Out of Margarine, one case
Vegan margarine substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut oil
Same amount as the margarine
The best vegan margarine substitutes are coconut oil, vegan butter, avocado, nut butters, and plant-based spreads. Use 1:1 ratio for most recipes, choosing based on your specific cooking needs and flavor preferences.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full margarine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of margarine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Vegan butterbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Avocadobrownies | ½ cup mashed avocado per 1 cup margarineYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Nut butterscookies | ¾ cup nut butter per 1 cup margarineYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Olive oilsautéing | ¾ cup olive oil per 1 cup margarineYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Solid at room temperature, coconut oil works excellently as a vegan margarine substitute in most baking and cooking applications.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, frosting, vegan baking, spreading
Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle tropical taste. Solidifies when cold, so it works well in recipes needing solid fat.
Vegan butter
similar taste and texture
Plant-based butter alternatives specifically formulated to mimic the taste and texture of dairy butter and margarine.
- Best for
- baking, spreading, cooking, frosting, all-purpose use
Choose brands like Earth Balance, Miyoko's, or Country Crock Plant Butter. Look for products specifically designed for baking for best results.
Avocado
different taste and texture
Creamy, healthy fat that works well in many recipes while adding nutrients and a subtle green color.
- Best for
- brownies, chocolate recipes, muffins, quick breads, healthy baking
Best in recipes where the green color won't be noticeable. Adds moisture and healthy fats while reducing overall fat content.
Nut butters
different taste and texture
Almond, cashew, or peanut butter provide healthy fats and protein while adding rich, nutty flavor to recipes.
- Best for
- cookies, muffins, energy bars, smoothies, spreading
Choose natural, unsweetened nut butters. They add protein and healthy fats but will impart nutty flavor to your recipes.
Olive oil
different taste and texture
Heart-healthy oil that works well in many cooking applications and some baking recipes.
- Best for
- sautéing, roasting, salad dressings, some baking, Mediterranean cooking
Use extra virgin olive oil for flavor, or light olive oil for neutral taste. Reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup used.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan margarine substitutes need to provide similar fat content and texture while being completely plant-based. The key is choosing the right substitute based on your recipe's requirements - solid fats for baking, liquid oils for cooking, and spreads for spreading applications.
Tips for substituting margarine
10 tips- For baking, choose solid fats like coconut oil or vegan butter for best results
- When using liquid oils, reduce other liquid ingredients by 2-3 tablespoons per cup of oil used
- For spreading, vegan butter or coconut oil work best as they're solid at room temperature
- For neutral flavor, use refined coconut oil or light olive oil
- For added nutrition, try avocado or nut butters in appropriate recipes
- Always check labels to ensure products are truly vegan and don't contain hidden dairy ingredients
- For flaky pastries, use a combination of coconut oil and vegan butter
- When substituting with nut butters, expect a denser, more protein-rich result
- For frosting, vegan butter or coconut oil work best as they provide the right texture
- Test your substitution in a small batch first to ensure the flavor and texture meet your expectations
Notes on margarine
- For all-purpose use, choose vegan butter or coconut oil
- For health-conscious baking, use avocado or nut butters
- For neutral flavor, use refined coconut oil or light olive oil
- For spreading, use vegan butter or coconut oil
- For cooking, use olive oil or other plant-based oils
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for margarine in baking?
The best vegan substitutes for margarine in baking are coconut oil and vegan butter. Coconut oil works well in most recipes and is solid at room temperature, while vegan butter provides the most similar taste and texture to margarine. Choose based on your flavor preferences and recipe requirements.
Can I use coconut oil instead of margarine in all recipes?
Coconut oil works well as a margarine substitute in most baking and cooking recipes using a 1:1 ratio. However, it will impart a subtle coconut flavor (unless you use refined coconut oil). It's solid at room temperature, making it good for recipes that need solid fat, but it may not work well in recipes requiring creaming with sugar.
Is margarine already vegan?
Most margarine is vegan as it's made from vegetable oils, but some brands may contain small amounts of dairy or other animal products. Always check the ingredient label to ensure the margarine you're using is truly vegan. Look for products specifically labeled as vegan or plant-based.
What vegan butter brands work best for baking?
Popular vegan butter brands that work well for baking include Earth Balance, Miyoko's Creamery, Country Crock Plant Butter, and Violife. Look for products specifically designed for baking, as they have the right fat content and melting properties for successful baking results.
Can I use avocado as a margarine substitute?
Yes, you can use mashed avocado as a margarine substitute, but use half the amount (½ cup avocado for 1 cup margarine). Avocado works best in chocolate recipes, brownies, and muffins where the green color won't be noticeable. It adds healthy fats and moisture while reducing overall fat content.