There are many options if you don’t want to use coconut oil! Here are the best substitutes for coconut oil in recipes and baking.
Looking for a coconut oil substitute? Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the flesh of coconuts. It is used as a substitute for butter in cooking, especially in vegan baking. It is also used as a topical treatment for certain skin conditions and in some beauty products. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, which makes it a great substitute for butter as it has similar properties.
If you’re looking for a coconut oil substitute due to allergy, taste or simply because you don’t have any in your pantry, we’re here to help! Keep in mind that the best substitute depends on the type of recipe you’re making: baking recipes are different from baking in coconut oil.
Best coconut oil substitute
1. Butter or vegan butter (best for baking).
The best substitute for coconut oil in baking is the same amount of butter! Since butter is also solid at room temperature, the properties are similar. Vegan butter is plant friendly and there are many great vegan butter brands on the market. Using butter results in a richer, more savory flavor than coconut oil. It also gives a softer, chewy texture to baked goods like cookies.
2. Olive oil (raw).
Olive oil is a vegetable oil like coconut oil and works well as a 1-to-1 substitute. We do not recommend using olive oil in coconut oil products. Bakery as the flavor can be strong. But it works well in soups, stir-fries, salad dressings, etc. (Olive oil is also healthier; read more about coconut oil vs. olive oil.)
3. Neutral oil, such as grapeseed oil or sunflower oil.
Neutral oils are an excellent choice as a 1-to-1 substitute for coconut oil. They are also vegetable oils, but their flavor is milder than coconut oil. They are good for quick breads and muffins.
Here are some of our favorite coconut oil recipes:
