Just take a walk through your local health food store and you’ll find many different labels and brands coconut oil. But which one do you choose? Looking at each jar, you’ll see refined and unrefined coconut oil – and you’ll ask yourself what is the difference and does it matter which one you select? The answer is, YES! Let’s take a look at the difference:

Kelapo Coconut Oil

Refined Coconut Oil

–   Goes through a high heat to deodorize the coconut oil to remove its odor and flavor

–   Some of the natural health benefits found in raw coconut oil are eliminated during the heating process

–   The natural coconut taste and smell are usually removed

–   Can withstand a higher cooking temperature before reaching its smoke point of 450 degrees

–   May have a yellow-white color

–   Some refined coconut oil may be partially hydrogenated, which would contain trans-fats

Unrefined Coconut Oil

–   Is often referred to as extra virgin coconut oil and does not going through a heating process

–   Does not undergo a bleaching or additive process

–   Carries a subtitle nutty flavor that compliments both savory and sweet

–   Has one of the highest smoke points for an unrefined cooking oil, at 350 degrees

–   Is a crisp, white color

–   Contains zero trans-fat

When choosing a coconut oil, refined and unrefined are extremely important factors to consider. Both may have their advantages, but make sure to do your research in order to find a coconut oil that best suits your cooking, health, and beauty needs. Kelapo Coconut Oil is cold-pressed, unrefined and certified Fair Trade, Organic, Vegetarian, and Kosher. For more information about how to use coconut oil, check out our coconut oil vs. butter, comparing coconut oil and olive oil, and 70 uses for coconut oil!

-Kayla