Out of Olive oil, one case
Olive oil substitutes - cooking & baking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Canola oil
Same amount as the olive oil
The best olive oil substitutes are canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. Choose based on cooking method: canola/vegetable for neutral flavor, avocado for high-heat cooking, coconut for baking, and walnut oil for dressings.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- neutral taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full olive oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of olive oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canola oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Vegetable oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Avocado oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 4 | Coconut oilbaking | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Grapeseed oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Walnut oilsalad dressings | Same amount | No verdict on record |
Canola oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Neutral-flavored oil with a smoke point of 400°F, making it good for most cooking applications. It's the closest substitute to olive oil in terms of versatility.
- Best for
- baking, frying, sautéing, salad dressings, general cooking
Most versatile substitute with neutral flavor and similar smoke point to olive oil.
Vegetable oil
neutral taste, similar texture
A blend of neutral oils that works well in most recipes. Similar cooking properties to olive oil without the distinctive flavor.
- Best for
- baking, frying, sautéing, cooking, general use
Most similar to olive oil in cooking properties with neutral flavor.
Avocado oil
mild, buttery · similar texture
Premium oil with a high smoke point and mild, buttery flavor. Excellent for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle richness to dishes.
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, frying, roasting, grilling, salad dressings
High smoke point (520°F) makes it excellent for high-heat cooking and frying.
Coconut oil
slight coconut · similar texture
Solid at room temperature with a subtle coconut flavor. Use refined coconut oil for a more neutral taste in baking and cooking.
- Best for
- baking, sautéing, vegan cooking, tropical dishes
Solid at room temperature, adds slight coconut flavor. Use refined for neutral taste.
Grapeseed oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Good for high-heat cooking without adding any flavor to your dishes.
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, frying, sautéing, marinades
High smoke point (420°F) and neutral flavor make it excellent for cooking.
Walnut oil
nutty, rich · similar texture
Rich, nutty oil that's good for salad dressings and finishing dishes. Has a lower smoke point so avoid high-heat cooking.
- Best for
- salad dressings, finishing dishes, drizzling, cold applications
Rich, nutty flavor good for dressings and finishing dishes. Don't heat above 320°F.
How it behaves in this recipe
Olive oil substitutes work best when chosen based on the cooking method and desired flavor profile. For neutral applications, canola or vegetable oil are ideal. For high-heat cooking, avocado or grapeseed oil excel. For dressings and finishing, walnut oil provides the best flavor complexity.
Tips for substituting olive oil
6 tips- For baking, use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil to avoid overpowering the recipe
- When substituting in salad dressings, consider the flavor profile - walnut oil adds richness, while canola oil keeps it neutral
- For high-heat cooking like frying or roasting, choose oils with high smoke points like avocado or grapeseed oil
- If a recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil for finishing, use walnut oil or a high-quality neutral oil
- When substituting in Mediterranean dishes, consider the flavor impact - you might want to add herbs or spices to compensate
- For vegan baking, coconut oil works well but may add a slight coconut flavor to the final product
Notes on olive oil
- Applesauce can replace olive oil in some baking recipes (use ¾ cup applesauce for 1 cup oil)
- Mashed avocado works well in some recipes, especially for vegan applications
- Butter can substitute for olive oil in baking and some cooking applications
- Ghee (clarified butter) works well for high-heat cooking and adds rich flavor
- For low-calorie options, consider using cooking spray or reducing the amount of oil needed
Questions
6 questionsCan I substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies, but use light olive oil to avoid a strong olive flavor. The texture and moisture will be similar, though the taste may be slightly different.
What's the best substitute for olive oil in salad dressing?
For salad dressings, walnut oil provides the best flavor profile with its rich, nutty taste. Canola oil or grapeseed oil work well for neutral dressings, while avocado oil adds a subtle buttery note.
Can I use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, avocado oil is an excellent substitute for olive oil. It has a higher smoke point (520°F vs 325-410°F), making it better for high-heat cooking, and a mild, buttery flavor that works well in most applications.
Is olive oil a good substitute for vegetable oil?
Olive oil can substitute for vegetable oil in most recipes, but consider the flavor impact. Use light olive oil for baking to minimize the olive flavor, and extra virgin olive oil works well for sautéing and roasting.
What's the healthiest substitute for olive oil?
Avocado oil is considered one of the healthiest substitutes, with similar monounsaturated fat content and a higher smoke point. Walnut oil is also very healthy with omega-3 fatty acids, but it's best used in cold applications due to its lower smoke point.
Can I substitute coconut oil for olive oil?
Yes, coconut oil can substitute for olive oil, especially in baking and vegan recipes. Use refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavor, or unrefined if you want a subtle coconut taste. Note that coconut oil is solid at room temperature.