Coconut oil is useful, no matter which kind you buy, but there are tons of choices on the market, from hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated oils to cold-pressed or expeller-pressed ones. However, when it comes to cooking, one important choice to make is whether to use refined and unrefined coconut oil.

Choosing between refined or unrefined coconut oil is a matter of taste preference. Unrefined coconut oil, also called "virgin" or "pure," is minimally processed using little heat, creating an oil that preserves the coconut's flavor and nutrients; if you love the taste of coconut, use this kind of oil in your desserts and curries.

On the other hand, refined coconut oil undergoes more processing, which removes the oil's impurities and deodorizes its distinct coconut flavor and aroma. This creates a more neutral-tasting product with a higher smoke point, making it a useful substitute for other cooking oils in savory dishes.