Coconut Oil vs. Olive Oil: 5 Things You Need to Know

Olive oil will always be there. But across a wide range of cooking methods and body care needs, coconut oil has the versatility and a wide range of benefits that are tough to match. 

Coconut Oil vs. Olive Oil: What’s the Difference?

Ever tried to saute or fry with olive oil? You probably caught some collateral damage. This is due to olive oil’s relatively low smoke point -- defined as the temperature at which an oil burns to the point of giving off smoke. For this reason, Italian cooking more often uses olive oil as a seasoning than as a wide-ranging cooking oil.

The good news? Coconut oil has no such problem.

Semi-solid to solid at room temperature, coconut oil is a more robust and versatile option by comparison. Its chemical makeup consists of shorter chains of fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which evidence suggests can positively affect energy, appetite, and metabolism.

Coconut Oil Benefits

So, what is coconut oil good for? The list of coconut oil benefits is impressive, and beyond simply cooking with it -- which is a great option, of course! -- there are a number of different ways for it to find a way into your wellness routine.

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil has a smoke point noticeably higher than olive oil, and Nutiva Refined Coconut Oil’s is even higher. That makes it ideal for high-heat cooking methods, especially given its fatty acid profile compared to other options like shortening and butter.

Wondering about using coconut oil for hair or skin treatment? Smart idea. Coconut oil is known to protect hair by not only serving as a moisturizer, but preventing protein loss. 

And compared to olive oil’s telltale savory smell, we’ll take coconut oil’s softer, sweeter aroma for body care purposes any day of the week.

Got a favorite coconut oil recipe? How do you incorporate coconut oil into your wellness routine? We want to hear from you. Click here to send us a message.

To learn more about Nutiva’s culinary oils, click here.

Since Nutiva was formed in 1999, every product purchased has helped to raise over $5 million to advance sustainable agriculture and grow healthy communities. Find out more about how Nutiva is creating brighter futures.