Hazelnut oil substitutes
Hazelnut oil substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Walnut oil
Same amount as the hazelnut oil
Similar nut oil with rich, nutty flavor. Excellent for baking and salad dressings where nutty flavor is desired.
The best substitutes for hazelnut oil are walnut oil, almond oil, or extra virgin olive oil, depending on the recipe and desired flavor profile.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of hazelnut oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walnut oilbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Almond oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Extra virgin olive oilsalad dressings | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Pecan oilbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Avocado oilsautéing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Grapeseed oilsautéing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Walnut oil
similar taste and texture
Similar nut oil with rich, nutty flavor. Excellent for baking and salad dressings where nutty flavor is desired.
- Best for
- baking, salad dressings, finishing dishes, desserts
Has a slightly different nutty flavor than hazelnut oil but works in similar applications.
Almond oil
different taste, similar texture
Mild, sweet nut oil that works well in baking and light cooking applications. Good for delicate flavors.
- Best for
- baking, light sautéing, salad dressings, desserts
Milder flavor than hazelnut oil but similar texture and cooking properties.
Extra virgin olive oil
different taste, similar texture
Fruity, rich oil that works well in salad dressings and light cooking. Good general substitute.
- Best for
- salad dressings, light sautéing, finishing dishes, Mediterranean cooking
Very different flavor profile but similar texture. Choose high-quality extra virgin for best results.
Pecan oil
similar taste and texture
Rich, buttery nut oil with similar flavor profile to hazelnut oil. Excellent for baking and cooking.
- Best for
- baking, sautéing, salad dressings, desserts
Very similar to hazelnut oil in terms of flavor and cooking properties. May be easier to find.
Avocado oil
different taste, similar texture
Neutral, high smoke point oil that works well in cooking applications where hazelnut oil's flavor isn't essential.
- Best for
- sautéing, roasting, baking, high-heat cooking
Neutral flavor so won't add nutty taste. High smoke point makes it good for cooking.
Grapeseed oil
different taste, similar texture
Light, neutral oil with high smoke point. Good for cooking applications where hazelnut oil's flavor isn't needed.
- Best for
- sautéing, roasting, baking, high-heat cooking
Neutral flavor and high smoke point. Won't add nutty taste to dishes.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use walnut oil instead of hazelnut oil?
Yes, walnut oil is an excellent substitute for hazelnut oil. It has a similar rich, nutty flavor and works well in the same applications, though it has a slightly different taste profile.
What's the difference between hazelnut oil and olive oil?
Hazelnut oil has a distinct toasted, nutty flavor and lower smoke point, while olive oil has a fruity flavor and higher smoke point. Hazelnut oil is better for finishing dishes, while olive oil is more versatile for cooking.
Can I cook with hazelnut oil?
Hazelnut oil has a low smoke point, so it's best used for finishing dishes, salad dressings, and low-heat cooking. For high-heat cooking, use a more stable oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.
How long does hazelnut oil last?
Hazelnut oil has a shorter shelf life than other oils due to its high polyunsaturated fat content. Store it in the refrigerator and use within 3-6 months for best quality.
Tips for substituting hazelnut oil
7 tips- Hazelnut oil has a low smoke point, so it's best used for finishing dishes, salad dressings, and low-heat cooking
- Store hazelnut oil in the refrigerator to prevent it from going rancid, as it has a shorter shelf life than other oils
- Hazelnut oil is excellent in baking, especially in chocolate desserts where it enhances the nutty flavor
- Use hazelnut oil in salad dressings with bitter greens like arugula or radicchio for a good balance
- Hazelnut oil pairs beautifully with fruits, especially pears, apples, and berries in both sweet and savory dishes
- Drizzle hazelnut oil over finished dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled fish for added flavor
- Hazelnut oil can be used in both sweet and savory applications, from vinaigrettes to dessert sauces