Coconut oil

Coconut oil (Photo by Yuriy Ivanovskiyo on Shutterstock)

Coconut oil has taken the health and wellness world by storm, praised for its versatility and potential benefits. But with countless brands and varieties on the shelves, choosing the right one can be a coco-nut to crack! This guide dives deep into the world of coconut oil, exploring the different types (virgin, refined, etc.), processing methods, and what to look for on the label. Get ready to separate the fact from the fiction and discover the perfect coconut oil to meet your needs! We at EdNews have researched across eight expert sources to bring you today's ranking of the top seven best coconut oil brands that are most recommended today! Don't agree with our list or feel we missed out on a good suggestion? No worries! We would love to hear from you in the comments down below. Now, onto the list!

1. Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil is a versatile and popular product that has gained widespread attention for its numerous health benefits and culinary uses. “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 also appreciate that it is non-GMO and sustainably farmed,” says Buoy Health.

Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil (Nutiva.com)

Whether you're looking to enhance your cooking, nourish your skin, or support your overall well-being, this premium coconut oil is a must-have in your pantry. Good Housekeeping goes on to note that “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 400°F smoke point, making it great for stir-fries and sautés. It's also Non-GMO and USDA-certified.”

The Coconut Mama has nothing but rave reviews for this organic oil, saying, “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.”

Standout Features:

  • Cold-pressed
  • Never refined, deodorized, or bleached
  • Non-GMO and USDA-certified
  • Sustainably farmed
  • Certified B-Corp
  • Organic

2. La Tourangelle Organic Refined Coconut Oil

La Tourangelle Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a premium quality oil that is derived from fresh coconuts, carefully handpicked from organic farms. With its smooth texture and mild flavor, it's sure to be a must-have for anyone looking to add to their pantry. “Packed in a BPA-free glass jar, La Tourangelle organic oil is coconut-forward and very aromatic and is a great neutral oil alternative for baking,” writes Good Housekeeping.

La Tourangelle Organic Refined Coconut Oil (latourangelle.com)

The Spruce Eats explains that “La Tourangelle knows a thing or two about oils—the brand offers a range of varieties like sunflower oil, olive oil, peanut oil, and even pumpkin seed oil!” They also go on to mention that “It has a higher smoke point than unrefined coconut oil, so it's one to use to season your cast iron pan.”

The meaning of “refined” when it comes to coconut oil is further explained by The Nutrition Insider, stating that “refined coconut oil will undergo additional processing, which may include bleaching, deodorizing, or neutralizing to remove impurities. Coconut oil, in general, is good for baking—as it's solid at room temperature, it makes an excellent vegan or non-dairy alternative to butter or shortening.”

Standout Features:

  • Made with handpicked coconuts from organic farms
  • Packed in a BPA-free glass jar
  • Neutral flavor

3. Dr. Bronner's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Dr. Bronner's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a versatile and highly sought-after product that has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits and uses. “Starting as a soap maker, Dr. Bronner has expanded to include lotions, balms, hair care products, pure-castile soap, and toothpaste. Dr. Bronner also sells coconut oil that is Regenerative Organic Certified. Their coconut oil is expeller pressed from carefully dried coconuts and made using regenerative organic practices like mulching, composting, and intercropping,” writes The Honest Consumer.

Dr. Bronner's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (drbronner.com)

The Spruce Eats goes on to explain Dr. Bronner's process further: “Coconut oil is organic, unrefined, and freshly expeller-pressed, but this coconut oil takes sustainability up a notch. Dr. Bronner's works with Sri Lankan farmers who utilize regenerative farming practices that help enrich the soil and reduce the carbon footprint, decreasing the impact of climate change. The Regenerative Organic Alliance certification also ensures that farmers, animals, and workers are all treated fairly during the entire process.”

Aside from the brand's long list of ethical considerations, the product is also amazing. The Nutrition Insider continues to sing this brand's praises, saying, “Dr. Bronner's Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is our choice for the best coconut oil for every use you can think of, from cooking and baking to skincare and hair conditioning.”

Standout Features:

  • Expeller pressed
  • Made using regenerative organic practices
  • Unrefined and organic

4. 365 By Whole Foods Market Organic Coconut Oil

365 By Whole Foods Market Organic Coconut Oil is a high-quality product that offers numerous health benefits and culinary uses. Whether you are following a plant-based diet, looking for an alternative to traditional cooking oils, or simply seeking to incorporate more natural products into your lifestyle, this organic coconut oil is a must-have pantry staple. “Certified USDA Organic 365's unrefined virgin coconut oil is made using an expeller press. This means it is processed mechanically and contains no solvents or chemicals, resulting in a higher-quality oil. 365's coconut oil is also vegan and great for stir-fries and smoothies,” states The Honest Consumer.

365 By Whole Foods Market Organic Coconut Oil (wholefoodsmarket.com)

They make a refined and unrefined version, so there is something for everyone. Women's Health had rave reviews for the 365 product, adding that “since it's refined, you can use this pick as a vegan subsititute for butter when baking and cooking.”

When it comes to not breaking the bank, of course, The Spruce Eats notes the brands' cost effectiveness, claiming, “We can't resist a good deal, and 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, though, and try to use it within a year.”

Standout Features:

  • Expeller pressed
  • Vegan
  • Affordable
  • Neutral flavor

5. Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a versatile and nutrient-rich product that offers a wide range of benefits for both the body and the mind. This oil is not only a great addition to your kitchen pantry, but it also has numerous uses in beauty and wellness routines. “Garden of Life uses cold pressing, an extraction technique that relies on pressure rather than heat, oxygen, or chemical additives to turn raw organic coconuts into coconut oil with all of the flavor locked in. With organic and non-GMO certifications, it's one of the highest-quality coconut oils you can buy,” notes The Spruce Eats.

Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (gardenoflife.com)

The Coconut Mama also mentions the brand's sustainability and flavor: “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.”

The Nutrition Insider further describes the process of making this oil, stating that it is “made from cold-pressed organic coconuts, maintaining both its raw status and nutritional value. It can also be used in both the bathroom and the kitchen, making it a versatile product. However, the large size means that you'll have to use it often—although most coconut oils boast a shelf life of about three years, coconut oil can go bad quickly if it's exposed to heat, light, and moisture.”

Standout Features:

  • Cold-pressed
  • Organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Comes in plastic and glass containers

6. Thrive Market Organic Coconut Oil

Thrive Market Organic Coconut Oil is a versatile and high-quality product that has gained immense popularity among experimental individuals. “Thrive Market's brand of coconut oil is organic, unrefined, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. It is made from ethically sourced coconuts from a small farm in the Philippines and Non-hydrogenated & free of hexane,” adds The Honest Consumer.

Thrive Market Organic Coconut Oil (thrivwemarket.com)

With its numerous health benefits and wide range of uses, this organic coconut oil has become a staple in many households. Leaf Score goes on to explain the process of farming the oil further, writing, “The coconut oil comes from ethically sourced, sustainably harvested coconuts from the Philippines and Sri Lanka. It's free from pesticides and preservatives, and the coconuts are also grown using (uncertified) regenerative farming practices that improve soil and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.”

The Spruce Eats goes on to give this brand high marks all around, saying, “It's hard to find coconut oil that can top Thrive Market's product. It's organic, cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin, and, like all Thrive Market goods, priced considerably fairer than many other coconut oils of the same quality. It checks all the boxes of what makes coconut oil great, and that's why it earned this spot.”

Standout Features:

  • Organic
  • Cold-pressed
  • Unrefined
  • Made from ethically sourced, sustainable harvests
  • Free of pesticides and preservatives
  • Coconuts grown using regenerative farming practices

7. Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a high-quality product that is derived from fresh coconuts. With its rich aroma and smooth texture, Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is not only a versatile ingredient in the kitchen but also a valuable addition to any beauty and skincare routine. “Cold-pressed, unrefined, and chemical-free, Kirkland's virgin coconut oil is USDA Organic certified. It can be used as an alternative to butter on toast and is great for sautéing vegetables. You can also pop it into your morning smoothie,” explains The Honest Consumer.

Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Costco.com)

The Coconut Mama adds the fact that this Kirkland brand oil is also a friend to your wallet, commenting that “this Costco brand coconut oil is a budget-friendly option.”

“If you use coconut oil for literally everything and want to stock up on a tub of high-quality stuff, Kirkland's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a must. The oversized container packs a whopping 84 fluid ounces of cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for all of your coconut-y needs,” adds Women's Health. 

Standout Features:

  • Cold-pressed
  • Unrefined
  • Chemical-free
  • USDA Organic certified

What are the benefits of coconut oil?

However, with so many oils on the market specifically, one may be asking themselves, what would make someone turn to coconut oil? We at EdNews, of course, wanted to leave no stone unturned, which is why we have made a list of the oils' specific benefits, which include:

  • Versatile culinary companion:
    • Adds a delicious tropical flavor to dishes.
    • Excellent for baking, frying, and sauteing due to its high smoke point.
    • Can be used as a healthy butter substitute.
  • Moisturizing magic:
    • Deeply hydrates skin and hair, leaving them feeling soft and smooth.
    • Can be used as a natural makeup remover or body oil.
    • Great for DIY beauty treatments like hair masks and lip balms.
    • Coconut oil is also perfect for tattoo healing because it lets your tattoo breath while moisturizing it. Apply it multiple times a day for best results.
  • Nutritional powerhouse:
    • Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can boost metabolism and energy levels.
    • Good source of healthy fats, including lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.
    • May help manage blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
  • Natural home remedies:
    • Can be used as a natural sunscreen due to its SPF properties.
    • May help soothe eczema and other skin conditions.
    • Used in traditional medicine for wound healing and oral health.
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable:
    • Derived from a renewable resource, the coconut palm.
    • Biodegradable and compostable, making it a good choice for the environment.
    • Supports sustainable farming practices when sourced ethically.

Sources used to create our list:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

About Jilly Hite

Janelle is a freelance writer from New York. Her writing focuses on parenting, tech, business, interior design, education, and telling people’s inspiring stories. Janelle has written for Mustela and Newton Baby and has bylines in Pregnant Chicken, Syracuse Woman Magazine, the Baldwinsville Messenger, and Family Times Magazine. She holds a master’s degree in literacy from the State University of New York at Oswego.

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1 Comment

  1. Shaun says:

    Should try Pacific PREMIUM brand WILD coconut oil
    Unfiltered