Coconut Oil Pulling Chews: Make Oil Pulling Easy with These Minty Bites
Traditional coconut oil pulling involves swishing liquid oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes—a practice some people find challenging due to the texture and taste. These DIY coconut oil pulling chews offer a convenient alternative, transforming the ancient practice into easy-to-use, mint-flavored tablets that dissolve naturally in your mouth.
These homemade coconut oil pulling mints combine the traditional benefits people have reported from oil pulling with modern convenience. Each chew contains a pre-measured amount of coconut oil, eliminating guesswork and making your morning routine more manageable.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic virgin coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons coconut butter or additional coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup (optional, for binding)
- 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil (food-grade only)
- 5 drops spearmint essential oil (optional, food-grade only)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or arrowroot powder (for texture)
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Silicone candy molds or ice cube trays
- Small whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Refrigerator space
Recipe Details
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2-3 hours
Yield: Approximately 20-24 chews
Storage: 2-3 months refrigerated
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Clean and sanitize all equipment. Ensure your silicone molds are completely dry. If using ice cube trays, choose smaller compartments for appropriate portion sizes.
Step 2: Soften the Coconut Oil
If your coconut oil is very firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until it reaches a workable consistency—soft but not completely melted. You want it pliable enough to mix but firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Create the Base Mixture
In your mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil and coconut butter. Using a fork or small whisk, blend until smooth and creamy. Add the honey or maple syrup if using, and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Essential Oils
SAFETY WARNING: Essential oils are highly concentrated. Use only food-grade essential oils and never exceed the recommended amounts. Start with fewer drops and add more if needed—you can always increase, but you can't remove excess oil once added.
Add the peppermint essential oil drop by drop, mixing well between additions. Taste-test carefully (a tiny amount on a clean spoon) and adjust as needed. Add spearmint oil if desired for complexity.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the sea salt and tapioca starch. Mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly sticky.
Step 6: Fill the Molds
Spoon the mixture into your molds, filling each compartment about ¾ full. Press down gently to remove air bubbles and create an even surface. Each chew should contain approximately 1-2 teaspoons of mixture.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until completely firm. Do not freeze, as this can affect the texture.
Step 8: Remove and Store
Once set, gently remove the coconut oil pulling chews from the molds. Store immediately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Use Your DIY Oil Pulling Tablets
Place one chew in your mouth first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Allow it to dissolve naturally—this typically takes 1-2 minutes. Once dissolved, swish the oil around your mouth for 10-20 minutes, then spit into a trash can (never down the drain, as coconut oil can solidify and clog pipes).
Important: Do not swallow the oil after pulling. Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.
Safety Warnings and Contraindications
ESSENTIAL SAFETY INFORMATION:
- Patch Test: Before first use, test a small amount on your inner lip to check for sensitivity
- Essential Oil Dilution: Never exceed 15 drops of essential oil per ½ cup of carrier oil
- Pregnancy/Nursing: Consult your healthcare provider before use
- Children: Not recommended for children under 5 years old due to choking risk
- Allergies: Discontinue use if you experience any irritation or allergic reaction
- Dental Work: Consult your dentist if you have crowns, fillings, or other dental work
- Medical Conditions: Speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new oral care routine
Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Cinnamon Spice: Replace mint oils with 3-5 drops cinnamon bark oil (use sparingly—it's potent)
- Citrus Fresh: Use 8-10 drops sweet orange oil plus 5 drops lemon oil
- Vanilla Mint: Add 5 drops vanilla extract along with reduced peppermint oil
Ingredient Substitutions
- Coconut butter alternative: Use additional coconut oil or cacao butter
- Starch-free option: Omit tapioca starch for softer chews
- Sweetener alternatives: Try stevia powder (just a pinch) or omit sweeteners entirely
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your coconut oil pulling chews in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. They will maintain their quality for 2-3 months when properly stored. The chews may soften at room temperature, so keep them chilled until use.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chews for up to 6 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Chews Too Soft
Add more tapioca starch or chill the mixture longer before molding. Ensure your coconut oil was properly firm when mixing.
Too Strong Mint Flavor
Essential oils intensify over time. Start with fewer drops in your next batch, or add more base mixture to dilute the current batch.
Chews Crumbling
This usually indicates too much starch or not enough binding ingredients. Add a small amount of melted coconut oil or honey to help bind the mixture.
The Convenience Factor
These easy oil pulling recipe tablets eliminate many common barriers to maintaining a consistent oil pulling routine. Traditional coconut oil teeth whitening and coconut oil oral health practices become much more manageable when you can simply pop a pre-made chew into your mouth each morning.
The pre-portioned format ensures consistency in your routine while the pleasant mint flavor makes the experience more enjoyable. Whether you're new to oil pulling or looking to simplify your existing practice, these homemade coconut oil pulling mints offer a practical solution that fits into busy modern lifestyles.
Remember: Oil pulling is a traditional practice and should complement, not replace, regular dental hygiene. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers about your oral health routine and any concerns you may have.