have been bleached or deodorized.

Virgin coconut oil is extracted without heat or chemicals and has a higher antioxidant content. So, if you want to keep your skin healthy, go for the virgin coconut oil option, rather than something processed.

Regrettably, not all coconut oils for skin available in the market are organic. To ensure that you get the most natural products, research the brand to see if the products they manufacture are generally organic. Scan the bottle to see where the coconuts are sourced.

Ensure the coconut oil for skin that you buy is from a sustainable source and is extracted from coconuts grown in a greener and healthier way. A: Coconut oil is classified into two types: virgin and refined.

Virgin means unrefined coconut oil, and refined means processed. Refining takes out some of the nutrients present in virgin coconut oil. Most people prefer virgin coconut oil for its natural goodness, but feel free to look for a product that you believe will suit you better.

A: You should rub a small amount of coconut oil on your face before bed. You can let it sit or wash it away after a while. You can also dab a bit of coconut oil on your hands to help relieve dryness. A: Coconut oils are sold in supermarkets, groceries, and specialty stores; you can also buy them online.

Look for brands that say they are organic and certified. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly. A: If stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, your refined coconut oil should last at least 12 months.

Unrefined coconut oil, on the other hand, has a shelf life of a few years longer than refined jars, depending on storage conditions. For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews — Subscribe on YouTube!

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The first is the type of coconut oil. There are two main types: refined and unrefined. Refined coconut oil is processed using heat and chemicals, which can strip it of some of its nutrients.

On the other hand, unrefined coconut oil is made without the use of chemicals or heat, making it a healthier option.

Another essential factor to consider is the extraction method. Cold-pressed coconut oil is extracted using a method that does not involve heat, which helps to preserve its nutrients.

This method is considered the best for extracting coconut oil. We spent hours researching and testing various coconut oils to identify the ones that are not only the healthiest but also the most delicious.

In the next section, we'll take a closer look at the top coconut oils that made the cut. We have researched and tested various coconut oils to bring you the best options for consumption.

Coconut oil is known for its numerous health benefits and versatility in cooking, baking, and even as a dietary supplement. After careful consideration, we have compiled a list of the top coconut oils that are safe, healthy, and delicious to consume. Experience the game-changing Keppi Flavorless MCT Oil—a go-to for sustained energy on the keto journey.

Certified Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Halal, it seamlessly elevates coffee and smoothies. While the bottle's a bit tricky for small hands, and flavor lovers might miss out, its versatile benefits make it a keto essential. If you're looking for a high-quality MCT oil to support your keto diet, Keppi Flavorless MCT Oil is an excellent choice.

We've been using Keppi Flavorless MCT Oil for several weeks and have been impressed with its performance. It blends smoothly with our morning coffee and adds a creamy texture to our smoothies. We appreciate that this MCT oil is certified Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Halal, making it a versatile option for a wide range of dietary needs.

We've also noticed sustained energy throughout the day when using this product. However, we did find that the bottle may be difficult to squeeze for those with smaller hands, and some users may prefer a flavored option.

Additionally, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort when using MCT oil. Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality MCT oil to support your keto diet, we highly recommend giving Keppi Flavorless MCT Oil a try.

If you're looking for a high-quality coconut oil to add to your cooking or baking routine, Nature's Way Premium Liquid Coconut Oil is a great choice. We've been using Nature's Way Premium Liquid Coconut Oil for several months now, and we're impressed with the quality of this product.

The taste and aroma of fresh coconut are evident in every dish we use it in, and it adds a delicious flavor to our smoothies and sauces. One of the biggest benefits of this coconut oil is its high concentration of MCTs. Plus, the fact that it stays liquid even when refrigerated makes it easy to use in a variety of recipes.

However, there are a few downsides to this product. The price is a bit higher than other coconut oils on the market, so it may not be the best choice if you're on a tight budget.

Additionally, the bottle is relatively small at only 10 fluid ounces, so you may need to purchase more than one if you plan on using it frequently. Finally, if you have a coconut allergy, this product may not be suitable for you. Overall, we highly recommend Nature's Way Premium Liquid Coconut Oil for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile coconut oil to add to their kitchen.

We highly recommend Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil for its pure, light-tasting, and nutrient-rich qualities. Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil is perfect for cooking, baking, and beauty. We love that it is cold-pressed and never refined, deodorized, or bleached.

This makes it a healthier option than other oils on the market. We appreciate that it is non-GMO and sustainably farmed. This oil is ideal for medium-heat cooking and is a nutritious substitute in baking.

It is even "better than butter" on bread, vegetables, or popcorn. We also love using Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil as a natural skin moisturizer, eye make-up remover, and deep conditioning hair treatment. We appreciate Nutiva's commitment to quality and their partnership with organic farmers to source the world's finest fresh, organic virgin coconuts.

We also like that it is packaged in safe, convenient, BPA-free packaging. In summary, if you are looking for a versatile and healthy coconut oil for cooking, baking, and beauty, Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil is a great choice. If you're looking for a versatile and healthy dietary oil, Garden of Life Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is an excellent choice.

We've found it to be the best tasting and most aromatic coconut oil on the market. It's perfect for cooking, baking, and adding to smoothies. Plus, it's great for skin and hair care. We love that this coconut oil is raw and unrefined, which means it retains all of its natural goodness.

It's also organic and non-GMO, so we feel good about using it in our cooking and on our skin. We appreciate that it's cold-pressed, which means it's made using traditional methods that preserve the quality of the oil. One thing to keep in mind is that this coconut oil may solidify at cooler temperatures.

However, it's easy to melt by placing the jar in warm water or microwaving it for a few seconds. Some users have also found the taste to be too strong, but we enjoy the rich and nutty flavor. Overall, we highly recommend Garden of Life Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile oil.

It's a bit more expensive than some other brands, but we think the quality and taste make it worth the investment. If you're looking for a versatile and healthy cooking oil, as well as a natural moisturizer for your skin and hair, Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil could be a great choice.

We've been using Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil for a few weeks now, and we're impressed with its quality and versatility. Sizes: 14 ounces Extraction: Expeller-pressed. Unlike other types of coconut oil that are made from dried coconuts, virgin coconut oil is made from raw, fresh coconut meat in its most natural state.

In addition to being virgin, BetterBody Foods coconut oil is organic, cold-pressed, and non-GMO. The coconuts are sourced from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, but BetterBody Foods packages it in the United States at its headquarters in Utah.

Sizes: 56 ounces Extraction: Cold-pressed. It has all of the benefits of coconut oil without the coconut taste. It tastes just like a rich, creamy butter, also making it a great butter substitute for baking, spreading on toast, and drizzling on top of popcorn.

Oils can be refined or unrefined, cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, and how they are processed has a major impact on the qualities they have. There are pros and cons to both, it just depends on how you plan to use the oil. This is important to consider when it comes to cooking with coconut oil.

in Washington, D. If you do plan to cook with it, refined coconut oil has a higher smoking point. Coconut oil is on the more fragrant side when it comes to cooking oils, so before you get carried away in the kitchen and start cooking with it, make sure the flavor profile of your dish makes sense with a mild coconut hint in the background.

It may work really well in certain Asian dishes try swapping it for the vegetable oil in this vegetable curry! Yes, coconut oil can go bad.

It will be pretty obvious as "rancid coconut oil has an intense scent and tastes sour," according to Merdzhanov. The color may also change. It's best to use refined coconut oil within a few months of opening, while virgin coconut oil may last up to two years, if stored away in a cool, dark place.

What you cook in coconut oil entirely depends on how much you like or dislike the flavor of coconut. But, while certain ingredients may not taste great with a subtle coconut flavor in the background, you can technically cook everything in this oil.

Yes, according to Merdzhanov, you can use coconut oil when frying; however, there are better oil options out there because the smoking point of unrefined coconut oil is only about °F or °F for refined.

According to Merdzhanov, refined coconut oil has a higher smoking point, shorter shelf life, and less potent smell. Of the two, it may be considered the "less healthy" option.

Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh meat, while refined coconut oil is made from copra," says Merdzhanov. You may also see the terms "expeller pressed" or " cold pressed " when looking at oils.

No, coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated, says Merdzhanov. But if it's in the hotter months, and you don't like the liquid form, you can put it in the fridge to solidify. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best coconut oils on the market, evaluating their key features—like price, fat amounts, and extraction method—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources.

We then used this information and our own knowledge to compile the list above. Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage-testing experience. This roundup was updated by Alyssa Langer , who is a registered dietitian and foodie, always curious about the next food or ingredient craze and hungry to learn and try more.

Having worked in cookbook publishing, CPG label data, nutrition writing, and meal kits, her diverse background and varied interests provide a unique perspective that fosters clear, well-researched, and trustworthy reviews.

Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days.

She updated this article to include the most up-to-date information. United States Department of Agriculture. The organic seal. Food and Drug Administration. How GMOs are regulated for food and plant safety in the United States. Updated April 22, Use limited data to select advertising.

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