Substitutes for Vegetable Shortening

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Solid vegetable fat used in pie crusts, biscuits, frostings, and frying for tender, flaky results.

Can't find Vegetable Shortening in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 3 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Butter 1:1 replacement pie crusts, biscuits, frostings
Vegetarian
Coconut Oil (solid) 1:1 replacement pie crusts, biscuits, frostings, frying
Vegan Dairy-Free
Vegan Butter 1:1 replacement pie crusts, cookies, frostings
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

Adds flavor. Results in slightly less flaky pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Vegetable Shortening?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Butter is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Vegetable Shortening?
Coconut Oil (solid) 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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