Decoding Coconut Oil Labels: Different Types Of Coconut Oil

Did you know there are different types of coconut oil? And I'm not even talking organic vs. non-organic. You’ve likely heard of refined vs. unrefined coconut oil. Various processing methods can be used to extract coconut oil. Each produces a unique flavor that can affect the characteristics and end cost of the product. Understanding how coconut oil is extracted, whether you use coconut oil in cooking, baking, skin and hair care, or crafts, is useful. This article will enable you to choose the most appropriate product to suit your needs.

Refined Coconut Oil (Expeller Pressed)

Refined, vs. unrefined, coconut oil generally refers to an oil that has gone through a process that removes coconut flavor, aroma, and impurities. Organic coconuts are opened and quickly dried. These dried coconuts are then mechanically pressed to remove the oil. No chemical solvents are used at any time during the process. Any free fatty acids in the oil are removed. Next, the oil is run through diatomaceous earth and finally, steam distilled. The resulting oil is pure and neutral in both taste and aroma vs. flavored cold pressed oil. It is commonly sold as expeller pressed coconut oil. It’s ideal for baking, sautéing, frying, and cooking, and is usually the most budget-friendly of all the types of coconut oil.

Wildly Organic goes the extra mile to give you ultra-clean oil. After steam distillation, it travels to the Netherlands where it is further filtered and cleaned. The result is a clean, delicious oil -- the crème de la crème of expeller pressed coconut oil. Have you ever had French fries made in refined coconut oil?! They taste excellent and still contain the medium-chain triglycerides that are coveted in coconut oil. The key differences between refined vs. unrefined coconut oil are:

• Refined coconut oil is exposed to heat during processing, so it is not raw.
• It has been "cleaned" so there is no taste or smell.
• It’s slightly less expensive to buy refined, vs. unrefined, coconut oil.

Wildly Organic Refined Coconut Oil is:

• Certified organic
• Non-GMO
• Non-hydrogenated

Virgin, Unrefined Coconut Oil

Virgin, unrefined coconut oil has a stronger coconut flavor and aroma vs. refined oil. Many use it for cooking, sautéing, baking, and body care. It’s ideal as a medium-heat cooking oil. First, coconut meat is grated and dehydrated. This drying process is important to the taste and quality of the oil. Then, the dried coconut is gently pressed at varying degrees of pressure and temperature. No heat or chemicals are used in this process. The amount of heat generated during the processing and the details of the process can vary significantly. They can have a toasted coconut taste (the result of the high heat used on the standard desiccated coconut with very little moisture) or a mild, raw coconut flavor (which results from careful, low-temperature processing) or burnt or rancid flavors (the result of inadequate drying).

Wildly Organic Cold Pressed Organic Coconut Oil has a pleasantly mild coconut flavor as a result of our careful, low-temperature processing. Our cold-pressed coconut oil has the strongest coconut flavor of all our oils. It also has a long shelf life because of its low moisture content. Our Cold-Pressed Organic Coconut Oil is:

• Certified organic
• Non-GMO
• Non-hydrogenated
• Virgin
• Cold-pressed
• Made from fresh coconuts

Centrifuge-Extracted Coconut Oil

This type of coconut oil is not as widely available because it involves a more extensive and more expensive processing method. Centrifuge-extracted coconut oil is made by first pressing the fresh, white coconut meat to obtain coconut cream. This cream is approximately 40% oil. The pressing should be done on a special machine where both the pressing plate and the sleeve are cooled by chilled water. Next, the cream is concentrated, using a centrifuge, to yield a higher percentage of oil while the proteins and water-soluble substances are separated out. All moisture, fiber, and proteins can be removed without the use of heat. This coconut oil is also an unrefined, virgin coconut oil — just with a different extraction process. It has a light coconut flavor that is very mild and smooth. It is typically revered as one of the highest quality coconut oils and should always be labeled as virgin coconut oil.

Wildly Organic Centrifuge-Extracted Coconut Oil ranks among the top types of coconut oils in the United States and is revered for the brand’s quality. Close monitoring ensures that temperatures never exceed 104°F throughout the entire production process. Our centrifuged, virgin coconut oil is creamy, smooth, and pure white when in a semi-solid state. It is as clear as spring water when in a liquid state. Centrifuge-extracted coconut oil certainly can be used for cooking. Yet, many people looking for the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil enjoy adding it to smoothies, coffee, hot cereal, and granola, or simply eating it straight off a spoon. It is a truly unique oil. Our Centrifuge-Extracted Coconut Oil is:

• Certified organic
• Non-GMO
• Non-hydrogenated
• Unrefined
• Virgin
• Made from fresh coconuts
• Made by separating coconut cream through a series of centrifuges at low temperatures to produce a pure, isolated oil
• Raw

MCT Oil

Wildly Organic MCT Oil (liquid coconut oil) is a refined oil made with 100% medium-chain triglycerides; specifically, caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are recognized for their ability to quickly enhance energy, they are easily digested, and they support metabolism. MCTs are often recommended for ketogenic, paleo, and vegan diets, and are frequently used by athletes. Wildly Organic MCT Oil is derived from 100% organic coconuts and does not contain palm oil. Our MCT Oil is excellent for use in smoothies, coffee, cooking (below 320° F), and homemade salad dressings!

Craft Oil

This type of coconut oil, more refined vs. unrefined coconut oil, contains protein sediments, so people usually don’t care to eat it. Therefore, it is sold at a low price. Craft Oil is coconut oil which can be used to make crafts such as candles, soaps, deodorants, and body butters. Wilderness Family Naturals' Craft Oil is certified organic.

Now you know how to decode coconut oil labels!

Did you know the different types of coconut oil and the varied results you might achieve when using refined vs. unrefined coconut oil? What's your favorite variety to use?