Difference Between Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil

The main difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil is that the refined coconut oil has a neutral scent and flavor and does not contain any impurity whereas unrefined coconut has a tropical coconut scent and flavor and may contain impurities.

Refined and unrefined coconut oil are two forms of coconut oils available in the market. Unrefined coconut oil, also known as virgin coconut oil, contains the oil extract obtained directly from the expeller. Refined coconut oil, also known as RBD (redefined, bleached, and deodorized) coconut oil, does not contain substances that are harmful to the health such as insect remains, dust particles, microbes, fungal spores, etc.

Key areas Covered

1. What is Refined Coconut Oil
     – Definition, Properties, Importance
2. What is Unrefined Coconut Oil
     – Definition, Properties Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Coconut Aroma, Coconut Flavor, Impurities, Refined Coconut Oil, Unrefined Coconut Oil

What is Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil is the processed coconut oil that does not contain any impurities. It is more precisely called RBD coconut oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. Therefore, refined coconut oil has a neutral scent and flavor. The smoke point of refined coconut oil is higher than that of unrefined coconut oil. Hence, it can be heated up to 400 °F. This oil is best for recipes that do not desire natural coconut flavor and scent.

Figure 1: Fresh Coconut Meat

The manufacturing process of this oil includes extracting oil from copra or dried coconut meat and steaming it to remove the natural aroma of coconut. Some refined coconut oils are partially hydrogenated. Hence, they contain trans-fat that cause cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, this coconut oil does not contain any impurities such as insect remains, dust particles, microbes, fungal spores, etc.

What is Unrefined Coconut Oil

Unrefined coconut oil is the crude coconut oil extracted from the expeller. It is also called virgin coconut oil (VCO). Unrefined coconut oil has the natural coconut scent and flavor. It is good for medium-heat cooking that prefers scent and flavor.

Figure 2: Coconut Oil

In order to make unrefined or virgin coconut oil, the fresh coconut meat is scooped out from the shell and the coconut meat is cold-pressed, leaving the oil with pure coconut aroma and flavor. 

Similarities Between Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil

• Both are two forms of coconut oil.
• Whether refined or unrefined, both contain the similar nutritional profile: 63% medium chain triglycerides with 50% lauric acid.
• Both coconut oils are organic and non-GMO. 

Difference Between Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil

Definition

Refined Coconut Oil: Refined and processed coconut oil without any impurities

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Crude coconut oil extracted from the expeller

Called as

Refined Coconut Oil: Also called RBD coconut oil

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Also called virgin coconut oil

Made from

Refined Coconut Oil: Made from dried coconut

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Made from fresh coconut

Smoke Point

Refined Coconut Oil: Smoke point is 400 °F

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Smoke point is 350 °F

Process

Refined Coconut Oil: Oil extracted from copra or dried coconut meat is steamed to remove the natural aroma of coconut

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Fresh coconut meat is scooped out from the shell and the coconut meat is cold-pressed, leaving the oil with pure coconut aroma and flavor

Properties

Refined Coconut Oil: Has neutral scent and flavor

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Has natural coconut scent and flavor

Color

Refined Coconut Oil: Colorless

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Has golden yellow color

Importance

Refined Coconut Oil: Great for sautés, baking, stir-frying, and body care

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Great for medium-heat cooking, baking, and body care

Impurities

Refined Coconut Oil: Does not contain impurities such as insect remains, dust particles, microbes, fungal spores, etc.

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Contain impurities

Health Effects

Refined Coconut Oil: May contain trans-fat that causes cardiovascular disease

Unrefined Coconut Oil: Good for the health

Conclusion

Refined coconut oil has a neutral scent and flavor. But, unrefined coconut oil has the natural scent and the flavor of coconut. Refined coconut oil is the more hygienic, refined form of the coconut oil whereas unrefined coconut oil is the crude form of the coconut oil. The main difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil is the aroma and taste of the two types of oils.

Reference:

1. “What Is Refined Coconut Oil?” Organic Facts, 20 Apr. 2018, Available here.
2. “What Is Unrefined Coconut Oil & What Are Its Uses.” Organic Facts, 8 Feb. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Coconut Oil (4404443713)” By Veganbaking.net from USA – Coconut Oil (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Coconut In Half” by Vegan Feast Catering (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr