We often get asked how to choose coconut oil and what’s the best way of knowing you’re getting the best possible oil? Well, here are five tips to help you buy the best coconut oil for your healthy life and five logos to look out for.
5 Tips to look for
- Cold Pressed
- Organic
- Fair Trade
- Raw
- Virgin / Unrefined
Not all Coconut Oil is the same
I know it’s a bit confusing when you look at the label and read about ‘cold-pressed,’ ‘raw’ and ‘organic.’ What is best, ‘refined’ or ‘unrefined’ coconut oil?
Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Cold pressed is the method by which the oil has been extracted from the 'meat' of the coconut, at a controlled temperature which retains the healthy qualities.
Raw Coconut Oil
Basically, minimal heat has been used in its extraction up to a max of approx 113 degrees Fahrenheit. This is coconut oil at its finest and in its most natural state.
Refined v Unrefined
Refined coconut oil is usually made from dried coconut and the process includes bleaching and deodorisation, sometimes known as RBD.
Unrefined coconut oil is usually made from fresh coconuts and means the oil has not undergone any processing. It can also be described as Virgin.
Organic Coconut Oil
If it says ‘organic’ on the label then look for a logo from an organic body that shows that the oil has been approved. The Organic Food Federation logo means that the oil has been produced free from pesticides and intensive farming practices.
Certificate Logos
Independent certificates from official groups is also another clue that the oil is what it says it is. Logos from The Soil Association means a foodstuff is totally organic and logos from The Vegan Society or The Vegetarian Society mean the food is free from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). Kosher is another sign that the food has passed a rigorous test.
5 Logos to Look For
Organic Food Federation
The Organic Food Federation was established in 1986 to promote healthy, humane and sustainable food. All the Organic Food Federation inspectors are licensed by the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Kosher Certification
Kosher means ‘acceptable’ in terms of a healthy diet and certification means the food and the process has passed inspection by qualified food technologists, food chemists and rabbis.
The Vegetarian Society
A Vegetarian Society trademark guarantees there has been no cross-contamination with non-vegetarian products.
The Vegan Society
The food is free from animal genes or animal-derived substances and GMO free.
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade Sustainability Alliance (FairTSA) improves the lives of farmers, farm workers and their families by improving their way of life.
We’re also fans of Fair Trade at Lucy Bee because it means that the farmers, farm workers and their families get a fair share of the price paid for the oil.
Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.
