Out of Vegetable oil, one case
Guide to vegetable oil substitutes
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Canola oil
Same amount as the vegetable oil
The best vegetable oil substitutes are canola oil (1:1), olive oil (1:1), coconut oil (1:1), butter (1:1), and applesauce (½ cup per 1 cup oil). Choose based on your cooking method: canola oil for neutral flavor, olive oil for Mediterranean taste, coconut oil for tropical flavor, butter for richness, and applesauce for healthy baking.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- all cooking methods
One casethe full vegetable oil card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canola oilall cooking methods | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Olive oilsautéing | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut oilbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Butterbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Avocado oilall cooking methods | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Applesaucebaking | ½ cup per 1 cup oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Grapeseed oilall cooking methods | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 8 | Peanut oilfrying | Same amountWorks | Works |
Canola oil
similar taste and texture
Canola oil is the closest substitute to vegetable oil with neutral flavor, high smoke point, and similar properties. It's the most versatile substitute for all cooking and baking applications.
- Best for
- all cooking methods, baking, frying, sautéing, neutral flavor recipes
Most similar to vegetable oil. Neutral flavor, high smoke point, works in all recipes.
Olive oil
enhanced taste, similar texture
Olive oil adds Mediterranean flavor and health benefits. Use light olive oil for baking to avoid strong flavor, or extra virgin olive oil for cooking to add fruity notes.
- Best for
- sautéing, roasting, salad dressings, Mediterranean cooking, baking (light olive oil)
Use light olive oil for baking, extra virgin for cooking. Adds Mediterranean flavor.
Coconut oil
enhanced taste, similar texture
Coconut oil adds subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking and cooking. It's solid at room temperature, so melt it before measuring. Great for vegan recipes.
- Best for
- baking, sautéing, vegan recipes, tropical dishes, chocolate desserts
Melt before measuring. Adds subtle coconut flavor. Solid at room temperature.
Butter
enhanced taste and texture
Butter adds richness and flavor to recipes, creating more tender textures in baked goods and enhancing savory dishes. Melt it before measuring for accurate amounts.
- Best for
- baking, sautéing, rich recipes, flavorful dishes, golden baked goods
Melt before measuring. Adds richness, flavor, and golden color to baked goods.
Avocado oil
similar taste and texture
Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and the highest smoke point of any cooking oil. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it both versatile and healthy.
- Best for
- all cooking methods, high-heat cooking, frying, healthy cooking, neutral flavor recipes
Neutral flavor, very high smoke point (520°F). Premium, healthy option.
Applesauce
enhanced taste, different texture
Applesauce is a healthy substitute that reduces calories by about 75% while adding fiber and natural sweetness. Use half the amount of oil called for in the recipe.
- Best for
- baking, cakes, muffins, quick breads, healthy recipes, low-fat baking
Use unsweetened applesauce. Reduces calories by 75% and adds fiber.
Grapeseed oil
similar taste and texture
Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it excellent for all types of cooking. It's also rich in polyunsaturated fats.
- Best for
- all cooking methods, frying, sautéing, baking, neutral flavor recipes
Neutral flavor, high smoke point. Good for all cooking methods.
Peanut oil
similar taste and texture
Peanut oil has a very high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it excellent for frying and high-heat cooking. It's commonly used in commercial kitchens.
- Best for
- frying, high-heat cooking, stir-frying, deep frying, commercial cooking
High smoke point (450°F), neutral flavor. Excellent for frying.
How it behaves in this recipe
Choosing the right vegetable oil substitute depends on your cooking method, flavor preferences, and health goals. Each substitute has unique properties that make it better suited for certain applications. Consider the smoke point, flavor profile, and health benefits when making your choice.
Tips for substituting vegetable oil
10 tips- For neutral flavor: Use canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil
- For added flavor: Use olive oil, coconut oil, or butter
- For healthy options: Use avocado oil, olive oil, or applesauce
- For high-heat cooking: Use avocado oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil
- For baking: Use canola oil, light olive oil, or melted butter
- For frying: Use canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil
- For sautéing: Use olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil
- For low-fat baking: Use applesauce (reduce amount by half)
- For vegan recipes: Use coconut oil, avocado oil, or canola oil
- For Mediterranean dishes: Use extra virgin olive oil
Notes on vegetable oil
- Greek yogurt (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for added protein and moistness
- Mashed banana (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for natural sweetness and potassium
- Pumpkin puree (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for seasonal flavor and nutrients
- Sour cream (½ cup per 1 cup oil) for extra moistness and tang
- Buttermilk (reduce other liquids) for tender crumb and slight tang
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best all-purpose substitute for vegetable oil?
Canola oil is the best all-purpose substitute as it has a neutral flavor, high smoke point, and works in all cooking methods. It's the closest match to vegetable oil in terms of flavor and performance.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in all recipes?
Yes, but choose the right type. Use light olive oil for baking and neutral recipes, or extra virgin olive oil for cooking where you want to add Mediterranean flavor.
What's the healthiest substitute for vegetable oil?
Avocado oil is the healthiest substitute as it's rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It also has the highest smoke point, making it stable at high temperatures.
Can I use butter instead of oil in all recipes?
Butter works well in most recipes but adds richness and flavor. It's especially good for baking and sautéing. Melt it before measuring and use it in a 1:1 ratio with vegetable oil.
What's the best substitute for frying?
For frying, use oils with high smoke points like avocado oil (520°F), peanut oil (450°F), or canola oil (400°F). These oils can withstand high temperatures without breaking down.