The Pricey Reason You Should Never Buy Coconut Oil At Trader Joe's

It's not often grocery store chains get as much love as Trader Joe's. In 2022, Trader Joe's was rated the second most loved grocery chain, with 63% of people having a favorable opinion of the store, per YouGov America. Even with its popularity, there are some products that aren't worth it if you're trying to stick to a weekly grocery budget. The store's coconut oil comes in a 16 fl oz size and sells for about 31 cents per ounce or $4.99 per jar. While this is a good deal for the size of the jar, it's not a great deal if you're a coconut oil enthusiast. If you find yourself using the oil for more than just cooking, you'll find better prices on bulk or larger containers.

One of the benefits of Trader Joe's coconut oil is that it is USDA organic virgin coconut oil. It's also cold-pressed and unrefined. While those words may sound like a fancy marketing ploy, there's actually a big difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is considered purer because it is made from just the flesh of the coconut, without additional processing. Unrefined oil, like the one sold at Trader Joe's, will have a stronger coconut flavor and smell that will transfer when cooked. It also has a lower smoke point, making it better for use in baked goods.

If you're looking for a bang for your buck and opt to purchase bulk coconut oil, you'll need to find ways to use it before it goes bad. While coconut oil is great for cooking, it can also be used as part of a skincare routine. Applying the oil on dry or eczema-inflicted skin may improve the condition. Those suffering from dry skin can apply a thin layer before bed and wake up with moisturized skin. Aside from coconut oil, coconut products can come in handy, especially for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Even if coconut oil isn't the best deal at Trader Joe's it doesn't mean the store's other coconut products aren't worth checking out. If you want to fry or cook something at a higher temperature than 350 degrees, Trader Joe's coconut oil spray can be used in the same way non-stick spray is used, to coat pans, or even coat veggies or meat. Fans of Trader Joe's love the chain's dairy-free, coconut-based treats. Shoppers love Trader Joe's coconut whipped cream, which is a vegan whipped topping.