I was thrilled when Tropical Traditions, a company I hadn’t heard of, contacted me through Feed Your Skull to see if I was interested in trying a free sample of their virgin coconut oil.

They cleverly observed that I have an abundance of coconut oil recipes. What I received was not just a free sample but a generous 32 fl. oz. free sample.

I have been using coconut oil for several years now and in a variety of ways. I enjoy it as a deep conditioner on my hair before bed, as a light frizz-ease or smoothing treatment during the day (great for in between wavy hair), as part of my everyday facial moisturizing routine, as eye makeup remover, to oil baking pans, to add creaminess to hot teas/coffees/smoothies, a before bed hand and foot moisturizer (great in the winter), all over body moisturizer after showering, to remove sticky labels from jars, a butter substitute on toast and in baked veg*n recipes, and I’m sure there are many many more. 😉

My favorite go-to brands have been Nutiva and Trader Joe’s. What I enjoy most about Trader Joe’s and Nutiva is they have a fresh coconut flavor that isn’t overpowering. What I found upon sampling a straight teaspoon of the Tropical Traditions coconut oil is that it was less palatable straight from the jar than the other brands. It has a very synthesized chemical taste. I was so surprised I didn’t favor it that I had my husband try it too. He agreed.

While I prefer my other brands, I have been using TT in baking and to grease pans and haven’t detected a flavor in the food which is nice. I also love the glass packaging and that it carries the same wonderful nutritional benefits.

How do you use coconut oil or how would you like to use coconut oil?

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Updated with reply from Tropical Traditions:

…we did want to take a moment to address the comment about a synthesized chemical taste. Our Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is made in the most traditional way, using time honored techniques. This coconut oil is made by hand in small batches, so that it is not mass produced, and we also do not use any chemicals or solvents during processing. You can learn more about how the Gold Label coconut oil is made here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm

It was great to get this added input from Tropical Traditions, I know taste often varies widely between people, which is something to keep in mind.