Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is unrefined coconut oil, cold-pressed from fresh coconuts grown in Southeast Asia. It is not deodorized, bleached or refined, so it keeps the flavour and scent of fresh coconut. This listing has three sizes: an 860 mL jar, a 1.6 L jar and a 3.79 L pail.

What is in the jar

One ingredient: organic unrefined cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. Nutiva's oil is certified organic by QAI, and the jar carries the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Coconut oil is mostly saturated fat, and much of that fat is lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that coconut is known for.

A 1 tablespoon (15 mL) serving has 120 calories and 14 g of fat, of which 13 g is saturated. There is no carbohydrate, protein, sodium or cholesterol. The 1.6 L jar holds about 107 servings.

Why virgin and cold-pressed

Virgin coconut oil is pressed from fresh coconut meat without heat-based refining, which is why it smells and tastes of coconut. Refined coconut oil is steamed to take that flavour out, so it suits recipes where you want no coconut taste at all. If you like coconut in curries, granola, cookies and smoothies, virgin is the one to pick.

How to use it

Nutiva rates this oil for medium-heat cooking, with a smoke point of 350°F. Use it to sauté vegetables, roast, bake, or stir into oatmeal and smoothies. Spoon it out solid for pastry and cookie doughs, or melt it first for muffins and pancakes.

Outside the kitchen, many people use a little as a skin and hair oil, to take off makeup, or as a massage oil. Nutiva lists body care next to sautéing, baking and roasting on the label.

Storage and texture

Coconut oil changes with the temperature. It is solid to semi-solid at cool room temperature and turns clear and liquid on a warm day. Both states are normal and do not change the oil. No refrigeration is needed; keep the jar out of direct sunlight, and do not microwave it. Small brown specks are bits of coconut and are natural in virgin oil.

Who it suits

It is plant-based, so it fits vegan and dairy-free cooking, and it is a single-ingredient fat for people who read labels closely. The 1.6 L jar and the pail make sense for households that cook with it every day or keep a jar in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

Nutiva's other coconut oils

Nutiva also makes a refined coconut oil with a neutral taste and a higher smoke point, a liquid coconut oil that stays pourable, a buttery-flavour coconut oil, MCT oil, and Coconut Manna, a spread made from whole coconut flesh.

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil FAQ

Why is my coconut oil liquid?

It melts in warm weather. Cool it and it firms up again; the oil itself is unchanged.

Can I fry with it?

It works best at medium heat, up to its 350°F smoke point. For high-heat searing, a refined coconut oil takes more heat.

Does it taste like coconut?

Yes. Virgin oil keeps a mild coconut flavour and scent.

Does it need to go in the fridge?

No. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sun.

Shop more Nutiva pantry staples or the full coconut oil range. Orders over $99 ship free in Canada.