There are many options if you don’t want to use canola oil! Here is the best canola oil substitute for recipes and baking.
Looking for a substitute for canola oil? Rapeseed oil is a neutral oil from the rapeseed plant. There is conflicting information on whether it is healthy or should be avoided (read more about whether canola oil is good for you here). This oil is often used in baked goods to add texture and richness. If you’re trying to avoid canola oil for health reasons, or you’re simply out of canola oil, here are the best ways to substitute it!
Best Canola Oil Substitutes
1. Olive Oil (for salad dressings or stir-fries).
The Best Substitute for Canola Oil? Olive oil is known for being a heart-healthy cooking oil (source). If you’re making something salty like salad dressing or stir-fries, you can substitute olive oil for canola oil on a 1:1 basis. It cooks just like vegetable oil. Avoid using olive oil in cooking as it can add a strong floral flavor.
2. Organic grapeseed oil, vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
The best substitute for canola oil in baking? Another neutral oil! Try grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil as a 1:1 substitute for canola oil. Find organic versions of these oils if you can. They all have a neutral taste and are quite interchangeable with rapeseed oil.
3. Melted coconut oil or butter (for cooking).
Can butter be substituted for oil in baking? Yes! You can use melted coconut oil or butter as a 1:1 substitute for vegetable oil in baked goods like muffins, cakes, and cookies. The resulting texture will be very similar, although it may taste slightly different. Coconut oil is the best choice for a vegan and plant-based diet.
4. Applesauce (for cooking).
Looking for a healthy substitute? If you want to save calories on baked goods, you can use applesauce or another fruit puree as a substitute for vegetable oil. Although using applesauce reduces calories, replacing all of the oil will make the texture of the baked product much smoother. For this reason we recommend half the oil with applesauce, then use another oil (above) for the remaining half.
Here are some of our favorite recipes that call for a neutral oil like canola oil:
