Coconut Oil Online-Coconut Oil Hype Part 1

Separating Coconut Oil Fact From Fiction

When I first began work on this web site, the task seemed pretty straightforward. Although I had been using coconut oil for several years I was not really aware that more than one type was available. When I learned about and tried unrefined coconut oil and realized how superior it is to refined, bleached and deodorized oil, I thought that others might also be interested in learning about the different types of coconut oil and the methods of their production. I decided to put this information together along with links to articles about the many benefits of coconut oil and thus the web site was born.

Now that a number of companies are actively marketing coconut oil the landscape has changed and I felt the need to address some of the marketing hype which has appeared. The types of coconut oil are still the same but some of the people selling the oil have become very inventive in describing their products to make them sound superior. In an attempt to sort out some of the hype I would like to address a few basic issues regarding coconut oil. Let me stress that I am not saying that the oils which are being "hyped" are poor quality or bad oils. I do feel, however, that the companies who are marketing them in this manner are doing a disservice to their customers and to the general effort to re-educate the public about coconut oil.

What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

Unfortunately, at this point in time Virgin Coconut Oil is essentially whatever the person selling the oil wants it to be. There is no industry standard which establishes specifications for what qualifies as "virgin" coconut oil. With regard to coconut oil, "virgin" has come to mean essentially that it has not been produced from copra and commercially refined, bleached and deodorized. The term does not address the actual production method. One of the definitions of "virgin" in the Merriam-Webster pocket dictionary is: "fresh, unspoiled; especially: not altered by human activity." Our opinion of what constitutes virgin oil depends on our view of the processing method. Would coconut oil still be "virgin" if it were heated to remove moisture? Would coconut oil still be "virgin" if it were extracted from coconut which had been dried first? Based on the promotional material of companies selling it, the answer to both of these questions is yes.

One particularly egregious example of marketing hype is from a company describing its coconut oil as "cold-pressed, extra-virgin coconut oil ... only minutes from coconut to bottle - direct extraction, pressed fresh daily from naturally organic coconuts." It sounds like they are selling fresh-squeezed orange juice. Their web site briefly describes production methods used for different types of oil and begins with the following description of their oil: "The nuts are cracked open and the fresh coconut kernel is grated and manually cold pressed." They conveniently leave out the step between grating the fresh coconut and manual pressing, namely the drying of the coconut. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld (for those of you who were fans), "Not that there's anything wrong with that," but I personally find this error of omission to be misleading at best. The "extra-virgin" term is borrowed from the olive oil industry and is just another attempt to make this oil sound somehow superior to others. Another company advertises this same type of oil as "premium, extra-virgin."

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What users are saying about Coconut Oil Supreme™

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I'm back to buying the best! I tried another brand coconut oil brand claiming to be "virgin" and highest quality - it was TERRIBLE & tasted like soap!! I forced myself to choke down 16oz before relegating the rest to cooking oil status. Just *thinking* about making my morning "butter coffee" with your sweet coconut oil supreme again makes me feel happy! Though I thought to save $, it ended up being a costly mistake & hard-to-swallow lesson! C.B.

Bought several coconut oils from health food stores. Although they were organic, the smell and taste were awful and had to throw them out. When I saw the sample size of coconut supreme I thought it was perfect to try first before spending money on a product I wasn't sure of. (customer who first bought sample.) M.S.

I am a nurse, I had a patient a few nights ago who let me use some of her coconut oil supreme after I commented on how nice her lotion smelled. She wanted me to get an extra medication cup and fill it with a few scoops to take home and try. I love how it moisturizes my over dry over washed nursing hands. I am going to try it in my dog's food also, he is always itchy. I will let you know! I am also purchasing a jar for my mother who has a lot of allergies to products. Thanks!! A.D.

My husband and I love this product! We've tried other coconut oils and none of them match the quality and taste. We also love that it is available in such a large quantity! S.S.

I am ordering these two samples and having them sent to one of my dearest friends because I want her to try these two products. I have become a walking 'advertisement' for Coconut Oil Supreme!! ... I am a repeat customer because I love, love, love your products! D. W.

This is my second order. Yours is the first Coconut Oil I have tried, but I can't imagine any other company's product being better. Your Cococnut Oil Supreme has such a delicate flavor. I use it now also as a skin moisturizer and have fallen in love with it's ultra-light fragrance. Wish I had discovered your company sooner! Linda D.

You offer the best selection with the highest quality. I love this company ...I've been a long time customer and absolutely love your products. I highly recommend to anyone who asks. You're the best out there. For me quality far exceeds the cost! S.N.

You carry the absolute best coconut based products available, and your coconut oil is head and shoulders better than any other oil available. S.J.

Thanks for your good work in making this good oil available online... I luv the coconut oil from your store -- its clarity and and smooth consistency (almost like water), fresh natural taste and mild fragrance, and quality is the best one I've found... it's the best of the best!! A regular / longtime customer now, Sharon S.

Just wanted to say I love your coconut oil. I have been trying several brands and I bought a small quantity from each. I noticed how crystal clear your oil is when it's in its melted state. The other oils were yellow, cloudy or just disgusting looking. Thanks for a great product and will be ordering again soon. M.S.

You have the most delicious tasting coconut oil I have ever tasted. I tried 5 different brands. You're the best!

Fabulous product - much better flavor than other oil available.

Now I know what real coconut oil should taste like.

Thank you for being a great source for the best oil on earth!

Thank you for your great product and wonderful service.

Tried them all and yours is the best.