Palm oil substitutes
Palm oil substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut oil
Same amount as the palm oil
Similar tropical oil with comparable texture and high smoke point. Best for baking and high-heat cooking.
The best substitutes for palm oil are coconut oil, vegetable oil, or butter, depending on the cooking method and flavor profile needed.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of palm oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Vegetable oilfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Butterbaking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Lardbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Shorteningbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Avocado oilfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Similar tropical oil with comparable texture and high smoke point. Best for baking and high-heat cooking.
- Best for
- baking, frying, sautéing, tropical dishes
Has a distinct coconut flavor that may not work in all recipes. Solid at room temperature like palm oil.
Vegetable oil
similar taste, different texture
Neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point. Good general substitute for most cooking applications.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, baking, general cooking
Liquid at room temperature, so may affect texture in some recipes. Choose refined for high-heat cooking.
Butter
different taste and texture
Rich, flavorful fat that works well in baking and cooking. Adds richness and flavor to dishes.
- Best for
- baking, sautéing, sauces, pastries
Lower smoke point than palm oil, so not ideal for high-heat frying. Contains dairy.
Lard
similar taste and texture
Rendered pork fat with similar solid texture and high smoke point. Good for baking and frying.
- Best for
- baking, frying, pastries, traditional cooking
Neutral flavor that won't interfere with other ingredients. Solid at room temperature.
Shortening
similar taste and texture
Solid vegetable fat with similar properties to palm oil. Excellent for baking and frying.
- Best for
- baking, frying, pastries, pie crusts
Neutral flavor and solid texture. Choose non-hydrogenated varieties when possible.
Avocado oil
similar taste, different texture
High smoke point oil with neutral flavor. Good for high-heat cooking and baking.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, baking, salad dressings
More expensive but very healthy. Liquid at room temperature.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use coconut oil instead of palm oil?
Yes, coconut oil is an excellent substitute for palm oil. It has similar properties and solid texture, though it will add a coconut flavor to your dish.
What's the difference between palm oil and palm kernel oil?
Palm oil comes from the fruit pulp and is semi-solid at room temperature, while palm kernel oil comes from the kernel and is more solid. Palm oil is more commonly used in cooking.
Is palm oil healthy?
Palm oil contains saturated fats but also has some beneficial nutrients. It's high in vitamin E and antioxidants. Use in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I use palm oil for deep frying?
Yes, palm oil is excellent for deep frying due to its high smoke point and stability at high temperatures. It's commonly used in commercial frying operations.
Tips for substituting palm oil
7 tips- Palm oil has a high smoke point (450°F), making it excellent for deep frying and high-heat cooking
- Store palm oil at room temperature in a cool, dark place to maintain its solid consistency
- Palm oil is naturally semi-solid at room temperature, making it ideal for pastries and baked goods
- Use refined palm oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a more pronounced taste
- Palm oil is commonly used in West African, Southeast Asian, and Brazilian cuisines
- When substituting, consider the recipe's temperature requirements and desired texture
- Palm oil can be used to make flaky pie crusts and tender baked goods