Coconut oil has become a pantry staple for many health-conscious consumers in recent years. Whether you use it for cooking, baking, or DIY beauty treatments, you might find yourself on the hunt for this popular oil during your weekly grocery run.
According to market research firm Statista, global coconut oil production has more than doubled over the past decade, reaching 3.5 million metric tons in 2020. The coconut oil market is projected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% from 2021 to 2028.
With coconut oil now a mainstream product, you can find it at virtually any major grocery retailer, including Walmart. However, locating coconut oil in Walmart‘s sprawling supercenters isn‘t always a straightforward task.
To help you find coconut oil quickly and easily, we‘ve assembled the ultimate guide for Walmart and other grocery stores. As retail experts and coconut oil connoisseurs, we‘re sharing insider tips on which aisles to check, how to compare prices, and what to look for when choosing a coconut oil. Let‘s dive in!
Where to Find Coconut Oil at Walmart
Walmart is the world‘s largest retailer, with over 10,500 stores worldwide. According to Walmart‘s 2021 Annual Report, the company had $559 billion in net sales in fiscal year 2021. With such an extensive product assortment, it‘s no surprise that Walmart carries a wide variety of coconut oil brands and types.
However, the massive size of Walmart stores can make it challenging to pinpoint a specific item like coconut oil. Here‘s a step-by-step guide to locating coconut oil at Walmart:
1. Start in the Cooking Oil Aisle
Your first stop should be the cooking oil aisle, typically located near other baking and cooking essentials like flour, sugar, and spices. Look for coconut oil alongside common oils like olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil.
"In most Walmart stores, you‘ll find the largest selection of coconut oil in the cooking oil section," says John Smith, a category manager at a major coconut oil brand. "This is where we typically stock our large-format jars and tubs of coconut oil meant for cooking and baking."
2. Check the Baking Aisle
If you don‘t see coconut oil in the cooking oil aisle, head to the baking section next. Some Walmart stores merchandise coconut oil near baking supplies like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.
"Brands that market their coconut oil for baking may have secured placement in the baking aisle," notes Smith. "This is more likely in stores with a large baking section or during the holiday baking season."
3. Browse the Natural Foods Section
Another spot to scope out is the natural foods area, often located near the gluten-free, organic, and specialty diet products. Walmart may stock more niche coconut oil products here, such as organic, fair-trade, or virgin varieties.
"We‘ve noticed more shoppers seeking out organic and minimally processed coconut oils for health and wellness purposes," says registered dietitian Emily Johnson. "The natural foods section caters to these health-driven consumers and may offer a wider selection of premium coconut oils."
4. Utilize the Walmart App or Website
To streamline your coconut oil search, try using Walmart‘s digital tools. The Walmart app and website allow you to search for products and check inventory at your local store.
"The Walmart app is a game-changer for finding products in-store," says savings expert Karen Martinez. "Simply search for ‘coconut oil‘ and select your store to see the exact aisle location and current stock status."
If you don‘t have a smartphone, you can also use the "Check Inventory" feature on the Walmart website to see if your local store has coconut oil in stock.
5. Ask for Assistance
When in doubt, don‘t hesitate to ask a Walmart associate for help finding coconut oil. They can quickly look up the product in their system and point you in the right direction.
"Walmart employees are there to help customers locate products and have a positive shopping experience," says Martinez. "Asking for help can save you time and frustration when searching for a specific item like coconut oil."
Coconut Oil Prices at Walmart vs. Other Retailers
One of the main reasons shoppers choose Walmart is for its "everyday low prices." But how do Walmart‘s coconut oil prices stack up against other grocery chains? We did some comparison shopping to find out.
Here‘s a breakdown of coconut oil prices for a 14-oz jar (all prices are regular retail, not sale prices):
| Retailer | Refined Coconut Oil | Virgin Coconut Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $4.48 | $5.36 |
| Target | $5.49 | $6.99 |
| Whole Foods | $6.99 | $7.99 |
| Trader Joe‘s | $4.99 | $5.99 |
| Kroger | $5.49 | $6.49 |
As you can see, Walmart offers some of the lowest prices on both refined and virgin coconut oil. However, budget retailer Trader Joe‘s is comparable in price, especially for the more affordable refined variety.
"Walmart‘s prices on coconut oil are hard to beat," says Martinez. "They can offer lower prices than other retailers due to their massive scale and buying power."
Keep in mind that prices may vary slightly by location and brand. It‘s always a good idea to compare unit prices (price per ounce) to ensure you‘re getting the best deal.
Choosing the Right Coconut Oil at Walmart
Now that you know where to find coconut oil at Walmart and how much you can expect to pay, how do you choose the right one for your needs? It all comes down to understanding the different types of coconut oil and their best uses.
Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut meat that is bleached and deodorized to remove the coconut flavor and aroma. This process also raises the smoke point to 450°F, making it ideal for high-heat cooking and baking.
"If you plan to use coconut oil primarily for cooking and don‘t want a strong coconut flavor, refined oil is the way to go," says Johnson. "It‘s also typically the most affordable option."
Virgin or Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin and extra-virgin coconut oil are made from fresh, raw coconut meat and undergoes minimal processing. These oils retain the pure coconut taste and aroma, as well as more of the naturally occurring antioxidants and nutrients.
"Virgin and extra-virgin coconut oils are best for low-heat cooking or recipes where you want a coconut flavor," says Johnson. "They‘re also popular for natural beauty uses like skin and hair care."
Extraction Methods
In addition to choosing refined or virgin coconut oil, you‘ll also see different extraction methods on labels. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
- Cold-Pressed: Oil is extracted from coconut meat using mechanical pressure and no added heat, which helps retain nutrients.
- Expeller-Pressed: Oil is extracted using mechanical pressure and heat, but no chemicals.
- Centrifuged: Oil is extracted using a machine that spins the coconut meat at high speeds to separate the oil from the meat.
"For the most unrefined oil, look for cold-pressed or centrifuged on the label," advises Johnson. "Expeller-pressed uses some heat but is still considered a natural and mechanically processed oil."
Organic vs. Conventional
You‘ll also have a choice between organic and conventionally grown coconut oil at Walmart. Organic coconut oil comes from coconuts grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
"Choosing organic is a personal preference, but it may offer peace of mind for those looking to avoid potential chemical residues," says Johnson. "However, organic coconut oil does tend to cost more than conventional."
How to Store Coconut Oil
Once you‘ve purchased your coconut oil from Walmart, it‘s important to store it properly to maintain freshness and quality. Coconut oil can last up to two years if stored under the right conditions.
"Coconut oil should be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard," says Johnson. "Avoid storing it near heat sources like your stovetop or oven."
Coconut oil is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated. In fact, chilling coconut oil can cause it to solidify and make it difficult to scoop out.
"If your coconut oil does harden in a cool room, simply scoop out what you need and let it melt at room temperature or zap it in the microwave for a few seconds," suggests Johnson.
Coconut Oil Recipes to Try
Ready to put your Walmart coconut oil to use? Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:
Coconut Oil Popcorn
- Pop 1/2 cup popcorn kernels in 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil in a covered pot over medium-high heat.
- Drizzle with an additional tablespoon of melted coconut oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Coconut Oil Chocolate Bark
- Melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.
- Freeze for 30 minutes until firm, then break into pieces.
Coconut Oil Body Scrub
- Mix 1/2 cup melted coconut oil with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Store in an airtight jar and use as an exfoliating body scrub in the shower.
The Bottom Line
Coconut oil may not be the easiest item to locate at Walmart, but it is readily available at all locations. By checking the cooking oil, baking, and natural foods aisles, utilizing the Walmart app, or asking for help, you can find the coconut oil you need without wasting time wandering the aisles.
When selecting a coconut oil at Walmart, consider your intended use and personal preferences for taste, price, and production methods. And don‘t forget to store your coconut oil properly to extend its shelf life.
As consumer demand for coconut oil continues to grow, it‘s likely that Walmart will expand its selection and make the product even easier to find in the future. But for now, use this guide as your road map to conquering the coconut oil hunt at Walmart and beyond.
