Where to Find Coconut Oil at Walmart and Other Grocery Stores: An Expert Ecommerce Seller‘s Guide
As an ecommerce seller with over 10 years of experience managing successful Amazon FBA businesses, coconut oil is one product I get asked about a lot. It‘s skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, going from a niche health food item to a mainstream pantry staple.
Coconut oil now pulls in over $180 million in US retail sales annually. But with its meteoric rise, many shoppers have found themselves wondering: where on earth can I find coconut oil in stores near me?!
Trust me, I‘ve been there too, wandering the aisles of gigantic stores on an elusive hunt for that prized jar of coconut oil. So I decided to use my insider knowledge as an ecommerce pro to create the ultimate guide on finding coconut oil.
Consider this your treasure map to locating coconut oil at any grocery store – especially Walmart – for the best deals and prices. I‘ll share where coconut oil is stocked at major retailers, how to choose between the many varieties, the most popular and best-rated brands, and pro tips for saving money.
Let‘s start our expedition!
Why is Coconut Oil Suddenly Everywhere?
As a ecommerce seller, I‘m always closely attuned to growing trends – and coconut oil has been one of the biggest natural health breakthroughs I‘ve seen in my career.
Coconut used to be seen as an unhealthy, exotic tropical fruit. But scientific studies revealed that coconut oil contains a unique form of saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide incredible health benefits:
- Enhanced cognitive function and memory
- Increased energy and endurance
- Improved weight management
- Anti-aging antioxidant properties
- Anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting abilities
- Treatment for skin conditions like eczema or acne
- Shiny, healthy hair growth
This compelling research made coconut oil demand skyrocket over the past 5 years. Major stores couldn‘t keep it on shelves!
Coconut oil popularity grew from a small $40 million market in 2011 into a $180 million industry today, according to Statista. That‘s over 350% growth!
As a result, coconut oil is now a staple cooking oil and natural beauty product found in most households. Even celebrities and health gurus rave about it.
And as an ecommerce expert, I predict the coconut oil craze is here to stay. Coconut oil sales are projected to hit $275 million in the US by 2027.
So let‘s make sure you know all the spots to find this hot commodity!
A Quick Guide to Coconut Oil Types
However, not all coconut oils are created equal. There are a few key varieties and terms to know before you shop:
| Coconut Oil Type | Description | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Refined | Processed and deodorized. Neutral flavor. | High-heat cooking like frying. |
| Unrefined | Raw, virgin oil. Coconut aroma and flavor. | Low-medium heat cooking, raw uses. |
| Extra Virgin | Unrefined from first press of fresh coconut meat. | Maximizes health benefits. |
| Organic | Grown without pesticides or chemicals. | Reduces toxin exposure. |
| Fractionated | Liquid form of MCTs filtered out. | Blends into smoothies, skin products. |
Let‘s quickly break these down:
Refined Coconut Oil – This type is processed to remove the coconut scent and taste. Refining gives the oil a higher smoke point of 400°F, making it ideal for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.
Unrefined Coconut Oil – This oil does not go through processing so it retains the coconut aroma and flavor. Great for low to medium-heat cooking up to 350°F. Works well for raw applications too.
Virgin Coconut Oil – Virgin oil is an unrefined variety made from fresh coconut meat vs. dried. It offers a rich coconut flavor perfect for Southeast Asian cuisines.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – Considered the "Cadillac" of coconut oils. It comes from the first cold press of fresh, raw coconut meat, before minerals or nutrients are removed. Offers maximum health benefits.
Organic Coconut Oil – This means the coconuts are grown without any pesticides, GMOs, or synthetic chemicals. It‘s healthier and eco-friendlier. Available refined and unrefined.
Fractionated Coconut Oil – This is a form of refined coconut oil that filters out the long-chain fatty acids, leaving only the MCTs. It stays liquid below 76°F, perfect for smoothies, skin care, and more.
So in summary:
- Refined coconut oil is the best choice for high-heat cooking like frying and sautéing
- Unrefined coconut oil really shines for lower heat cooking methods or raw consumption
- Virgin and extra virgin provide the richest coconut flavor and most nutrients
- Organic gives you peace of mind your coconuts are chemical-free
- Fractionated is incredibly versatile since it‘s a liquid at any temperature
Got it? Now let‘s uncover where to find all these different types of coconut oils!
Locating Coconut Oil In Walmart Stores
Walmart is my go-to for finding any household essential affordably – and coconut oil is no exception.
With over 4,700 Walmart Supercenter locations in the US, you‘re bound to find coconut oil on shelves near you. But their massive stores can be maze-like to navigate if you don‘t know where to look.
Here are the top areas to find coconut oil within Walmart‘s layout:
The Cooking Oil Aisle
This is the most obvious spot – browse the cooking oil section typically located along the back grocery wall. Scan the shelves and you‘ll see coconut oils alongside classic cooking oils like:
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- Corn oil
- Canola oil
- Avocado oil
Walmart stocks mainstream refined coconut oils for high-heat cooking like:
- Great Value (their generic house brand)
- LouAna
- Crisco
And unrefined virgin/extra virgin coconut oils for raw uses or lower-heat cooking, such as:
- BetterBody Foods
- Nutiva
- Garden of Life
- Spectrum
You‘ll find sizes ranging from 12 oz to over 100 oz.
The Baking Aisle
Some Walmarts also stock coconut oil in the baking section near oils, flours, sugars, spices, etc. This area is typically closer to the front of the store.
Look on the upper and lower shelves for more premium brands like:
- Carrington Farms
- Nature‘s Way
- Now Foods
- Native Forest
Offerings include organic virgin, extra virgin, and liquid fractionated coconut oils. Great for baking needs.
The "Natural" Section
Larger Walmart Supercenters have a designated "natural foods" area near the fresh produce section. Browse here for pricier organic, cold-pressed, and fair trade coconut oils.
Find specialty brands like:
- Viva Naturals
- Barlean‘s
- Ojio
- Ancient Nutrition
Oils here come in smaller sizes, usually 14-16 oz jars. I check this section when I want premium quality.
Online Grocery Pickup/Delivery
You can easily search "coconut oil" on Walmart.com or the mobile app to view availability at your local store. Add oils to an online order for convenient grocery delivery or pickup.
This saves time spent searching aisles. Walmart‘s website shows you exactly which oils each location carries before going in-store.
So in summary, Walmart has coconut oils covered in every aisle – you just have to know where to look!
Finding Coconut Oil at Other Major Retailers
Walmart isn‘t the only store carrying coconut oil. Here are the spots to check at other major grocery chains:
Target
Target stocks coconut oil in the cooking oil section, near olive and vegetable oils. Look for brands like Spectrum, LouAna, and Target‘s Good & Gather organic virgin coconut oil.
Some Targets also have a separate natural/organic aisle where you can find pricier coconut oils from Nutiva, Garden of Life, Carrington Farms, and more.
Whole Foods
This natural grocer offers an explosion of coconut oil options! Peruse the cooking oil, baking, and natural oils sections for choices like:
- Nutiva
- Dr. Bronner‘s
- Garden of Life
- Spectrum
- Whole Foods 365
Sizes range from 14 oz jars to 128 oz jugs. I love Whole Foods for the variety, but expect to pay a premium.
Costco
For stellar bulk value, check Costco. They sell Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in big 58 oz tubs. Costco also stocks Nutiva, Louana, and others.
Trader Joe‘s
Shop TJ‘s for outstanding prices on their organic virgin coconut oil house brand. Find it in 14 oz jars in the baking or cooking oil aisles.
Other Grocery Chains
Most stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Meijer, etc. offer coconut oil in the cooking, baking, or natural sections. Look for Spectrum, Nutiva, and more.
I suggest checking international and Asian markets too – they frequently carry quality coconut oils at amazing prices.
Now let‘s uncover which coconut oil brands rise above the rest.
Notable Coconut Oil Brands To Try
With so many options on shelves, here are a few coconut oil brands that stand out:
Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
This is one of my favorite oils for quality and affordability. It‘s organic, cold-pressed, virgin, non-GMO, and sourced from small sustainable farms.
I use Nutiva for cooking, smoothies, homemade beauty products, and more. It retains a light coconut flavor that isn‘t overpowering.
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Viva Naturals earns rave reviews for its incredibly aromatic coconut scent and velvety texture. It‘s perfect for low-heat sautéing or raw consumption. Fair trade certified as well.
Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Garden of Life is a leader in the organic space. Their coconut oil is certified USDA organic, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan. Wonderful unrefined oil for beauty routines or light cooking.
Ancient Nutrition Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This brand offers coconut oil in capsule supplement form and liquid oils praised for their therapeutic benefits. Their glass bottle packaging keeps the oil fresher longer.
Costco‘s Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
For my money, Costco‘s private label extra virgin coconut oil is one of the best deals. It‘s organic, cold pressed, and only around $0.30 per oz.
Spectrum Refined Coconut Oil
Spectrum remains my go-to for refined coconut oils that can withstand frying, roasting, and other high-heat methods. Their refined oil has a smoke point of 450°F.
Trader Joe‘s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
At just $0.43 per oz, TJ‘s USDA certified organic oil is fabulous for budget shoppers. It works great for cooking, DIY beauty, and more.
No matter your needs, one of these highly-rated brands is sure to satisfy!
Pro Tips For Finding Coconut Oil Deals
As an ecommerce pro, I have a few insider tricks for spotting great deals on coconut oil:
Compare unit prices – Ignore the total jar cost and find the cheapest per ounce or gallon.
Buy in bulk – Gallon and multi-packs offer the best value. Stock up when sales hit.
Shop store brands – Opt for Walmart‘s Great Value or Whole Foods 365 to save. Still good quality!
Buy shelf-stable oils – Oils that don‘t require refrigeration stay fresher longer stocked up.
Use coupons & rewards – Take advantage of clipped coupons, mobile offers, and loyalty program deals.
Buy online – Amazon, Thrive Market, and brand sites offer discounts, especially with subscription save programs.
Shop sales events – Prime Day, Cyber Monday, and the holidays can bring huge coconut oil savings.
Following these tips will ensure you always get the best bang for your buck on quality coconut oils!
Coconut Oil Shopping Made Simple
I hope this guide eliminates the guesswork when searching for coconut oils during your next Walmart or grocery run.
Here are a few key tips to recap:
Find coconut oil in the cooking, baking, and natural oils sections at most stores
Compare refined vs. unrefined oils to pick the variety best for your needs
Look for popular brands like Nutiva, Viva Naturals, Garden of Life, and more
Check bulk sizes, generic options, coupons, and sales for the best deals
Use store apps and websites to pinpoint coconut oil availability fast
Now that you know where to look, finding coconut oil will be a breeze. No more wandering aimless, barren aisles in defeat. Consider your coconut oil shopping woes solved!
Wishing you happy, fruitful hunting ahead my friend. Let me know if you have any other questions!
