And The Winner Is… Your Guide to the Best Coconut Oil for Cooking [2020 Update]
On the surface, cooking with coconut oil can seem like such a simple decision. It is only once you go looking for the oil that things start to get complicated.
Understand, coconut oil is a booming market which means there are plenty of brands, terms, and types that you have to wade through.
Thus, figuring out the best coconut oil for cooking isn’t always the easiest task. Fortunately, this guide is here to take the hassle out of things.
If you want a straightforward answer to which the top brands and types are, start reading…
Best Organic Coconut Oil for Cooking
Best Coconut Oil for Keto
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Which Is the Best Coconut Oil to Use for Cooking?
One of the top questions you may be asking yourself is how do I identify good coconut oil?
Well, before you can answer this, there are several terms and processes that you need to understand first. So, let’s begin here.
The Two Types of Coconut Oil
The first thing you need to realize is that there are two types of coconut oil – refined and unrefined.
Refined coconut oil is referred to as RBD (Refined, Bleached, Deodorized) coconut oil while the unrefined oil is typically called virgin coconut oil.
The main difference between these two kinds of coconut oil is how they are processed. Refined oil will undergo a refining process before being exposed to high heat.
Virgin coconut oil, on the other hand, is extracted using high pressure. As a result, a greater number of nutrients remain.
In case you are wondering which coconut oil is best for cooking refined or unrefined? The answer is pretty clear.
Whenever possible, always choose virgin coconut oil. It is of higher quality and is much healthier for you.
The Truth About Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Most people are familiar with the terms “virgin oil” and “extra virgin oil” because of olive oil. Now, with this oil, there is an actual difference in free fatty acid content with these oils.
Thus, you may follow the same kind of logic with coconut oil and be on the lookout for the best extra virgin coconut oil for cooking.
However, the same can’t be said for coconut oil. This is because there is no discernible difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil.
When you see extra virgin coconut oil used on a label, it is more or less a marketing ploy. So, you might as well save yourself some money and stick with the virgin version.
Should You Buy Organic?
There has been some research done on the level of pesticides in coconut oil. For the most part, these levels are negligible and don’t hurt your health.
So, it may not be necessary for you to buy organic, especially if you are opting for virgin coconut oil.
On the other hand, if you are buying refined coconut oil, it may be prudent to buy organic.
Since the testing process for organic brands is more stringent, you can be certain that there aren’t harmful components in your coconut oil.
Choosing Coconut Oil for Keto Diet
If you are on a keto diet for weight loss, then you need to pay a little more attention to the MCT content of the coconut oil.
After all, it is the MCT content in the coconut oil that can help with weight loss. Always look for brands that have a higher content.
It should be noted that this information isn’t always readily available. Thus, you may need to do some additional research or contact the manufacturer directly to get this information.
The Best Coconut Oil Brand for Cooking
Now, let’s look at what you’re here for. These are the top brands for coconut oil for cooking.
Best Organic Coconut Oil for Cooking
This is one of the more versatile coconut oils. The taste and consistency allow you to use it in dishes, baked treats, or even drinks.
As such, it is a must-have in your kitchen.
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Best Coconut Oil for Keto
If you are looking for maximum fat and MCT content, then this is the brand for you. It is an excellent option for anyone following the keto diet.
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If you are someone who uses coconut oil regularly, then Nutiva is an option you should turn to.
With its price and its quality, it offers you the best of both worlds.
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If you want to make adding coconut oil to your food as easy as using any other vegetable oil, this is the brand for you.
Its no-fuss formula means that it is a breeze to add to any dish.
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Do you travel often and don’t always have access to coconut oil? If so, this brand can help you overcome the problem.
Your coconut oil is now available in easy-to-carry packets at all times.
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Do you enjoy using coconut oil in your food, but wish there was a healthier option? Well, this cooking spray is it.
Not to mention, it also comes in an easy-to-use form!
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These are the top coconut oils for cooking on the market. Now that you armed with this information, you can ensure that you only use the very best ingredients in your food.
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