🥧 Baking

Healthy Substitute for Shortening: for Better Nutrition

Discover the healthiest substitutes for shortening including avocado, applesauce, Greek yogurt, and other nutritious alternatives. Learn proper ratios and techniques for healthy baking.

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Quick Answer

The healthiest substitutes for shortening are avocado (1:1 ratio) for healthy fats, applesauce (1/2 cup per 1 cup shortening) for low-fat options, or Greek yogurt (1:1 ratio) for added protein. Each provides better nutrition than traditional shortening.

Best Substitutes

Avocado

1:1

Avocado is an excellent healthy substitute for shortening. It provides healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium while creating moist, tender baked goods. Perfect for chocolate desserts where the color won't be noticeable.

Best for:

brownieschocolate dessertsmuffinsquick breadswhen you want healthy fats

Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and creates moist, tender baked goods

Applesauce

1 cup shortening = 1/2 cup applesauce

Applesauce is a popular low-fat substitute for shortening. It adds moisture and natural sweetness while significantly reducing fat content. Use half the amount of shortening and reduce other liquids slightly.

Best for:

cakesmuffinsquick breadslow-fat bakingwhen you want natural sweetness

Low-fat option that adds moisture and natural sweetness

Greek Yogurt

1:1

Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute that adds protein and creates moist, tender baked goods. It provides probiotics and calcium while maintaining good texture in baked goods.

Best for:

cakesmuffinsquick breadswhen you want added proteinmoist baked goods

Adds protein and creates moist, tender baked goods

Mashed Banana

1 cup shortening = 1/2 cup mashed banana

Mashed banana is a healthy, low-fat substitute for shortening. It adds moisture and natural sweetness while providing potassium and fiber. Use half the amount of shortening.

Best for:

cakesmuffinsquick breadslow-fat bakingwhen you want natural sweetness

Low-fat option that adds moisture and natural sweetness

Coconut Oil

1:1

Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and creates tender baked goods. It's solid at room temperature and has a subtle coconut flavor that works well in many recipes.

Best for:

cookiescakesmuffinsvegan bakingwhen you want healthy fats

Provides medium-chain triglycerides and creates tender baked goods

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For chocolate desserts, avocado works well and won't affect color
  • 💡For low-fat baking, use applesauce or mashed banana (half the amount)
  • 💡For added protein, use Greek yogurt
  • 💡For healthy fats, use avocado or coconut oil
  • 💡Reduce other liquids when using applesauce or banana
  • 💡Use room temperature ingredients for best results
  • 💡Don't overmix the batter after adding flour
  • 💡Test your substitution in a small batch first

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the healthiest substitute for shortening?

The healthiest substitutes are avocado for healthy fats, applesauce for low-fat options, or Greek yogurt for added protein. Each provides better nutrition than traditional shortening.

Can I use applesauce instead of shortening?

Yes, applesauce can be used instead of shortening using half the amount (1/2 cup applesauce per 1 cup shortening). It creates moist, low-fat baked goods with natural sweetness.

Is avocado a good substitute for shortening?

Yes, avocado is an excellent healthy substitute for shortening. It provides healthy monounsaturated fats and creates moist, tender baked goods. Works best in chocolate desserts.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of shortening?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used instead of shortening using a 1:1 ratio. It adds protein and probiotics while creating moist, tender baked goods.

What's the difference between shortening and healthy substitutes?

Shortening is high in trans fats and provides no nutrients, while healthy substitutes like avocado and Greek yogurt provide vitamins, minerals, and better fats.

How do I make low-fat baked goods without shortening?

Use applesauce or mashed banana as shortening substitutes, using half the amount. Reduce other liquids slightly and expect denser, more moist results.

Summary

Find the healthiest substitutes for shortening including avocado, applesauce, Greek yogurt, and more. Learn proper ratios and techniques for healthy baking.