Out of Shortening, one case
Healthy substitute for shortening: better nutrition
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Avocado
Same amount as the shortening
The healthiest substitutes for shortening are avocado (1:1 ratio) for healthy fats, applesauce (½ 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.
- The tweak —
- Mash ripe avocado until smooth. Use 1:1 ratio with shortening. Works best in chocolate or dark-colored baked goods.
- Best for —
- brownies
One casethe full shortening card
Why it works
ShorteningHealthy substitutes for shortening provide better nutrition while maintaining the necessary fat content for baking. Avocado and coconut oil provide healthy fats, while applesauce and banana reduce fat content. Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics. Each substitute offers unique health benefits.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of shortening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avocadobrownies | Same amount |
| 2 | Applesaucecakes | ½ cup applesauce per 1 cup shortening |
| 3 | Greek yogurtcakes | Same amount |
| 4 | Mashed bananacakes | ½ cup mashed banana per 1 cup shortening |
| 5 | Coconut oilcookies | Same amount |
Avocado
neutral to slightly nutty
Avocado is an excellent healthy substitute for shortening. It provides healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium while creating moist, tender baked goods. Good for chocolate desserts where the color won't be noticeable.
- Best for
- brownies, chocolate desserts, muffins, quick breads, when you want healthy fats
- Texture
- moist, tender
- Prep
- Mash ripe avocado until smooth. Use 1:1 ratio with shortening. Works best in chocolate or dark-colored baked goods.
Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and creates moist, tender baked goods.
Applesauce
slightly sweet, apple
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
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, low-fat baking, when you want natural sweetness
- Texture
- moist, dense
- Prep
- Use ½ cup applesauce for every 1 cup shortening. Reduce other liquids by 1-2 tablespoons. Mix with wet ingredients.
Low-fat option that adds moisture and natural sweetness.
Greek yogurt
slightly tangy
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
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, when you want added protein, moist baked goods
- Texture
- moist, tender
- Prep
- Use plain Greek yogurt at room temperature. Mix with wet ingredients, then add to flour mixture.
Adds protein and creates moist, tender baked goods.
Mashed banana
banana, sweet
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
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, low-fat baking, when you want natural sweetness
- Texture
- moist, dense
- Prep
- Use ½ cup mashed banana for every 1 cup shortening. Reduce other liquids by 1-2 tablespoons. Mix with wet ingredients.
Low-fat option that adds moisture and natural sweetness.
Coconut oil
subtle coconut
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
- cookies, cakes, muffins, vegan baking, when you want healthy fats
- Texture
- tender, similar to shortening
- Prep
- Use solid coconut oil at room temperature. If melted, refrigerate until solid before using.
Provides medium-chain triglycerides and creates tender baked goods.
How it behaves in this recipe
- Brownies
- Avocado works best for brownies, providing healthy fats and moist texture. The chocolate masks any color change.
- Cakes
- Greek yogurt or applesauce work well for cakes, providing moisture and better nutrition.
- Muffins
- Applesauce or mashed banana work well for muffins, creating moist, low-fat results.
- Cookies
- Coconut oil works best for cookies, providing healthy fats and good texture.
- Quick breads
- Greek yogurt or applesauce work well for quick breads, providing moisture and nutrition.
Tips for substituting shortening
8 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
Notes on shortening
- Avocado for healthy fats and moist texture
- Applesauce for low-fat options with natural sweetness
- Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture
- Mashed banana for low-fat options with natural sweetness
- Coconut oil for healthy fats and good texture
Questions
6 questionsWhat'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 (½ 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.