There are plenty of options if you don’t want to use vegetable oil! Here are the best substitutes for vegetable oil in recipes and baking.
Looking for a substitute for vegetable oil? Vegetable oil is a neutral oil used in cooking. It’s made from extracting oils from various types of seeds, grains, fruits and nuts. What makes vegetable oil unique is its neutral flavor. It’s often used in baked goods to add texture and richness. If you’re looking to avoid vegetable oil for health reasons or have just run out, here are the best ways to replace it!
If you don’t have any vegetable oil on hand, you can substitute another neutral high-heat oil. Canola, safflower, peanut or grapeseed oils are all great choices. Refined versions can reach even higher temperatures than unrefined ones. (Check the label if you’re unsure about what you have.)
Vegetable oil can also be a main ingredient in baked goods — try it in banana bread!— since it has a really mellow flavor and adds moisture and fat to a baked good. It can also be great if you’re looking for a vegan baking substitute for your next project (just make sure you read the recipe first)! Heres the difference: Butter solidifies at room temp while vegetable oil stays liquid both at room temp and if refrigerated, maintaining the moisture of baked goods for days.
Vegetable oil is a must-have for many recipes, whether youre cooking or baking, thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. But if youre fresh out of the pantry staple, dont panic. There are plenty of vegetable oil substitutes that may be in your kitchen right now (if not, check out the best coconut oils to stock up on!). Let’s discuss the best substitutes for vegetable oil and when — and why — you should rely on them.
If youre looking for a simple ingredient you probably already have in your kitchen, melted butter can be an effective substitute for vegetable oil — especially in baked goods. Use it to add richness and flavor to cakes, cookies and muffins, but skip it for high heat cooking, since it will likely burn. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit and is full of heart-healthy fats. It has a remarkably high smoke point (about 520°F!) and a neutral flavor similar to the avocado itself. Use it to replace vegetable oil but note that it tends to be pricier, so you may only want to swap it into recipes where not much oil is used.
Note: Unrefined avocado oil has a green hue and buttery flavor that, while delicious, isnt a close substitute for vegetable oil.
Olive oil (for dressings or sauteing).
If you’re making something savory like a salad dressing or sauteing, you can use olive oil as a 1 for 1 substitute for vegetable oil. Olive oil is known as a healthy oil, and it cooks similarly to vegetable oil. Avoid using olive oil in baking, because it can add a strong floral flavor.
Compare the differences! SeeVegetable Oil vs Olive Oil.
Best substitutes for vegetable oil in cake, muffins, brownies, bread, baking, frying & more
FAQ
Can I use grapeseed oil for baking a cake?
Can you substitute grapeseed oil for vegetable oil in brownies?
Is grapeseed oil good for baking cookies?