Substitutes for Lard

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Rendered pork fat used in traditional pie crusts, tamales, biscuits, and frying.

Can't find Lard in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Shortening 1:1 replacement pie crusts, biscuits, tamales
Vegan Dairy-Free
Butter 1:1 replacement pie crusts, biscuits
Vegetarian
Coconut Oil 1:1 replacement pie crusts, tamales, biscuits
Vegan Dairy-Free
Duck Fat 1:1 replacement roasting, frying, pie crusts

How to Use

Most common substitute. Produces similar flakiness in pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Lard?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Shortening is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Lard?
Shortening is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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