🫒 Oils & Fats

Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for extra virgin olive oil including regular olive oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil. Learn proper ratios and when to use each substitute.

✓

Quick Answer

The best substitutes for extra virgin olive oil are regular olive oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil. Use 1:1 ratio and choose based on your cooking method and flavor preferences.

Best Substitutes

Regular Olive Oil

1:1

The closest substitute to extra virgin olive oil with similar flavor profile and cooking properties. Made from subsequent pressings of olives rather than the first cold pressing.

Best for:

cookingbakingsalad dressingsmarinadesgeneral usewhen you want similar flavor

Regular olive oil has a similar flavor to extra virgin but may be less fruity and complex. It has a higher smoke point, making it better for high-heat cooking.

Avocado Oil

1:1

High-quality oil with similar health benefits and a high smoke point. Has a neutral flavor that works well in most applications where you want the cooking properties without the olive flavor.

Best for:

cookingbakingsalad dressingsmarinadeshigh-heat cookingwhen you want neutral flavor

Avocado oil has a neutral flavor but similar health benefits to extra virgin olive oil. It has a very high smoke point, making it excellent for frying and high-heat cooking.

Vegetable Oil

1:1

Neutral-flavored oil that works well as a substitute when you need the cooking properties without the distinctive olive flavor. More affordable and widely available.

Best for:

cookingbakingfryingmarinadeswhen you want neutral flavorbudget-friendly option

Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and is more affordable than extra virgin olive oil. It has a high smoke point but lacks the health benefits and flavor complexity.

Grapeseed Oil

1:1

Light, neutral oil with a high smoke point that works well for cooking and baking. Has a clean flavor that won't interfere with other ingredients.

Best for:

cookingbakingfryingsalad dressingswhen you want neutral flavorhigh-heat cooking

Grapeseed oil is very neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point. It's a good choice when you want the cooking properties without any distinctive flavor.

Coconut Oil

1:1

Solid oil that melts when heated, with a distinctive coconut flavor. Good for baking and some cooking applications, but will change the flavor profile of your dish.

Best for:

bakingcookingwhen you want coconut flavorvegan bakingtropical dishes

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and has a distinctive coconut flavor. It works well in baking but will change the taste of your dish.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For salad dressings, regular olive oil or avocado oil work best as they maintain the oil's role in emulsification
  • 💡When substituting in baking, use oils with similar fat content - regular olive oil or avocado oil are ideal
  • 💡For high-heat cooking, choose avocado oil or grapeseed oil as they have higher smoke points than extra virgin olive oil
  • 💡If you want to maintain the Mediterranean flavor profile, regular olive oil is your best bet
  • 💡For neutral-flavored dishes, avocado oil or grapeseed oil won't interfere with other ingredients
  • 💡When making marinades, any of these substitutes will work, but consider the flavor impact on your final dish
  • 💡Extra virgin olive oil is best for finishing dishes - if substituting, use regular olive oil for similar effect

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you substitute extra virgin olive oil for vegetable oil?

Yes, you can substitute extra virgin olive oil for vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. However, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, so use it for low to medium heat cooking only.

What's the best substitute for extra virgin olive oil in salad dressing?

Regular olive oil is the best substitute for extra virgin olive oil in salad dressing as it has the most similar flavor profile. Avocado oil also works well if you prefer a more neutral taste.

Can I substitute extra virgin olive oil for vegetable oil in baking?

Yes, you can substitute extra virgin olive oil for vegetable oil in baking using a 1:1 ratio. The olive oil will add a subtle fruity flavor to your baked goods.

What's the difference between extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first cold pressing of olives and has lower acidity and more complex flavor. Regular olive oil comes from subsequent pressings and may be refined, resulting in a milder flavor.

Is avocado oil a good substitute for extra virgin olive oil?

Yes, avocado oil is an excellent substitute for extra virgin olive oil. It has similar health benefits, a high smoke point, and works well in most applications, though it has a more neutral flavor.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for extra virgin olive oil including regular olive oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil. Learn proper ratios and when to use each substitute.