Best Coconut Oil for Keto: Top 13 Brands (Virgin vs Refined vs Cold Press)

Finding the best ingredients for a low carb lifestyle can be challenging and time-consuming, so instead of spending hours scouring the internet for the best coconut oil for keto or for other low carb trending diets, we’ve compiled a list of the top 13 brands that offer top-tier products.¹

Additionally, don’t worry about deciphering between virgin vs refined vs cold press coconut oil, because we’ve laid out all the facts below to help anyone choose the best of the best coconut oil for a keto diet, and myriad of other uses.

What Makes the Best Coconut Oil for Keto Diets?

As mentioned earlier, not all coconut oil is created equal. Unbeknownst to many, there are several ways coconut oil can be different.

The following terminology may be seen on jars and packaging and can give consumers an idea of what is contained within:

• Processed or Unprocessed (Refined or Unrefined)
• Virgin or Extra Virgin
• Whole Kernel or White Kernel
• Expeller Pressed, Cold Pressed, or Centrifuge
• Non-Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated

These terms relate to extraction methods, melting and smoke points, flavor and scent, how long the oil can be stored for, and whether or not certain nutrients still remain. Ultimately, it helps guide shoppers to the type of oil that is best for their needs.

When it comes to Keto weight loss rules, sticking strictly to them involves opting for whole, unprocessed foods to maximize the benefits of micronutrients while maintaining a low carb lifestyle.²

One of the biggest perks of coconut oil for keto lies in the saturated fat and is called medium chain triglycerides or MCTs. These MCTs help promote ketosis as well as help the dieters tolerate their low carb diet.³

Consisting of a high percentage of lauric acid, these fats are less likely to be stored in fat cells and help induce ketone production and subsequently burns more fat.⁴

Coconut Oil Refined or Unrefined: Keto Best Pick on Refined vs Unrefined

Before getting into everything else, coconut oil is sold as either refined or unrefined which represents whether it is processed or unprocessed. Chemical processing can change certain properties, so knowing the details on treatment methods can help direct those on keto to the best option.

Source: Louis Hansel from Unsplash⁵

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Oil is pressed from fresh whole kernel (with interior skin) or white kernel (without interior skin) coconut meat and undergoes no additional chemical processing. Because there is no chemical treatment involved, the oil can have a strong coconut flavor and scent.

The smoking point of unprocessed coconut oil is 350 degrees fahrenheit.

Refined Coconut Oil: Instead of starting with fresh coconut flesh, refined coconut oil is made from copra, which is the sun-dried flesh of the coconut. Next, a combination of one or more of the below are performed to achieve a coconut oil that has no flavor or odor as well as a high smoking point of up to 450 degrees fahrenheit:

• Crude coconut oil is mixed with a chemical and then rinsed with water to remove any gums that are present that could affect texture or quality.
• Lye (sodium hydroxide) is then added to the oil which creates soap which is subsequently washed and removed which reduces the risk of the oil turning rancid during storage. This process also removes micronutrients, such as tocopherols and sterols.⁶
• The oil is then filtered through activated clay in a process called bleaching.
• To remove the taste and smell of coconut, the oil is deodorized through a heating process.⁷

Hydrogenated Coconut Oil: This particular type of coconut oil is less common and contains additional chemical processing that adds hydrogen to unsaturated fats which extends the melting point of this oil to over 90 degrees as well as extends shelf life. The process of hydrogenation creates trans fats, which can be detrimental to consumers and should be avoided.

While the differences in nutrition labels of both refined and unrefined coconut oil are negligible, what aren’t seen are the differences in micronutrients that are no longer present in the refined version.

When deciding which one to use in your exploration of how much weight can you lose on keto, remember that achieving macro and micronutrient goals is equally, if not more, crucial.

So, for followers of keto, when it comes to choosing the healthiest between unrefined and refined, unrefined is the winner.

Is Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Best for Keto?

When it comes to deciding which is best between Virgin or Extra Virgin coconut oil on the keto diet, it helps to know what the language is describing. Many people are familiar with Virgin and Extra Virgin olive oil, but they might not know what the lingo means either.

Virgin and Extra Virgin, in regards to olive oil, represent the acidity present in the oil. Extra Virgin olive oil contains the least amount of acidity, Virgin olive oil contains a bit more, and refined olive oil contains the most; these are labeled based on the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for olive oil.

The FDA has no such regulations for this terminology when it comes to coconut oil, so manufacturers can use it however they desire. In a majority (if not all) cases, both Virgin and Extra Virgin refer to unrefined coconut oil with no difference between the two.

For dieters aiming to discover ways to get skinny fast and searching for the best coconut oil for keto, focusing on terms like unrefined or unprocessed rather than Virgin or Extra Virgin can assist in selecting the right product, as any coconut oil can be labeled as Extra Virgin.

Keto Insight on Expeller vs Cold Pressed vs Centrifuge Coconut Oil

To further dive into labeling specifics of coconut oil, it is advantageous to know the difference between expeller pressed, cold pressed and centrifuge extracted coconut oil. These extraction methods differ and can each affect micronutrients differently.

Expeller Pressed: This method removes oil by using high heat and pressure on dried coconut meat. This process is typically performed for refined oils due to the high temperatures (140-210 degrees F) used.

Cold Pressed:While this process also uses pressure, it does not use high heat. The term cold in this description references drying the fresh coconut meat in no more than 120 degrees fahrenheit before it is pressed, which helps preserve the micronutrients.

Centrifuge Extracted: This practice first extracts coconut milk and then oil from fresh ground coconut meat by using a centrifuge. This process doesn’t allow for the coconut or its components to reach above 100 degrees fahrenheit, thereby allowing it to retain its taste and aroma as well as its micronutrients.

Low-carbers can take advantage of the micronutrients in both cold pressed and centrifuge extracted coconut oil, but if the purest quality is desired, they may want to lean toward the centrifuge extracted oil which has the least invasive processing.

So to wrap up which type of coconut oil is best for keto, it must first be unrefined or unprocessed. Secondly, the coconut oil must be cold pressed or centrifuge extracted coconut oil.

And lastly, unlike olive oil, the terms virgin and extra virgin have no true meaning when it comes to coconut oil.

Benefits & Uses of Different Types of Coconut Oils

Details of how coconut oil is sourced and processed not only gives keto dieters insight on which type will best suit them, but it also can give consumers an idea of how else it can be used. While its most common use is in cooking, it is also excellent for use as a moisturizer for dry skin, an antimicrobial agent, dental aid, hair conditioner, household lubricant, as well as a multitude of other purposes.

Refined

• Pros: High Smoke Point, Least Expensive
• Cons: Chemically Processed, Loss Micronutrients, Shorter Shelf Life
• Best Uses: Frying Food, Cleaning, Home Maintenance

Unrefined

• Pros: Long Shelf Life, No Chemical Treatment, Fresh Ingredients
• Cons: Lower Smoke Point, Coconut Flavor/Scent
• Best Uses: Hair Conditioner, Cleaning

Cold Press

• Pros: Retains More Micronutrients, Antibacterial
• Cons: Unpredictable Consistency
• Best Uses: Moisturizer, First Aid, Cooking/Baking

Centrifuge

• Pros: Lighter Smell and Taste, Retains the Most Micronutrients
• Cons: Harder to Find, Pricier
• Best Uses: Cosmetics, Dental Hygiene

Best Coconut Oils Brands for Keto Dieters

As promised, we’ve narrowed down the best ketogenic coconut oil and the below information included with each product will give details about ingredients, origins, cost, etc.

As mentioned above, unrefined cold-pressed or centrifuge oil is typically the best option for keto, however, that doesn’t take into account the multitude of ways coconut oil can be used.

Source: Nithin P John from Unsplash⁸

The below list, starting with our least favorite brand of the group, includes refined and unrefined oil to give consumers the option of choosing coconut oil that fits their particular needs; referring to the “best uses” table above along with the below list can help further decipher which oil is best for certain needs and differing situations.

#13 – 365 Everyday Value Organic Coconut Oil

Available at Whole Foods Market, 365 Everyday Value’s coconut oil is readily available for those shopping in store. With little taste of coconut, this highly refined organic coconut oil originating from the Philippines is both accessible, affordable, and perfect for cooking at high heats and when flavor subtlety is desired.

#12 – Vita Coco Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

A brand made popular by its coconut water, Vita Coco utilizes organic coconut farms in both Brazil and Southeast Asia for the entirety of their products. Because of Vita Coco’s popularity, accessibility is far reaching for its unrefined cold pressed coconut oil.

#11 – Tropical Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

With origins in Sri Lanka and the Philippines, this unrefined organic coconut oil is cold pressed and bulk packaged for a great value for a multitude of uses. It is typically available in grocery stores as well as box stores such as Walmart.

#10 – Happy Belly Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Amazon corners the market in several areas and providing a quality product for a good price is exactly what they’ve done through their Happy Belly brand of coconut oil. This unrefined coconut oil is made from organic coconuts harvested from farms in the Philippines and is accessible to many consumers who are tired of being fat and have access to Amazon deliveries.

#9 – Nutiva Organic Liquid Coconut Oil

While significantly more expensive than many coconut oils, Nutiva’s liquid coconut oil uses a unique process that extracts the fat from solid coconut oil which allows it to remain in a liquid state making it an ideal replacement for olive oil. Nutiva co-launched The Farmer Link Program which increases sustainability and support for the farms in the Philippines where their product originates.

#8 – Dr. Bronner’s Regenerative Organic Virgin Whole Kernel Coconut Oil

Dr. Bronner’s, member of the Fair for Life Certification Program, utilizes Fair Trade Certified ingredients which are ethically sourced from farmers in Sri Lanka while simultaneously establishing regenerative farming practices that benefit the farmland and protect the environment.

Unlike a majority of unrefined coconut oil, Dr. Bronner’s obtains its oil from expeller pressed dried whole kernel coconut which add to its micronutrient count along with giving it a richer taste.

#7 – Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Chemical free organic cold pressed unrefined coconut oil from Viva Naturals originates in the Philippines and is manufactured in the US. Readily available online, this oil has been used for cooking in easy keto meals as well as for hair, nails, and even as an antifungal with rave reviews.

#6 – NOW Foods Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Found in various natural markets and grocery stores, NOW Foods unrefined coconut oil is cold pressed to preserve a maximum amount of micronutrients. In fact, NOW Foods has tested their product and conveys on their packaging that it contains 64% MCTs and other fatty acids which are natural to coconut and desired by those following a keto lifestyle.

#5 – Wildly Organic Refined Organic Coconut Oil

Wildly Organic’s brand of refined coconut oil is unique in that it hasn’t been chemically refined, but uses 100% mechanical methods to refine its expeller pressed oil, which is sourced organically from the Philippines. As with other refined coconut oils, this is ideal for high-heat cooking and uses where coconut flavor and scent could detract.

#4 – Coco Goods Organic Premium Coconut Oil Packets

This single origin centrifuge extracted coconut oil is sourced from fresh coconuts in the city of Ben Tre, Vietnam. Coco Goods also participates in the 2.5% All Good Promise, which invests 2.5% of its profits back into their farmers as well as their families and employees.

Not only is this coconut pure and unrefined; it is also available in individual packets allowing users to transport it easily for health and beauty needs as well as preserve unopened packages for a longer shelf life.

#3 – Kirkland Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Like a majority of coconut oil, Kirkland’s brand is manufactured from coconuts grown in the Philippines. As one of the best coconut oils for keto reddit users swear by, this unrefined organic product is not only great for foods, but because it is so affordable, it is consistently used as a hair conditioner, household lubricant, soap ingredient, along with a whole host of other uses.

#2 – Thrive Market Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Using coconuts sourced ethically from a small farming community in the Philippines, Thrive Market’s Coconut Oil is both organic and unrefined. Using the cold pressed method to ensure micronutrients aren’t lost, this oil is a great addition to a keto dieter’s pantry and is not only excellent for cooking, but for cosmetic and other uses.

#1 – Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

As with its prior oil on this list, Nutiva’s unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil is also sourced from farms in the Philippines supported by The Farmer Link Program. This particular product, though, is cold-pressed from fresh coconuts and is packaged in its solid state for a variety of uses.

Brand Winner for the Best Ketogenic Coconut Oil

All of the above brands and types of coconut oil will benefit anyone living a low carb lifestyle, but ultimately, the award for best coconut oil brand for keto is Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil.

Not only is this brand available online and in stores making it accessible for planned or immediate use, Nutiva prides itself in empowering its farmers, promoting sustainable growing techniques for its produce, and prioritizing food education without diminishing the quality of its products.

Nutiva’s affordable Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil consists of the freshest coconuts grown on sustainable and supported farms and is ideal for those looking to induce or maintain ketosis, all while promoting eco-consciousness and supporting a fair trade business.

Seeing endless jars of coconut oil on the shelves may seem overwhelming for those seeking to figure out ways to jump start weight loss, but having the list of top 13 brands and understanding the essentials when selecting the best coconut oil for keto can guide anyone toward the most beneficial and highest quality products.

Frequently Asked Questions