What can I substitute for palm oil?
Running low on palm oil? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About palm oil
Palm oil is a semi-solid vegetable fat extracted from the flesh of the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). It has a mild, neutral flavour and a naturally high saturated fat content that gives it a firm texture at room temperature, making it valued in frying, baking, and as a shortening. Its high smoke point and oxidative stability make it particularly suited to high-heat cooking and shelf-stable processed foods.
Best substitute
coconut oil
Coconut oil is the closest match to palm oil in terms of saturated fat content, solid-at-room-temperature texture, and neutral-to-mild flavour. Refined coconut oil is preferred to avoid any coconut taste carrying through to the dish.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of palm oil
bakingfryingshorteningsautéing
Alternative
vegetable shortening
Hydrogenated vegetable shortening replicates palm oil's semi-solid consistency and neutral flavour, making it an excellent swap in baking and pastry applications. It performs similarly in creating flaky, tender textures in baked goods.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of palm oil
bakingpastryshorteningfrying
Alternative
lard
Lard is a rendered animal fat with a similar semi-solid texture and high smoke point to palm oil. It works very well as a frying fat and as a shortening in pastry, though it is unsuitable for vegetarian or vegan applications.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of palm oil
frying
What is palm oil called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | palm oil |
| GH | red palm oil |
| NG | red oil |
| United Kingdom | palm oil |
| United States | palm oil |
Common names for palm oil
red palm oilcrude palm oilrefined palm oilpalm cooking oil