Out of Coconut oil, one case
Vegan coconut oil substitutes: best plant-based alternatives
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Vegetable oil
Same amount as the coconut oil
The best vegan substitutes for coconut oil are Vegetable Oil (1:1), Avocado Oil (1:1), and Olive Oil (1:1). These plant-based oils work well in most vegan recipes and provide similar functionality to coconut oil.
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full coconut oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of coconut oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vegetable oilbaking | Same amount |
| 2 | Avocado oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amountTweak it |
| 3 | Olive oilsautéing | Same amount |
| 4 | Grapeseed oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Sunflower oilcooking | Same amountTweak it |
Vegetable oil
neutral taste, liquid texture
Vegetable oil is a versatile vegan substitute for coconut oil. It has a neutral flavor and works well in most baking and cooking applications. It's widely available and affordable.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, frying, when you want neutral flavor, general purpose
Vegetable oil is liquid at room temperature, so it won't provide the same structure as solid coconut oil in some recipes. It's good for moist baked goods.
Avocado oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Avocado oil is an excellent vegan substitute for coconut oil. It's rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, has a high smoke point, and has a neutral flavor that works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, frying, roasting, baking, when you want healthy option
Avocado oil is more expensive than other oils but provides excellent health benefits. It has a very high smoke point, making it good for high-temperature cooking.
Olive oil
fruity and peppery · similar texture
Olive oil is a classic vegan substitute for coconut oil. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and works well in many cooking and baking applications.
- Best for
- sautéing, roasting, salad dressings, Mediterranean cooking, low to medium heat cooking
Extra virgin olive oil has a distinct flavor that may not work in all recipes. Use light olive oil for more neutral taste. It has a lower smoke point than other oils.
Grapeseed oil
neutral taste, light texture
Grapeseed oil is a light, neutral vegan oil that works well as a coconut oil substitute. It has a high smoke point and won't affect the flavor of your dishes.
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, frying, baking, when you want neutral flavor, high smoke point cooking
Grapeseed oil is light and won't add any flavor to your dishes. It's a good source of vitamin E and has a high smoke point, making it versatile for many cooking methods.
Sunflower oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Sunflower oil is a versatile vegan substitute for coconut oil. It has a neutral flavor and good heat tolerance, making it suitable for most cooking and baking applications.
- Best for
- cooking, baking, frying, sautéing, general purpose
Sunflower oil is widely available and affordable. It has a neutral flavor and works well in most recipes. Choose high-oleic sunflower oil for better health benefits.
How it behaves in this recipe
For vegan cooking and baking, coconut oil substitutes should be plant-based and provide similar functionality. The best choices are oils that are naturally vegan and work well in various cooking methods. Consider both the cooking method and desired flavor profile when choosing your substitute.
Tips for substituting coconut oil
7 tips- For vegan baking, use liquid oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil for moist baked goods
- For high-heat cooking, choose oils with high smoke points like avocado oil or grapeseed oil
- For salad dressings and cold applications, use olive oil or flaxseed oil for their health benefits
- When substituting in baking, you may need to adjust other liquid ingredients slightly
- For crispy baked goods, you can use vegan butter or margarine instead of liquid oils
- Store oils in a cool, dark place to maintain their quality and prevent rancidity
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients when possible in baking
Notes on coconut oil
- For nutty flavor, use walnut oil or almond oil in your vegan recipes
- For omega-3 benefits, use flaxseed oil in cold applications or walnut oil in baking
- For a different texture, try using applesauce mixed with a small amount of oil
- For crispy baked goods, use vegan butter or margarine instead of liquid oils
- For a variety of flavors, experiment with different plant-based oils in your cooking
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for coconut oil?
The best vegan substitute for coconut oil depends on your use case. For general cooking and baking, vegetable oil or avocado oil work well. For high-heat cooking, use avocado oil or grapeseed oil. For flavor, use olive oil.
Can I use olive oil instead of coconut oil in vegan baking?
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of coconut oil in vegan baking. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose light olive oil for a more neutral flavor. Extra virgin olive oil will add a distinct flavor that may not work in all recipes.
What's the best oil for vegan high-heat cooking?
For vegan high-heat cooking, avocado oil or grapeseed oil are the best choices. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avocado oil is particularly good for frying and roasting at high temperatures.
Can I use vegetable oil for vegan baking?
Yes, vegetable oil works well for vegan baking as a coconut oil substitute. Use a 1:1 ratio and it will work in most recipes. Since it's liquid at room temperature, it's good for moist baked goods like muffins and brownies.
What's the healthiest vegan oil substitute for coconut oil?
Avocado oil is considered one of the healthiest vegan substitutes for coconut oil. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil is also very healthy and adds antioxidants to your dishes.