Top 15 Best Coconut Oils for Cooking
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Natural coconut oil is such a unique product that, due to its composition, the oil can be used both for cosmetic purposes (for hair, face and body care), and adding it to your diet, using it for cooking and improving the health of your body.
Taking coconut oil inside for the prevention or treatment of diseases, you can further avoid the need to purchase medicine that have been taken for a long time. But how to know which one is exactly what you need? I will help you in choosing the best coconut oil for your healthy lifestyle!
Without further ado, let’s go!
Why Do I Need Coconut Oil?
For those who prefer to go on a diet, coconut oil for food is ideal as a dietary supplement, as it significantly reduces cholesterol and allows you to lose weight.
Edible coconut oil does not require compulsory storage in the refrigerator and remains suitable for the entire shelf life without heat treatment.
No wonder natural cold pressed coconut oil is recognized as one of the most useful products. It’s time to talk about its composition.
The main acids contained in coconut oil are lauric acid (about 50% of the composition of the oil), as well as oleic, capric, caprylic, myristic, stearic and palmitic acids. Coconut oil contains vitamins and minerals (vitamin E and K, iron and others).
Thanks to this composition, the immune system is strengthened, an antimicrobial, antiviral effect is provided, cholesterol levels are stabilized, digestion processes are normalized.
Edible coconut oil is recommended for problems with the kidneys, heart, diabetics, people with high blood pressure. Using coconut oil for food, there is a positive trend in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Over the centuries, there have been many ways to use coconut oil:
- A spoon of coconut oil melted in the tongue will help with sore throat
- Rinsing with coconut oil with the addition with clove oil will help from tooth pain
- Ear infections will not bother you after instillation of coconut oil with garlic oil
- Heartburn is quickly removed with a teaspoon of coconut oil in a weak tea or coffee
- The use of coconut oil in food will help to maintain normal cholesterol levels
- Thanks to oleic acid, coconut oil can reduce your weight even without changing the calorie content of dishes
- Coconut oil is the unusual seasoning
How to Use Coconut Oil for Food?
In cold pressed coconut oil, do not fry foods over high heat. It has a low smoke temperature – only 177 degrees.
When it is heated to this limit, it loses its beneficial properties and begins to secrete carcinogens. The smoke temperature of the second-pressed oil is higher, so it is more suitable for frying.
The use of oil in cooking is not limited to anything. It can be used for any purpose:
- Add to baking
- Complement the taste of cereals, especially during breakfast
- Apply as a dressing for salads (it is worth noting that in a cold room the oil will harden, so this method is relevant either for summer, or with the condition of preliminary melting
- Fry on it any meat, fish, vegetables, etc.
If you want, you can eat coconut oil in its pure form. Safe norm for children – 0.5–1 tsp (and the first micro-doses can be offered from the very beginning of feeding at 6 months), and for adults – 1-2 tbsp. You can eat an unusual product at any time at will, including on an empty stomach.
For example, in order to improve digestive processes, it is taken in the morning. Fans of the product should pay attention to the so-called “manna” – a mixture of butter and chopped coconut pulp, which is great as a spread for cookies and an addition to sweet cereals.
If coconut oil has a mark that it can be used as food, then it can be used in cooking without restrictions. Unlike other oils, when heated, it does not lose its properties, so dishes will be as useful as possible. It is considered a safe product and does not have strict contraindications.
Which Coconut Oil is Best For Cooking?
I researched for best coconut oils for cooking of and here are the results. There are the greatest products on the market right now. Quick observe for you to male your perfect choice.
- Best Overall: Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
“For healthy diet and beauty treatments, made of fresh organic coconuts.” - Best Choice: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
“Unrefined cold pressed oil. Suitable for both baking and frying. Supplement to a healthy diet.” - Best Budget: Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil
“Refined coconut oil is practically odorless, its main purpose is for frying, since the combustion temperature is higher than the temperature.” - Best Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil: Garden of Life Organic Coconut Oil
“Strengthens the immune system and protects against viruses and bacteria.” - Best Refined Coconut Oil: BetterBody Foods Organic Naturally Refined Coconut Oil
“Suitable for baking, and will also be an effective and useful replacement for the usual oil. It does not contain cholesterol, improves digestion processes.” - Best Unrefined Coconut Oil: Kirkland Signature Unrefined Coconut Oil
“Ideal for cooking (the burning temperature is much higher than that of refined vegetable oil).” - Best Non-GMO Coconut Oil: Carrington Farms Coconut Oil
“As an addition to coffee, instead of cream. By mixing coconut oil with vanilla you get a delicious and nutritious coffee that contains all the fats necessary for the human body.” - Best Liquid Coconut Oil: Carrington Farms Liquid Coconut Oil
“Drinking oil improves metabolism and therefore contributes to weight loss.” - Best Virgin Coconut Oil: Amazon Brand – Solimo Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
- Best for Cooking: Organic Liquid Coconut Oil for Culinary
“For any type of meal, delicious, paleo- and keto-friendly.” - Best Organic Coconut Oil: Coconut Merchant Organic Coconut Oil
“Universal product, chemical-free, suitable for children.” - Best for Frying: Vita Coco Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
“Absolutely vegan, liquid texture.” - Best for Keto: Anjou Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
“Healthy use, only kept in fridge.” - Best for Baking: Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Coconut Oil
“Perfect for any kind of baking, natural product.” - Best for Coffee: Proudly Pure Virgin Coconut Oil
“For the best cup of coffee, good blood circulation ensured.”
Best Coconut Oils Comparison Chart
Here is the comparison chart of the 15 best coconut oils for cooking that I’m going to review. Get a closer look to each product’s compound.
Top 15 Best Coconut Oils Reviews
Let’s focus on the main part of the 15 best coconut oils for cooking review! Learn each product’s key features, pros, cons and specification.
1. Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best Overall)
Viva Naturals provides a rich, and most importantly natural taste and aroma, rich in nutrients.
Perfect for preparing food, frying and as a bread put – use at a temperature not exceeding 180°C. Coconut oil is ideal for baking, frying and stewing. Cupcake or toasting, a delicious alternative to butter.
Nutritional care for the whole body’s skin and hair – coconut oil, which is very useful outside the kitchen, can be used as a saturated lotion or hair conditioner that provides deep, nutrient-rich moisturizing without a feeling of stickiness or greasy.
Perfect for your lifestyle- whether you’re on a keto, paleo, or gluten-free lifestyle or just looking for a better alternative to margarine or vegetable oil, our organic coconut oil is easy to use and blends seamlessly into your everyday lifestyle. No refrigeration required at room temperature.
Key Features
- For vegan and raw eaters
- Non-GMO
- Perfect for cooking
Pros
- Healthy product
- Suitable for room temperature
Cons
- Not the best smell
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Viva Naturals |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Calories | 140 |
Why Viva Naturals? Watch this video below:
2. Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best Choice)
Nature’s Way Organic Coconut Oil is a useful substitute for classic sunflower, which has a number of positive properties and also has significant advantages. Nature’s Way Organic Pure Additionally Virgin Coconut Oil is a natural energy source.
As a dietary supplement, Nature’s Way Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a good addition to physical activity, exercise and weight loss programs. Use it instead of butter, margarine, shortening or other vegetable oils, use for baking or frying at temperatures up to 350 ° F.
Key Features
- Organic
- Non-GMO
Pros
- Delicious product
- Contains 62% of MCT
Cons
- Strong odor
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Nature’s Way |
| Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
Watch the YouTuber talking about advantages of this coconut oil:
3. Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil
(Best Budget)
Perfect for cooking on medium heat (up to 180°C), spreading on bread, as well as adding to vegetables or popcorn. Nourishing oil substitute for baking, great for care.
Enjoy its rich aroma and its smooth and sweet taste. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is ideal as a medium-heat cooking oil, nutritious to replace in baking and even “better than butter” on bread, vegetables or popcorn. A pinch of salt will reduce coconut flavor in savory recipes.
You can even use succulent, soothing oil on your skin and hair. Use coconut oil as a natural skin moisturizer, eye makeup remover or deep hair treatment. Mix coconut oil with coconut sugar and essential oil for an exfoliating, refreshing body scrub.
Key Features
- Perfect for cooking and baking
- Good for skin and hair
- Non-GMO
Pros
- Healthy product
- Affordable
- Keto-friendly
Cons
- Has a smell
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Nutiva |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 5.2 x 3.2 inches |
| Weight | 15 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
4. Garden of Life Organic Coconut Oil
(Best Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil)
Garden of Life Extra Coconut Oil is one of the healthiest and most versatile dietary oils in the world, and is also RAW. Garden of Life Extra Coconut Oil is simply the best to taste, the most aromatic coconut oil on the planet – if you ask us.
Unlike refined coconut oils, their Extra Virgin coconut oil does not hydrogenate, does not bleach, does not clean, and does not deodorize. It is produced using the same methods that farmers have used for centuries.
Only the best organically grown coconuts are minced and cold pressed to produce coconut milk, then filtered and separated to produce only the highest quality butter. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a stable, healthy, naturally saturated fat that does not contain trans fatty acids.
Key Features
- Perfect for baking and cooking
- Organic
- Non-GMO
Pros
- Pure healthy product
- For beauty
Cons
- Gets moldy
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Garden of Life |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 5.1 inches |
| Weight | 14 ounces |
| Calories | 125 |
5. BetterBody Foods Organic Naturally Refined Coconut Oil
(Best Refined Coconut Oil)
It contains medium chain fatty acids, including lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid, which are easily converted by the body into energy. Consuming coconut oil at recommended levels, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, helps maintain an already healthy cholesterol level.
This is one of the most useful, most delicious and versatile oils in the world that does not hydrogenate, does not bleach, does not clean, and does not deodorize.
Key Features
- Non-GMO
- Gluten free
- Contains 60% of MCT
Pros
- Natural product
- Neutral flavor
Cons
- Poor-quality container
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | BetterBody Foods |
| Dimensions | 20.2 x 5.2 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 56 ounces |
| Calories | 120 |
6. Kirkland Signature Unrefined Coconut Oil
(Best Unrefined Coconut Oil)
Kirkland Signature Coconut Oil is a natural, cold-pressed, unrefined, chemical free product. The use of coconut oil helps maintain the health and beauty of any type of skin, but it is especially recommended for dry, flaky, coarsened and withered skin of the face and body.
Coconut oil is a great alternative to butter or vegetable oil. A great addition to your favorite drinks and desserts. It improves metabolism and digestion, reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol, is an antioxidant. Strengthens the immune system.
Key Features
- 100% organic
- Tropical product
- For cooking
Pros
- A good moisturizer
- Good for healthcare
Cons
- Unwanted lumps
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Kirkland Signature |
| Dimensions | 9 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 84 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
Tips and tricks using the coconut oil, watching this video:
7. Carrington Farms Coconut Oil
(Best Non-GMO Coconut Oil)
Sauté vegetables, add to smoothies or pastries. In addition, it is an excellent moisturizer for the skin and hair, gives them a delightful radiance. This organic coconut oil is a great alternative to butter or fats. He has a light taste. One serving contains 8 g of medium chain triglycerides.
Ideal for cooking on medium heat up to 175 ° C. For sausage, roasting and moisturizing. The oil is produced by simple cold pressing and packaged with preservation of its inherent nutrients, aroma and color.
Key Features
- High-quality product
- Gluten free
- Non-GMO
- Organic
Pros
- Light clean taste
- Great for skin and hair
Cons
- Price point
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Carrington Farms |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
8. Carrington Farms Liquid Coconut Oil
(Best Liquid Coconut Oil)
Carrington Farms Coconut Cooking Oil Flavored is a great alternative to traditional oils such as vegetable, olive, canola, and corn oil. It retains all the benefits of traditional coconut oil, but does not have the aroma or smell of coconuts.
Naturally rich in triglycerides, which is effectively used by the body to produce energy and helps in burning calories. Coconut oil consists of a number of different fatty acids, all of which have their own melting points.
Key Features
- It has a higher temperature than traditional olive oils
- All natural, gluten free, hexane free, GMO free, hydrogenated and trans fat free and delivered in a bottle without BPA
- Ideal for cooking, frying and baking
Pros
- Healthy replacement of usual oil and butter
- Great quality
- Liquid texture
Cons
- Bad smell when heating
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Carrington Farms |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 7.2 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
9. Amazon Brand – Solimo Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best Virgin Coconut Oil)
It is used for cooking as vegetable oil for frying, baking, dressing salads, cooking sauces. Perfect for vegans and raw eaters, also for various diets.
It is used for cosmetic purposes: for hair care, for face and body skin care, during and after tanning in the sun, and also after a tanning bed. Perfect for all types of massage, makeup removal, including waterproof.
Key Features
- Certified organic
- Gluten free
- Paleo-friendly
Pros
- Safe to use
- No artificial color
- Delicious coconut aroma
- Stays the same at any temperature
Cons
- Hard texture
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Solimo |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 4.3 x 5.2 inches |
| Weight | 30 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
10. Organic Liquid Coconut Oil for Culinary
(Best for Cooking)
Coconut oil does not contain preservatives or other additives. Made by cold pressing without the use of chemicals, as evidenced by good quality indicators. It melts at a temperature of + 23 degrees and above, if the temperature is lower, the product thickens.
It contains vitamin E, lauric acid, which contributes to metabolism when eaten, is not stored in fat stores, but is spent directly on energy – a sure way to get rid of extra pounds. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from premature aging.
Key Features
- Liquid texture
- Non-GMO
- Keto- and Paleo-friendly
- For cooking and beauty-care
Pros
- Harmless product
- Doesn’t harden
- Smells delicious
Cons
- Poor packaging
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Viva Naturals |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
11. Coconut Merchant Organic Coconut Oil
(Best Organic Coconut Oil)
Wonderful coconut oil is produced by cold pressed coconut flesh. This means that raw materials, preserving all the natural goodness of coconuts! coconut oil with a high content of lauric acid and others with a medium chain of saturated fats that are beneficial to the body.
Its soft and sweet aroma does not overpower cooking, and the delicately smooth texture melted immediately. Coconut oil can be used in various forms: in cooking and baking, to moisturize the skin and hair, as a natural makeup remover, and as a shaving balm or moisturizer for babies.
Key Features
- Natural and organic
- Multi-purpose
- Great for baby care
Pros
- Rich product
- Chemical-free
Cons
- Strong smell
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Coconut Merchant |
| Dimensions | 6.4 x 5.2 x 5.3 inches |
| Weight | 17.6 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
12. Vita Coco Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best for Frying)
Vita Coco Virgin Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil is multitasking. From baking to beauty, he can do anything! Vita Coco may have started selling coconut water, but when they discovered this supernatural miracle, they knew that they needed to share it with the world.
Whether you fry it or smooth it, you will definitely fall in love … and get separate cans for the bathroom and kitchen. Nature got coconut oil for the first time, so Vita Coco is not confused with them. Cold pressing to protect all of this natural Vita Coco.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Organic
- Non-GMO
Pros
- Perfect for skincare
- Solid liquid state
Cons
- Plastic jar
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Vita Coco |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
| Calories | 120 |
Watch this video to know more about:
13. Anjou Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best for Keto)
Extra Virgin unrefined coconut oil is produced by cold pressing, it is not subjected to chemical and heat treatment, which allows you to save all the beneficial properties.
It is an excellent source of energy and helps to strengthen the immune system, contains useful fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
The only source of lauric fatty acid in nature besides breast milk is unrefined coconut oil. Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin, and caprylic acid is converted to monocaprin. In combination, these substances have the most powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects.
Key Features
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Chemical-free
- Good for diets
Pros
- Beauty product
- Heathy tasty product
Cons
- Refrigerator storage only
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Anjou |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
| Calories | 130 |
14. Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Coconut Oil
(Best for Baking)
Dr. Bronner’s magic coconut oil, completely peeled from the whole kernel. Uncleaned (VCO) cold pressing from fresh, carefully dried coconuts, giving it a delicious aroma.
Dr. Bronner’s coconut oil is versatile and healthy, complete core without refined fresh pressed coconut oil without injury can be used for frying, sauces, baking and body care. People who follow a traditional diet high in coconut oil have excellent cardiovascular health.
Key Features
- Great for cooking and baking
- Climate-friendly
- Certified product
Pros
- Pure product
- Versatile
Cons
- Easy to break the jar
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | Dr. Bronner’s |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 14 ounces |
| Calories | 120 |
David Bronner introducing his product, watch this video below:
15. Proudly Pure Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best for Coffee)
Coconut oil is a useful alternative to butter in baking. It becomes more tender and acquires a light coconut flavor. Just a couple teaspoons of butter in milk porridge, smoothie, bowl or coffee will open for you a new original taste of familiar dishes.
Coconut oil goes well with oriental dishes. Its tenderness softens the spice. Coconut oil is ideal for people who eat vegetarian foods and do not eat animal fats. It is completely organic, and is also kosher and halal.
Key Features
- For healthy cooking
- Contains natural antioxidant
Pros
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces cardiovascular diseases
Cons
- Get moldy
Product Specification
| Manufacturer | PROUDLY PURE |
| Weight | 14 ounces |
| Calories | 120 |
How to Choose a Coconut Oil for Cooking?
In order to understand which coconut oil to choose for food, one must at least in general outline present its production technology.
Rate the 7 signs of natural coconut oil:
1. Components: Edible coconut oil should contain only one ingredient – coconut. Flavors, stabilizers, preservatives are not allowed.
2. Consistency: Coconut oil should be liquid at temperatures above 27 ° C. The temperature of solidification is 23 ° C. In this case, it will be as dense as possible. In a borderline state – malleable.
3. The Odor: Natural cold pressed oil smells like coconut. After a hot press, the smell disappears.
4. Color: In liquid form, coconut oil will be clear or pale yellow. Saturated straw color indicates poor quality. In solid form, it is milky white or with a slight shade of ivory. The presence of yellowness is a sign of poor quality.
5. Packaging: It is better to choose a glass jar or bottle. If you take coconut oil in plastic, choose with a BPA mark or a triangle with the number 1.
6. Press-Up Information: The label should say “100% coconut oil”. And also its type is indicated. Edible oil of the highest quality – cold-pressed, centrifuge, extra virgin. Hot extraction is labeled with chemical extraction or hot-pressed.
7. Refining Information: There are unrefined and refined which is suitable for frying. The manufacturer must indicate this information on the label.
Unrefined Oil
It is filtered only from mechanical impurities. All additional substances (phosphatides (lecithin), waxes, free fatty acids, vitamins, water, etc.) remain. They give the oil a taste and smell. The biological value of such oil is higher than that of refined oil.
But unrefined coconut oil can only be heated to 137-177 degrees (read the manufacturer’s description in each case), that is, you can fry on it only on low and medium heat.
Refined
Passes several stages of mechanical and physical cleaning, as a result of which the oil is neutralized to taste and clarified.
Is this oil useful? Yes, because the medium chain triglycerides that make coconut oil so much valued remain in place. But its biological value is lower than that of unrefined oil due to a partial loss in the process of refining of other useful substances.
Refined coconut oil can be used for cooking at medium and high temperatures.
Coconut Oil and Other Oils/Butters
There a lot of other valuable oils or butters for cooking. Let’s compare them and see the differences between them, their benefits and use in cooking or baking.
Coconut Oil vs. Olive Oil
Both coconut and olive oil are made from 100% fat, and a tablespoon of each contains 14 g of fat. But there is a significant difference in the types of fat that they contain.
Both of these oils can be used to prepare various dishes, but there are also certain limitations that should be considered.
Inexpensive olive oil is a good choice for cooking meat and vegetables at low temperatures. But high-quality olive oil is ideal as a seasoning for dishes and salad dressings.
Compared to olive oil, coconut oil is a fairly expensive product. It is great for baking, as well as for cooking foods at higher temperatures.
To create homemade cosmetics and baking and sweets, coconut oil is best. If you want to improve your heart health or season salad, olive oil will win the competition.
Coconut Oil vs. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils, as a rule, have a bright, full-bodied taste and smell. The boiling point is quite high – about 240 degrees. Most often, these oils are used for baking and deep-frying. They are ideal for salads and stewing vegetables.
Coconut oil has a soft, sweet, nutty flavor with tropical notes. The average temperature of its boiling is about 140 degrees. Most often it is used for baking, cooking spicy dishes and popcorn.
Coconut Oil vs. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter differs from other nut butters in a higher boiling point (225 degrees) and a much milder taste. Its high nutritional value helps to quickly and permanently get rid of hunger. This oil is best suited for frying fish, frying in batter, cooking Asian dishes.
Coconut Oil vs. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is used in cooking to prepare oriental desserts, soups, sauces and main dishes.
Calorie Coconut Oil
Calorie content of coconut oil is 899 kcal per 100 grams of product.
The chemical composition of coconut oil includes: beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, E, H and PP, as well as the main useful minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper and manganese, iron, iodine, phosphorus and sodium.
The composition contains:
- Lauric acid ~ 50%
- Myristic acid ~ 20%
- Palmitic acid ~ 9%
- Oleic acid ~ 6%
- Caprylic acid ~ 5%
- Capric acid ~ 5%
- Stearic acid ~ 3%
- Linoleic acid ~ 1%
- Caproic acid ~ 0.5%
FAQs
After buying guide, I want to include the most interesting questions about coconut oils. I left answers to all questions, which might be useful for you.
My Top Pick
My own favorite coconut oil for cooking is Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Viva Naturals provides a rich, and most importantly natural taste and aroma, rich in nutrients. This coconut oil was made of fresh organic coconuts.
100% natural unrefined coconut oil of the first cold extraction from fresh pulp of premium quality coconuts Organic. No sugar, no flavor enhancers, no preservatives or additives, no GMOs, no gluten. For a healthy diet and beauty treatments.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Are you a huge lover of coconut oil like me? Do you have any useful tips and tricks using coconut oil or any wonderful recipes with this oil? Leave some comments below. I would love to read them!
