Out of Olive oil, one case
Vegan olive oil substitutes
7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut oil
Same amount as the olive oil
The best vegan olive oil substitutes are coconut oil, avocado oil, and canola oil. For oil-free cooking, use vegetable broth, water, or aquafaba. These plant-based alternatives work well in vegan recipes while maintaining flavor and texture.
- Best for —
- vegan baking
One casethe full olive oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of olive oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut oilvegan baking | Same amount |
| 2 | Avocado oilhigh-heat cooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Canola oilbaking | Same amountTweak it |
| 4 | Sesame oilAsian cooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Vegetable brothsautéing vegetables | ½ cup broth per ¼ cup olive oil |
| 6 | Aquafabasalad dressings | 3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 tbsp olive oil |
| 7 | Nut buttersdressings | ½ cup nut butter per 1 cup olive oil |
Coconut oil
neutral (refined) or slight coconut (unrefined) · similar texture
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, making it good for vegan baking where you need a solid fat. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle coconut taste.
- Best for
- vegan baking, cookies, brownies, tropical dishes, sautéing
Solid at room temperature, good for vegan baking. Use refined for neutral flavor.
Avocado oil
mild, buttery · similar texture
Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and high smoke point, making it excellent for all types of vegan cooking. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and works well in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Best for
- high-heat cooking, frying, roasting, salad dressings, general cooking
Mild, buttery flavor with high smoke point. Excellent for all vegan cooking.
Canola oil
neutral taste, similar texture
Canola oil is neutral-flavored and versatile, making it good for most vegan recipes. It has a good smoke point and won't interfere with other flavors in your dishes.
- Best for
- baking, frying, sautéing, salad dressings, general cooking
Neutral flavor and versatile. Good for most vegan recipes.
Sesame oil
nutty, strong · similar texture
Sesame oil has a strong, nutty flavor that's good for Asian-inspired vegan dishes. Use sparingly as it has a potent flavor, or mix with neutral oils for a more subtle effect.
- Best for
- Asian cooking, stir-fries, dressings, marinades, finishing
Strong, nutty flavor good for Asian-inspired vegan dishes.
Vegetable broth
savory, mild
Vegetable broth is nearly calorie-free and good for sautéing vegetables or adding moisture to dishes. Use low-sodium varieties to control salt content and enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients.
- Best for
- sautéing vegetables, soup bases, grain cooking, steam-frying
- Texture
- liquid
Nearly calorie-free for sautéing and adding moisture. Use low-sodium varieties.
Aquafaba
neutral taste · creamy when whipped
The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped to create creamy, oil-free dressings and baked goods. It's nearly calorie-free and works especially well in vegan recipes where you want creaminess without oil.
- Best for
- salad dressings, mayo substitutes, mousse, vegan baking, creamy applications
Chickpea liquid that can be whipped for creamy, oil-free dressings and baking.
Nut butters
nutty, rich
Nut butters like almond, cashew, or tahini can add richness and flavor to vegan dishes. They work well in dressings, dips, and some baked goods, providing healthy fats and protein.
- Best for
- dressings, dips, spreads, some baking, sauces
- Texture
- creamy, thick
Adds richness and flavor. Use almond, cashew, or tahini for different flavor profiles.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan olive oil substitutes need to be plant-based and work well in various cooking applications. Coconut oil is good for baking due to its solid state, while avocado oil excels in high-heat cooking. For oil-free options, aquafaba and vegetable broth provide excellent alternatives while maintaining the functionality of oil in recipes.
Tips for substituting olive oil
8 tips- For vegan baking, coconut oil works best as it solidifies at room temperature like butter
- Use aquafaba whipped to soft peaks for creamy dressings and mousse-like desserts
- For oil-free cooking, use a good non-stick pan with vegetable broth or water
- Sesame oil is good for Asian-inspired vegan dishes but use sparingly due to its strong flavor
- Avocado oil is excellent for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle richness to dishes
- For creamy dressings, blend aquafaba with herbs and spices for oil-free alternatives
- Nut butters work well in dressings and dips, providing healthy fats and protein
- When using vegetable broth for sautéing, add it gradually to prevent steaming instead of browning
Notes on olive oil
- Tahini can replace olive oil in Middle Eastern-inspired dressings and dips
- Silken tofu can be blended to create creamy, oil-free dressings and baked goods
- Chia seeds soaked in water create a gel-like substance that can replace some oil
- Mashed avocado works well in some recipes and adds healthy fats and creaminess
- For completely oil-free cooking, use water or broth with a good non-stick pan
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for olive oil?
Coconut oil is the best vegan substitute for olive oil, especially for baking, as it solidifies at room temperature like butter. For cooking, avocado oil works well with its mild flavor and high smoke point. For oil-free options, use aquafaba or vegetable broth.
Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil in vegan baking?
Yes, coconut oil is excellent for vegan baking as it's solid at room temperature, similar to butter. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle coconut taste. It works well in cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.
What's a good oil-free substitute for olive oil?
For oil-free cooking, use vegetable broth or water for sautéing, aquafaba (whipped chickpea liquid) for creamy applications, and cooking spray for greasing pans. These options provide similar functionality with minimal calories and no oil.
Can I use aquafaba instead of olive oil?
Yes, aquafaba can replace olive oil in many applications, especially for creamy dressings and some baking. Whip it to soft peaks for best results. It's nearly calorie-free and works well in vegan recipes where you want creaminess without oil.
What oil should I use for vegan salad dressing?
For vegan salad dressings, avocado oil provides a mild, buttery flavor, while sesame oil adds a nutty taste good for Asian-inspired dressings. For oil-free dressings, use whipped aquafaba with herbs and spices.
Can I substitute nut butter for olive oil?
Yes, nut butters like almond, cashew, or tahini can substitute for olive oil in dressings, dips, and some baking. Use about ½ cup nut butter for every 1 cup of olive oil. They add richness, flavor, and healthy fats.