BlueRose
I don't know all the answers to your questions. However, I do know this --- several months ago I bought some virgin coconut oil from Whole Foods (I do believe it was their house brand) and it was some nasty tasting stuff. Yes, I did check the expiration date and when I opened it, smelled it and all seemed well. Then, as usual, I added it to my morning oatmeal---it was truly awful! I threw it out and went back to the brand I like.
I use Emerald Laboratories "Extra Virgin, Certified Organic" coconut oil which can be found at GNC stores. They also make it in capsule form which is the way my husband prefers to take his coconut oil. I've found this oil to be extremely mild tasting---in other words, it doesn't overpower the oatmeal. According to their ingredients list, it says it's
Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil and under "other ingredients" it says "none".
If you do go to your local GNC store, you may find that it is out of stock --- it's very popular. You can also order it online at
http://www.gnc.com