High-quality coconut oil is easier to find than ever before. Health food stores, high-end supermarket chains, discount clubs, mail-order companies and the Internet carry a huge variety of coconut oil products. But there is so much choice, finding a good product at a good price is a challenge! Here’s a quick guide on where to buy pure coconut oil, what to look for and some recommended brands.

What Is Pure Coconut Oil?

Pure coconut oil is as close to nature’s original form as possible. First, the label should say “extra virgin” or “unrefined.” Like with olive oil, extra virgin or unrefined coconut oil is the oil from the first pressing of the coconut fibers. Cold-pressed is best For extra benefit, you should also look for a brand that is organic.

Avoid any brand that is bleached, deodorized, hydrogenated or refined in any way. So, yes, the product should smell and taste of fresh coconuts! Keep that in mind when using it topically or for cooking.

Which Brands Fits the Bill?

To make things simpler, here are some top brands that consistently receive great buyer ratings and reviews. All of these oils meet the “pure coconut oil” criteria.

• Nutiva Certified Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: This brand is chopped and pressed quickly to help preserve its true coconut taste. For a 15-oz. jar, you’ll pay about $10.

• Nature’s Way EfaGold Organic Coconut Oil: This product meets all the requirements of a pure coconut oil product and also is certified non-GMO. For a 16-oz. jar, the list price is about $14.

• Barlean’s Organic Oils Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Cold-pressed with true coconut flavor and aroma, this product uses coconuts harvested from the Philippines. Price for a 16-oz. jar: about $14.

• Artisana 100% Organic Raw Coconut Oil Extra Virgin: A certified kosher product, users like this oil for its pearly color and fresh aroma. Runs about $12 to $15 per 16 oz.

• Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: Retailing at about $7 to $14 for 16 oz., this oil is cold-pressed, strained, unpasturized and raw-filtered.

• Carrington Farms Coconut Oil: Using coconuts from the Philippines, this product is available through the manufacturer’s web site as well as other retail locations, but your best bet is Costco. For a 54-oz. jar, you’ll pay only $15 to $18.

• Tropical Traditions Gold Label: USDA-certified organic, this popular brand is available exclusively from its manufacturer web site, TropicalTraditions.com, in quantities up to five gallons! For a 32-oz. jar, you’ll pay $25.

Where to Buy Pure Coconut Oil

Most health food stores carry coconut oil, but the quality varies. Be sure to check the labels as well as the expiration date (if any). Some health food stores don’t have high inventory turnover.

High-end grocery stores, such as Whole Foods, usually have an excellent selection that is fresh and high quality. However, a high price tag often goes with it! For a price that is gentler on the pocketbook, discount club stores such as Costco (see Carrington Farms brand above) could save your wallet.
If your local selection is too pricey or less than stellar, good coconut oil may be only as far away as your computer keyboard. A great idea is to use Google Shopping — www.google.com/products — to compare prices of online and local retailers. Amazon has a huge selection, but other retailers such as Vitacost.com or Vitaminshoppe.com may have just what you need.