Vegetable shortening substitutes
Vegetable shortening substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butter
Same amount as the vegetable shortening
About 80% fat against shortening's 100%, with dairy flavor.
Butter or lard are the best substitutes for vegetable shortening.
- Best for —
- Baking, when you want dairy flavor
Updated 3 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable shortening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ButterBaking, when you want dairy flavor | Same amount |
| 2 | LardPie crusts, when you want flaky texture | Same amount |
| 3 | Coconut oilBaking, when you want natural option | Same amount |
| 4 | MargarineBaking, when you want similar texture | Same amount |
| Not a swap | Oil + flour | not a swapNot for this |
Butter
About 80% fat against shortening's 100%, with dairy flavor
- Best for
- Baking, when you want dairy flavor
Use the same amount as vegetable shortening.
Lard
Similar texture; melts at a slightly lower temperature than shortening
- Best for
- Pie crusts, when you want flaky texture
Use the same amount as vegetable shortening.
Coconut oil
Solid at room temperature, natural alternative
- Best for
- Baking, when you want natural option
May add slight coconut flavor.
Margarine
Similar texture; stick margarine is about 80% fat, like butter
- Best for
- Baking, when you want similar texture
Use the same amount as vegetable shortening.
Oil + flour
Not a shortening substitute: stirring oil into flour does not make a solid fat, and it adds extra flour to the recipe.
- Best for
- Nothing that calls for shortening
Use butter, lard, solid coconut oil or stick margarine instead.
Questions
2 questionsWhat's the difference between shortening and butter?
Shortening is 100% fat and solid at room temperature, while butter contains water and milk solids.
Can I use shortening for frying?
Yes, shortening has a high smoke point and is excellent for frying, especially for donuts and fried chicken.
Tips for substituting vegetable shortening
4 tips- Vegetable shortening is solid at room temperature
- It has a neutral flavor that won't interfere with other ingredients
- It's great for making flaky pie crusts and pastries
- Store in a cool, dry place