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Remember, there is a big difference in quality between brands as far as how they clean and process the coconut oil, and how many nutrients are left when they’re done. (Read here about the benefits of coconut oil.)
The listings below are for unrefined, organic, virgin coconut oil.
UPDATE: prices are always changing, so you may want to compare at these different sites to see where the best deal is at the time you order.
(Go to the following link for the Coconut Oil with No Taste or Smell – a refined version – still beneficial, but not AS good for us as the unrefined.)
WHERE TO BUY UNREFINED, ORGANIC, VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
(Note: I’ll get a small commission if you buy through these links, and thank you!)
—LARGE QUANTITIES (smaller quantities are further down):
Keep in mind that the coconut oil at the above link is not considered “raw” (That one is processed at 170*.)
—SMALLER QUANTITIES:
–NUTIVA Coconut Oil - scroll down at that link for a variety of sizes and prices.
–RAW COCONUT OIL is also available (scroll down at that link to find it).
–More raw Coconut oil from Mtn. Rose Herbs – this one is processed at no higher than 100* – under 113* is considered raw:
- Wonder what the big deal is with coconut oil and why many people buy a gallon at a time or more? Read all about the benefits of coconut oil, not only for cooking, but also topically on our skin. It’s often used with dieting to boost your metabolism, it kills lice, it can cure eczema, and much much more.
- Coconut oil is great for sauteing, and in certain recipes – here are a couple: my popcorn, and try organic coconut milk in these delicious, healthy smoothies!
- The many different ways to get more coconut into your diet
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{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Kelly– I’m not sure if this is a better deal, but Mountain Rose Herbs sells coconut oil for cheaper. You can buy 1 gallon of unrefined CO there for $30, and 5 gallons for (price subject to change) around $130. Plus a little bit of shipping ($10 for 1 gallon and $20 for 5 gallons). I don’t work there or anything, I just order my CO from them.
Hi Jess,
That’s funny you say that, because that is the place that started all this – I was trying to beat the deals there!
They’re out of stock at Mountain Herbs now so I can’t double check, but one gallon there with shipping came to a little bit more than the deal I was able to get from this place at the link above because of the free shipping.
Plus I think Nutiva is a little better brand, but I’m not sure about that.
Take care,
Kelly
HI Kel-
Ok I noticed that Meijers has Organic Coconut Oil. Are you familiar with?
Thanks
Jen
Hey Jen,
No, I haven’t seen that. What brand? (I’d be concerned about the quality.) Do you know the price?
Thanks,
Kelly
I just ordered from your source because, as you said, Mountain Rose is out of stock. I didn’t realize the 1 gallon bucket has free shipping (it looked like just the 8 gallons had free shipping), so that was a cool surprise. Thanks for letting me know about this!
Hey, I was wondering if you knew about the yahoo group Discussing NT (Nourishing Traditions? I haven’t seen you on that group, but I think you might be interested in our discussions.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/discussingnt/
Thanks Jess, I’ll check it out!
I can’t get the link for Matt’s source to open by clicking on the link. Can you give me the web address (or name of the source) so I can try it that way?
Sure, try this:
http://www.rawveganbooks.com/index.php?cPath=0_28_100228_100231&ref=213
You’ll have to cut and paste that into your browser.
Kelly
Thanks for this deal. It still works with the free shipping! Any chance to save money on healthy food is greatly appreciated!
I’m glad it worked for you, Vicki! Thanks for letting us know.
I have been buying organic extra virgin CO in a 7 pound container from Columbus Foods (Soaper's Choice)for about $27 plus $5 S&H. Even Country Life co-op carries this brand when available in sufficient quantities. I liquify it in a sink of hot water and transfer into pint jars for easier use. I'm quite happy with the product and the price. Please advise if my 'bliss' is misguided here!
Lucy
Hi Lucy,
I’ve actually heard mixed reports on that brand as far as quality, so I don’t recommend it here…
Kelly
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for your great website. I just came across it today while trying to sort through Cod liver Oil recommendations and best buys. Dr Mercola has thrown a loop into the proceedings with his dis-endorsement of CLO, and I’m now trying to figure out what best to do.
Anyway, I was wondering if you might have resourcs to direct me toward to investigate this brand of Coconut Oil: http://www.treeoflife.com/ProductDetail.aspx?Id=430&Category=Natural/Health&Brand=Tree%20of%20Life&SubCategory=Oils The company is Tree of Life and the products is described as strictly organic and processed without hexane. I can find them at my local food coop for ~$4 for a 14oz Jar, which translate to about $35.6/gallon. Certainly the best deal I’ve ever encountered (especially if I buy a case and save an additional 5%). But maybe there’s something questionable about this producer or their processing. Maybe you can help me figure out if I’m lucky enough to be sitting on a goldmine or this is a sub-par product not worth the money saved.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Rob
Hi Rob,
I’m frustrated with the new reports from Mercola, too, but I’m totally not swayed about how beneficial CLO is for us (the RIGHT CLO that is). See my recent comments at this post: http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/10/fermented-cod-liver-oil-series-part-1.html
Regarding the coconut oil you asked about: that coconut oil is not listed as “virgin”, but instead as “expeller pressed” – this term usually (from what I’ve seen anyway) is used to describe a refined coconut oil. (It says on their site that it’s “minimally refined”, so that jives with what I’m thinking.) I use some refined and some unrefined/virgin coconut oils. The refined is good for recipes you don’t want a coconut flavor in, but need a good oil that is fairly heat stable. There are some health benefits, but nothing compared to the virgin coconut oil. Also, the refined is usually less expensive than the virgin.
Hope that helps!
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for the fast response! I guess my question then is, what is really the difference between unrefined and ‘minimally refined’ coconut oil. One thing I’ve found is unrefined tends to have more lauric acid and maybe more Vitamin E. Also, it tends to have more of a coconutty flavor from what I hear. But do you know if there’s a good run down of the differences and why I would want to spend the additional money on the unrefined organic stuff? I mean, I’d like to believe its better, but the penny-pincher in me is slow to let go.
And I look forward to reading your upcoming post about CLO! After reading your writing, I’m imagining purchasing some of the fermented stuff once my current stock is spent, but don’t know what to do about the Omega-3s to replace if I used the small serving recommended by Blue Ice. I have a dry skin issue that’s been well cared for by the Garden of Life CLO I’ve been taking, and I think it’s largely the fatty acids. I already avoid processed vegetable oils and foods high in Omega-6s, yet when I stop taking the CLO for even a couple days, the dry patch comes back with a vengeance. So I’m not sure what to do- maybe supplement with another Omega 3 source? Any advice you can offer?
Thanks again- best to you, Kelly!
Hi again Rob,
Good questions!
Coconut oil: as with anything, when you go with whatever is *less* refined/processed, you’ll have MANY more nutrients, since it’s closer to its natural form. As far as the differences between minimally refined, refined, etc., I don’t know. I started doing a post on this once, to compare all the different words used to describe coconut oil, and hopefully take the confusion out, but different companies tend to use different words and trying to figure it all out WORE me out, so I plan to go back to that later. All I know is that when you can’t smell the coconut anymore, you know it’s been processed a lot, and a quality brand with a nice strong coconut smell has got to be MUCH better for us, although how much better exactly I can’t say.
For the CLO, you can safely take much more of the FCLO than the daily serving size without problems (just read through all my posts on it to be sure you don’t have some rare reason why you couldn’t), especially if you need it for your skin, or for those who need it for other health reasons. Many people take much more than the serving size amount, myself included. But try the regular amount of the FCLO first – because it is a LIVE food, totally unprocessed and natural, you may have the same results with smaller amounts.
Kelly
Thanks for the advice, Kelly. I think I will try this fermented CLO and use the recommended dosage initially, to see how that goes. As you point out in your article about it, it’s good to take it at the smaller dose both because its very concentrated nutritionally and because of expense. The brand I’m using is about $12/ bottle, versus about three times that much for the same about of FCLO. So if I can reduce my quantity to a third of what I use now, it’ll be a wash and I think I’ll feel good about it.
And yeah- thanks for the words about coconut oil. It is sure tricky to make sense of the different terms and processes, and I’m grateful that you’re investigating and sharing what you find. I’ll keep an eye out for more on that front one of these days.
Cheers!
Rob, I wanted to let you know that the CLO post is up: http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/01/dr-mercola-and-dr-cannells-cod-liver-oil-bashing-the-source-matters.html
Just thought I just rec’d a call from Mountain Rose Herbs that they are no longer offering the bulk discount for 12 or more gallons of coconut oil. I nearly cried! I have been ordering for a group of 20+ families for over 2 yrs. Sadly, MRH says they have been losing money on this option for some time now; not a good situaton. So…back to the drawing board for us.
It was hard enough to see their oil go up from $28 in the summer of 2007 to $41 this time last year! I have been trying to avoid dividing up a 5 gallon pail, but that may be the way we have to go to keep it below $50/gallon. Wonder how far we can stretch these food dollars? I guess we’ll find out!
Nancy, what a bummer! Have you tried the other links on this post, they aren’t as good a deal as you were getting for that huge quantity, but they might be next best. I’ll check, too…
Nancy, me again, so what did they say is the best they will do now? Is their 5 gallon price their best deal now? I will call if I don’t hear back from you, but right now I have to start dinner! Thanks for your info.
Yes, the best deal now is the 5 gallon quantity. I’m sure not excited about dividing that up, though. It appears we may be ordering individually.
I’ll keep looking, though…maybe there’s another site.
Nancy, if you find something else, let me know.
Thanks!
Just an update on what I found. The cheapest place I found for coconut oil at this point is greenpasture.org. When ordering 12+ the price is $36/gallon. With shipping, that comes out to a few $$ more than Mountain Rose with their 20% discount, but I found their shipping to be a little less for where I live in relation to their location, so it comes out very close. I did try all the other links, and several others I researched on my own. I have gone with GP as I needed it “yesterday.” I have a group of 20+ ladies that I order for, and the next shipment is already nearly sold out! Some young mamas and single gals who buy by the quart or half gallon (I will split for them) but most take a gallon. Some buy it for friends and relatives in other states. Sure wish someone would do even deeper discounts for quantities of 24! I’ll keep looking….
Thanks, Nancy, for checking all that out. I guess I’ll leave my links how they are since it’s so close or cheaper at Mtn. Rose depending on shipping. If you find out anymore, let me know – and thank you again!
Since Mtn Rose doesn’t offer the discount the Green Pastures oil is about $6-8 cheaper per gallon, but ONLY if you order 12 or more. I may not have stated that clearly.
Sorry for being dense (I’m good at it!), but I thought you then said that even ordering more than 12, after shipping (depending on your location) it was very close in price…
Do I still have that wrong?
Thanks, Kelly
Hi Kelly – I feel like I just stumbled on a kindred sister! I will sure enjoy your site and all the contributions by others here.
I just received a shipment of organic extra virgin unrefined organic oil today, packed in food grade plastic, for $3.90 per pound, plus about $6 per gallon shipping (we are a distance). The trick here is that this is packaged for soap makers, by a food company (columbus foods).
A friend told me that she investigated, contacted the owners, and was assured that the standards for soap making oils are actually higher than for edible oils. This is indeed Kosher, organic, ex. virgin unrefined. I verified it personally. I have ordered there since. The product is identical in taste, color, texture, smell and appearrance to the CO we have used for years from Nutiva and Mountain Rose.
One small caveat is that it is shipped in a ‘liquid’ food oil container (#2 food grade plastic, sealed). So, here in MI, our CO is almost always solid on the shelf, and I must soak the container in a sink of warm water when it arrives, no problem, and pour it into my Nutiva quart jar (to refill).
So far, it is the best price I’ve found – but I will definitely be reading the above in case I missed a better one. : )’
Contact info is: http://www.soaperschoice.com (search the exact organic unrefined oil you need.)
Hi Christine,
I’m glad you’ve found your way here!
I’ve been beating my brain the last couple days trying to find where it was that I wrote about why I don’t recommend the Soapers Choice brand CO (after I had done some research), and why I need to stick with recommending the Nutiva brand. I can’t find it, so here’s what I remember: first I LOVE Nutiva’s taste, smell, everything, and would be afraid to switch, even with your great recommendation – my Nutiva is just SO good.
Seems like the Soapers Choice put up some red flags for me, whether it was that they’re actually packaging it up for soapmakers (makes me leery) or the fact that some others who also researched it weren’t OK with what they found.
I’m sorry I can’t remember more details and I can’t re-research it right now. If it hits me where it is, I’ll re-post.
Kelly
Thank you Kelly -
I would be interested in reading your information, if you do come across it. : )
I agree that the name, ‘Soaper’s Choice’, is a bit of a hurdle to jump when purchasing oil to consume!
Perhaps I could clarify why an organic, extra virgin, Kosher grade coconut oil – is marketed through Soaper’s Choice?
Soaper’s Choice carries a multitude of products, but happens to be directed at the soap making market. Now, understand that many people produce their own soap and body products specifically to avoid parabens and other toxins that the body will absorb internally. So, it does make sense that these oils are edible, as well. My understanding is that skin and body care ingredients are actually more highly regulated than foods (talk about political correctness!)
Columbus Foods is the parent/sister company of Soapers choice – in fact you will notice the sites are linked. Columbus foods is Wholesale, and sells by the drum. Soapers Choice is their retail market, and they sell (food grade) oils marketed to soap makers. Their oils are packaged in food grade plastic, and with the Columbus Foods’ label.
This is the identical product that Columbus Foods sells for consumption, by the drum, but packaged in food grade (#2 plastic) containers. Columbus Foods is not a retail company, and doesn’t package or sell CO to the public – but they do offer (the identical oil) through Soaper’s Choice.
Anyone interested in purchasing CO from them may call (800) 322-6457 before ordering, to verify this information if they like (as I did.) I got the feeling, that they get this question a lot.
This product is identical in every aspect to what I have always purchased: food grade, Kosher, organic, cold pressed extra virgin CO.
: ) I pour it right into my Nutiva quart jar, and store the rest in the original jug.
I never would have ventured to Soaper’s Choice in the first place, had a friend not told me this, either. But I am glad to find this excellent oil at such a great price: I use a lot of it for our family of 7.
btw – I have no vested interest in the company, lol. I am simply a thrifty N.T. type wife/mom, who does her research! I’ve been extremely happy with this product for about a year now.
I wouldn’t buy an oil for my precious family to consume, that wasn’t produced FOR consumption – and I am assured that it is. “Let every man be convinced in his own heart,” (Romans) might be a good reminder in this conversation! Lol.
HTH
Christine
I have been thinking about this topic for a few days, and yesterday it occurred to me that really, what Mountain Rose sells is intended for soapers as well. I had to call them when I first started using their product 2 years ago to verify the quality. Soap and cosmetic ingredients is a large portion of their their business, and as far as I know, other than herbs, and extracts (and some oils), they don’t market edible products. They just state which of their oils are edible. When I wrapped my mind around that, the leap to a brand called Soaper’s Choice is not a hard one to make at all. What I have rec’d from MRH is identical to the product I receive from Green Pastures (recommended by WAPF) in scent, taste, texture, etc… I have purchased inferior coconut oil, and I know what I DON’t want! It sounds like one to try out! I’ll be checking into it. Thanks, Christine!
I found it! I found the reasons why I decided to stick with Nutiva, even though the Soapers Choice was sooooo much less expensive… (You would think I could just retain this stuff in my brain, but nooooo, I have a crappy memory. Once I make a decision and my brain thinks I don’t need certain info anymore, it’s gone!)
First of all, Christine, I totally agree with you, everyone has to make their own choices and figure out what they can afford. (And obviously I know Soaper’s Choice isn’t harmful or you wouldn’t buy it for your family – I trust your judgment and can tell that you’re all on top of things!) It was just bugging me that I couldn’t remember what I had found out before when I looked into this very topic.
It was through this forum that I first heard about Soapers Choice (http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,3606.msg204587.html#msg204587), I did some research, and you’ll see what I found when you go there (you may need to sign in), but basically I found out that it was much more refined (processed at a higher heat) than Nutiva, so there wouldn’t be as many health benefits with it.
As you read through there, though, you may be more confused than ever (my mind was swirling, but I really shouldn’t try to figure this stuff out so late at night!), but after I took it all in, I will still buy Nutiva. Not only is it processed at a lower heat (although other coconut oils are even lower – “virgin” and “unrefined” can mean different things, all of which I haven’t figured out yet – it’s on my list to do), it is affordable, and it tastes great. (I cannot stand the taste of Tropical Tradition’s virgin unrefined oil – it almost tastes and smells like chemicals. Maybe I got a bad batch once… I do use their brand for the expeller pressed kind, though.)
OK, that’s all my rambling about coconut oil for tonight.
I appreciate your help in figuring all this out, Christine!
Sounds like I’m sticking with Green Pastures! Thanks for all the research, Kelly. I won’t go back to Mtn. Rose after knowing that they do ANY refining to their CO. When I talked to them, the person I spoke with assured me it was cold processed. I think they are a fine company, but it seems to depend on who you get on the phone as to the info given. I’m not sure all their operators know all the answers. Anyway, I know about Green Pastures’ quality…for CO and CLO. I’ll stick with what I know! Blessings!
Lol, Kelly. I know what you mean about those endless, mind boggling threads! : D
Tell you what…I will contact both companies about the temperature their oils are processed at, and get back to you. : )
My understanding was that Columbus Foods (ie: SC) oil was expeller pressed (is that the correct term), and not heated. But I will check.
Upon checking your link @ welltellme, Kelly, I found this, which confirms the info I had gotten, as well as my friend before me:
“I just ordered my CO from Soaper’s Choice after calling and emailing to get some info. I asked specifically if it was expeller pressed and over the phone they told me ‘yes’. In my email I asked the same question and the fellow who replied said ‘it sure is
’ and attached an Adobe file of their organic certification on all their oils.”
Expeller pressed, unrefined, organic and virgin. I will still ask specifically if it has been heated and at what temp. I think heating it beyond a certain temp (75 or so?) would constitute ‘refined,’ wouldn’t it? I don’t think an oil can be heated up to 200 and be considered unrefined. But perhaps I’m mistaken.
I have tasted refined oil, and I know this is UNrefined, as labeled.
I have a difficult time believing this product is any different than the Nutiva I had been using at more than double the price. I only use CO for the excellent health benefits, and both companies seem to be advertising the identical product (when I’ve asked CF directly), and it is Kosher as well.
Thanks. : )
Christine, that would be great if you could double check on those temps with both companies for me!
And then I just found an old post in my drafts folder that explains more about the different terms you hear with CO, I’d forgotten that I looked into that already (or tried to, it got very confusing): “raw”, “refined”, “unrefined”, “virgin”, etc., and which temperatures and processing methods go with which words. It’s tricky as there are no clear set of standards to go with the terms. I’ll try to polish that up and get it posted soon.
Kelly
Thanks Kelly. Since you have Nutiva info, I went ahead and wrote another email to CF. I asked them about temperature their oil is processed at (since it must be liquid to package) and a few other questions I hadn’t thought of before reading your info.
I’ll copy their reply as soon as I get it. : )
I may go ahead and post the info I have (I want to test my feed for tomorrow since I made the required switch over to Google feeds), and then you can comment with any new info that you receive from them.
Thanks, Christine!!
Kelly
Update:
As I got into this post, I realized (again) that I need more info and will have to call the companies on Monday. It will be interesting to see if I get the same answers as last time I called, but I have new questions now, too. The point is, I’m not posting this for tomorrow after all. Next week sometime I’d guess. (This post is eating up my weekend, so I have to stop for a while!)
Thanks, Kelly
Columbus Foods responded Monday. The information they gave is consistent with an email conversation I had about a year ago with the owner, and that of the friend who referred me to CF.
Here is their answer to my question about how their OXV CO is processed, how long coconuts sit after harvest, and whether the oil is heated and to what temperature:
“Christine,
The Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is processed immediately after
harvesting. The Oil is cold pressed.
Eileen Knuerr
Specialty Oils Department
Columbus Vegetable Oils, http://www.soaperschoice.com
800-322-6457 x8946
(fax) 847-257-8853″
Hope that helps. : )
Christine, so they didn’t give you a temperature, though? “Cold pressed” is still heated some, or else it would have an off taste. (Even “raw” coconut oil is heated up to around 100*.) I’m still working on this, too. Will post as soon as I can get them to call me back. If you can get a temperature from them, let me know.
Thanks, Kelly
Kelly – I will ask again, but I’m assuming cold means, whatever temp. it is at. I know here in MI, my CO is always liquid in the summer – I assume it is above 70 anywhere coconuts are harvested, so that it would be liquid any way. I know it must be handled above 70 since it is packaged in a liquid oil container (such as corn oil used to come in). But I will ask one more time. : )
Btw my Nutiva jar states that ‘CO is ideal as a high-heat cooking oil up to 350.’ So even if cold pressed expeller heats it to 100…I’m not sure that would present a change in the benefits?
I did find that in the US, the term ‘cold pressed’ is standardized now in labeling oils, so CF would not be able to use this term if the temp in processing exceeded 120:
“Oils that are cold pressed are expeller pressed in a heat-controlled environment to keep temperatures below 120 degrees F.
…..the phrase ‘cold pressed’ has been used erroneously in the U.S. for a number of years, often employed as a marketing technique for oils which have been expeller pressed or even refined (which exposes the oil to temperatures of up to 470 degrees F).
Spectrum’s founder, Jethren Phillips, led the drive to standardize the term ‘cold pressed’ in the US, to promote truth in labeling for consumers.”
http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=32
Wow, Christine, between the two of us, we’ll get to the bottom of all this!
Good info on cold pressed and what it means for the U.S., but I know the Soapers Choice/CF CO oil comes from the Philippines. Not sure if that makes a difference. I did finally talk to everyone I need to, and now I’m going to go work on the post and hopefully get the whole big picture explained there. I’ll try to get it up tomorrow, but this is all so time-consuming!
I’m on the edge of my seat…! And also thankful for you two and your hound-dog research!! ;D
Geesh, I’m ready to be done with this topic for a while! OK, I got the new coconut oil post up (with info on Soapers Choice and the two different temps I was told), and all the various terms explained, however, everyone, PLEASE correct me if I have anything wrong, a very good possibility!
Thanks again Christine, and Nancy, too, for helping straighten all this out!
Thank you so much for all your research. I am new to NT cooking and really appreciate the up-to-date information!
Wow, what a great post. Kelly, you are one bulldog when it comes to research! My question is – how long does it last? Does it oxidize or just go rancid? It’s spendy to buy at the health food store in the bottle size they carry but if it goes bad quickly that’s no use to me buying larger quantities for the same price either.
Thanks!
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Nutiva’s site said the shelf life is at least 2 years.
Mountain Rose told me that there is ‘no limited shelf life’ for coconut oil but that it should be consumed within a year or so. They did not have a date on their bucket when I ordered it (I used 2 of their gallons in the past.)
“Due to its exceptional stability, this coconut oil has a long shelf life of two or more years (the longest of any oil), and does not have to be refrigerated. Coconut oil should be stored out of direct sunlight, however.” (products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/)
When Dr. Mercola says, “this coconut oil’, he’s referring to the brand of virgin coconut oil he carries. Yes, he’s trying to sell the brand he carries, but the science is helpful and reliable, and very understandable. Any virgin coconut oil product we have been discussing here will have similar properties in shelf life and benefits.
You guys are great! I had some spectrum virgin oil & nutiva virgin oil and did a little taste test last night. The nutiva has a slightly “nuttier” flavor which really rounded it out more to my taste buds. Not sure why. The spectrum had more of a pure coconut flavor so maybe if you aren’t so keen on coconut nutiva would be better for you.
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Question for you hound dogs who are so good at researching! (Caveat: It’s late and I’m really tired!) It looks like Nutiva brand is a good choice to buy a gallon of coconut oil from. I derived from the above conversation that I can get that from Green Pastures. When I went to http://www.greenpasture.com though, they only have “Blue Breeze” coconut oil and the fermented CLO we need to try. Is that the right CO or am I needing to go somewhere else? Thanks! –Rebecca
Correction: the web page I went to was http://www.greenpasture.org
Hi Rebecca,
Go up to the top of this post and above the picture of the Nutiva coconut oil there’s a link that says, “$49.99 with free shipping for 1 gallon” – that will take you to the site with the best deal on 1 gallon.
Have a good rest of your weekend!
Kelly
I just ordered some coconut oil from Mt. Rose and paid only 49.42 shipped, perhaps they lowered their prices, not sure, but thought I would pass on the new info. I was certainly excited to see the lower price
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Thanks, Charlsie, I’ll check it out as soon as I can!
Hi Kelly,
I wanted to let you know about a local buying club near you for buying coconut oil. You may already be involved in it, I’m not sure. Sorry it doesn’t help your readers that aren’t local but here are some of the prices and just email me for more info.
1 gallon of Olive – Extra Virgin Organic $23.10/gallon
and 1/2 gallon Coconut – Extra Virgin Organic $16.80/half gallon
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Kelly E., what’s the local buying club called and what are the brands for the Olive oil and Coc. Oil?
Thanks, Kelly
I’ve tried several brands of coconut oil and am always on the lookout for better brands at better prices. This gives me some good ideas, thanks. I like Nutiva brand a lot as well as others.
The terms “virgin” and “extra-virgin” are unregulated and essentially meaningless when it comes to coconut oil. You have to go by each company’s explanation of what they mean by those terms, how they process, at what temperatures, etc. Clearly there are several ways to do it.
“Cold-pressed” is almost nonsensical in reference to coconut oil. These aren’t little olives or seeds. I’m no expert on coconut oil processing (though I have read quite a bit about it over the years) but it seems obvious this term is being applied, as are “virgin” and “extra-virgin,” to give certain impressions to the customer based on what those terms mean in the world of olive oil and other nut and seed oils. As wonderful as coconut oil is, one still has to beware the hype from even reputable companies. Unfortunately, most of our information comes from people marketing one brand or another, when it comes to these processing issues and terminology.
Keep up the good work, Kelly!
HI Kelly,
I found raw certified organic coconut oil on:
http://www.nutsonline.com/nuts/coconut/oil.html.
Take a look at the description and tell me what you think!
I bought it yesterday at 4:25pm and it arrived at my door step by 7:20am this morning! The shipping prices varies on how fast you want to it, I picked the slowest supposedly. I tried the coconut oil and it completely blew other E.V. coconut oil manufacturers I’ve tried out of the park -regarding the taste, feel, and aroma. It was $13.99 for 16oz, and $7.+ odd cents for the shipping, not making it a great deal compared to other site deals you have posted but it was definitely worth it for me. I might get Nutiva next time, that seemed to be the best bargain -$39.99 for 1 Gal. and free shipping.
Do you know of any other raw CO available for a good price, I saw in your post that Nutiva would be offering one soon, but I don’t see it yet.
Thanks for the tips!
Yours,
Katie
Katie, did you see the link above for the *raw* coconut oil?
Kelly
hi – i’m really curious as to whether anyone here still orders Mountain Rose’s virgin coconut oil. I have tried Nutiva and MR and thought that I prefered the Mountain Rose – but I’m not sure.
I do like the fact that Nutiva gives 1% to sustainable farming – but I suspect that MR may buy their coconut oil from a small farm somewhere… LOL
help? i am ready to order another gallon and want to get the best I can for the best price… thanks djh
Hi Kelly,
I just bought the 54 oz. of Nutiva from Raw World and it looks as though the price has gone up a few dollars. Thought I’d let you know so you can update.
Thanks Susan, I’ll update the post to let readers know prices could change without me knowing it.
Kelly
Hey Kelly!
I love coconut oil, and use it in cooking as well as for skin and hair treatments. I actually work for a company that sells excellent coconut oil in bulk. It’s AfricaImports Check it out!
Alicia K, I couldn’t get the Africaimports link to work. I’ll try searching to find it, but just in case could you re-post it? Thanks.
I was wondering if anyone has bought coconut oil or any oil from http://www.bulknaturaloilsstore.com ? They have awesome products, but it seems to good to be true. Their organic virgin coconut oil is only $26 a gallon. If anyone has boughten from them please let me know what you think. Thanks!
Any more word on Soaper’s Choice?
After my personal conversations with Columbus Foods (ie: Soapers’ Choice), as well as comparing notes with friends who have continued to purchase their XVCO from them, I have continued to purchase their extra virgin, unrefined, organic, cold pressed coconut oil (packed in food grade plastic half gallons.)
If *I* were not convinced that I am buying THE very best organic unrefined c.o., at the best price, I would find a new source.
I know several other families who switched to CF, who are also still satisfied. They have each done their own research, and have contacted CF with their own questions, before trying CF.
Years back, I used to buy Nutiva & Traditions brands, and it is identical in taste, smell, texture as well as the processing description. I’ve used CF oil for my family for a couple years now and continue to find it excellent.
btw – It has come to my attention that it is against federal law for a company NOT to disclose accurate information to anyone who asks for it. I encourage anyone who has questions to simply call Columbus Foods directly and get first hand information. ; )
Hope that helps, Sarah. : D
Hi Kelly! What do you think about the Wilderness Family Naturals brand of coconut oil?
Here’s the link: http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com/category/coconut-products-coconut-oil.php
Megan, I’ve never tried it personally, but from what I hear it’s a good brand.
The last coconut oil I bought was 1 gallon of WFN. It came in a tub with a lid you had to pry off and split your fingers doingit and when I compared it to the Green Pastures it has an off taste. I use it for frying and lotion making and bought a new gallon from Green Pastures. I love their CO. Through our large buying club it was about $35 because we placed such a monga order. They were also running a special for free shipping at the time. Try to get your friends together when you buy these things – it makes a HUGE difference!
Hello Kelly. I know this may be off topic. But I was wondering if you ever would make a post about the health benefits of red palm oil? I use both coconut and palm oil on a daily basis. And my health has been amazing from using them both. Please let me know what you think about red palm oil.
LeVar, is there a particular brand of red palm oil you use? I have heard some about it but never tried it. How do you use it?
As you know, I LOVE coconut oil, but I tried red palm oil once and I thought it was SO bad. It had a terrible taste and smell. The brand must make a huge difference.
Kelly
I buy the Mountain Rose Herbs brand. I know its not the best tasting oil in the world. I take as a supplement more than I cook with it. It can be pretty tasty on serveral dishes.
I’ll bet theirs is great, since everything I’ve ever had from there is. I have no idea what brand I had that time!
It has a strong flavor. Not as mild as coconut oil. I mainly use it for its nutritional value. Also because of its deep orange color, it add a nice twist to a few dishes that I make. You should give it a go once more.
I use the wilderness family naturals palm oil when I make my crackers. It gives them a nice texture and pleasing golden color like Ritz crackers. Just use the Mary Enig soaked cracker recipe.
http://www.sustainableeats.com/2009/05/21/sustainable-crackers/
Thanks for doing all the legwork to find the best deals, Kelly! My husband is in the military and I have been buying 14 oz jars of Spectrum virgin coconut oil on the base but want to start using more and have just ordered the Nutiva. Is Spectrum a good brand? I am also going to order the FCLO as soon as I get a friend to order a bottle so I can avoid the shipping costs. I feel the good health coming my way…
I have been reading about the deforestation of rain forests to plant tropical trees; i.e. palm and coconut palms for oil production. Do you have any info on this and where i can find coconut oil that is derived from fairly managed plantations? Thanks!
Sorry, Sue, but I haven’t looked into this. One place to start might be in just asking a few coconut oil companies if they have any info on that.
Kelly
Forgive me, but isn’t planting coconut trees – reforesting? : )
Me again. I was wondering if anyone has bought coconut oil or any oil from http://www.bulknaturaloilsstore.com ? They have awesome products, but it seems to good to be true. Their organic virgin coconut oil is only $26 a gallon, with only about $10 to ship. It has a great coconutty taste, and is as good as anything I have ever bought before. That is the best buy I have ever had for coconut oil, and if you buy it in the 5 gallon size it’s 22.50 a gallon plus only $30 to ship. So that’s only like 28.80 a gallon shipped. A friend and I have tried it out and we both really like it. Hope this will help somebody!
Hello everyone,
I have two questions =)
Kelly, where is the post you refer to in these comments clarifying the different words such as virgin, refined, etc.
Also, did anyone answer the question about the bulknaturaloilsstore? I don’t see a reply, and that does look like a great deal! Even better than Columbus Foods… but has anyone found out how it’s processed?
Thanks so much. This is a GREAT site!
Kare
I emailed bulknaturaloilstore.com and asked how it was processed and this is what they said “The process is cold pressed extraction and it is heated under 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is standard for any cold pressed oil.” So does this sound good to anyone? I am not really sure what it can be heated to. Hope this helps someone.
Haleigh
I recently bought my first batch of CO (Nutiva organic extra virgin) and I LOVE IT! However, I noticed that it is packaged in #1 plastic. Now I’m a real foods newbie, but from my understanding should we not be concerned about that particular grade of plastic? I haven’t noticed the issue raised in any of the comments.
Good morning Kelly, have you checked out http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/. The founder is a christian. I haven’t ordered from them in a while. I also love their coconut cream as well as their coconut flakes. They do have sales on regularly. You can also view their FAQs to learn more about the different coconut oils available. http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm#What_are_the_differences_between_all_your_coconut_oils
hopes this helps
carmen
Hi Kelly,
I just ordered some Virgin Organic Coconut Oil from Columbus Foods (Soapers Choice) and it smells exactly the same as the Unrefined Coconut Oil I purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs (1 gallon for $37). At $27.30 for 7 pounds, it’s a great price too! While I was there, I ordered some Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which was 7 pounds for $23. They also have it available in larger amounts and the prices go down on those!
Most sincerely,
Kare
Hello. I am trying to find a good brand of Coconut for my wife to bake with. I saw a brand in the store by SPectrum. Is this a good brand to bake with? If not, can you recommend a brand? Thanks!
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