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Vegetable oil substitute

Dairy, cream and fats · Checked against 4 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

In baking, swap 1 cup of oil with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce or other puréed fruit, and cut the sugar a little if the fruit is sweet. For sautéing, melted butter, shortening, lard or bacon drippings work 1 for 1. Melted shortening and oil are interchangeable.

How much do you need?

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

Show only options that are

What to use

  1. Unsweetened applesauce

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 235 ml unsweetened applesauce
    Best for
    Muffins, quick breads, cakes.
    What changes
    Moist, a bit cakier and lower in fat. May need less sugar.
    Skip it when
    Frying and anything crisp.

  2. Melted butter

    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 225 g melted butter
    Best for
    Sautéing and baking.
    What changes
    Butter flavor. Burns at a lower heat than oil.
    Skip it when
    Deep frying.

  3. Melted shortening

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 cup 235 ml melted shortening
    Best for
    Baking and pan frying.
    What changes
    Neutral.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

UsePickWhy
SautéingMelted butter, shortening or lardChart standard.
Muffins and quick breadsApplesauceMoisture without extra fat.

Do not substitute here

  • Deep frying. Applesauce or butter. Use another high-heat oil.

Questions

Can I use olive oil?

Yes in most cooking. It tastes stronger. For baking, choose a mild one.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.