21 Best Coconut Oil Substitutes That You Must Try Once In A While

Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils found in kitchen cupboards. The oil is gathered from mature coconuts, which can be found and grown virtually anywhere in the world through harvesting by hand.

As a result of the lack of chemicals and pesticides, coconut oil has a fairly low environmental impact. Coconut oil is most commonly used for cooking and healthcare purposes, making the jars incredibly versatile and worth the money.

As coconut oil melts quickly into a liquid-like texture, it’s most commonly used in replacement of olive oil or in vegan cooking as a substitute for butter.

You’ve probably clicked on this article because you’ve started preparing a recipe, only to shortly realize you’re lacking in a key ingredient – coconut oil.

Alternatively, you might just be curious about other substitutes for the popular oil. Here are the best coconut oil substitutes ranked and reviewed!

Coconut Oil Substitutes: Quick Table

Olive Oil

Olive oil is probably the most commonly used substitute for coconut oil. It is probably the most accessible substitute for coconut oil as they are so easy to find in grocery stores, plus virtually everyone has a bottle of olive oil in their cupboards.

The best way to use olive oil as a substitute for coconut oil is in cooking. Olive oil mimics the same texture as melted coconut oil, providing a non-sticky base to a frying pan, skillet, baking tray, oven dish, and virtually any other kitchenware item.

Not only this, but olive oil adds a lovely splash of flavor to savory dishes, which is why it’s commonly used in pasta, drizzled over salads, or even mixed into soups.

Plus, olive oil is said to have more nutritional value than coconut oil, as the latter is considerably higher in saturated fats.

However, olive oil isn’t a good substitute for coconut oil when it comes to baking. This is because olive oil is derived from olives, which have a pungent flavor, thus affecting the overall flavor of whatever you’re baking.

How To Substitute

Olive oil is a popular cooking oil with a light flavor and a healthy diet option. Olive oil is a natural and healthy alternative to coconut oil. The oil is made from the fruit of the olive tree. And it is typically used in cooking as a substitute for coconut oil.

Butter 

While butter isn’t vegan-friendly, it’s another simple substitute for coconut oil. This is because butter melts similarly to coconut oil when it interacts with heat, helping to resemble a similar texture to coconut oil.

Butter is also arguably more flavorsome than coconut oil, especially if you use salted butter in cooking. Unsalted butter is best for baking purposes as it doesn’t increase the salt levels in the baking mixture. 

However, butter isn’t exactly the healthiest substitute for coconut oil. A little bit of butter is fine, but if you’re keeping an eye on your weight or your cholesterol levels, you might not want to use butter as frequently as coconut oil. 

How To Substitute

Coconut oil is a favorite of many people, but it can have several side effects on the body. Butter is an excellent substitute for coconut oil. In addition, it can help with weight loss since it has lower cholesterol levels.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is another great substitute for coconut oil in baking due to the unique nutty flavor and similar texture. It won’t make the baked goods overly nutty – instead, the almond flavor works to highlight the sweetness in baked goods.

Plus, if you’re baking a nutty cake anyway, why not push the boat out and use almond oil instead of coconut oil?

Almond oil can also be used in some kinds of savory cooking, but just keep in mind the added nutty flavor that might not cooperate with some savory flavors.

However, if you’re making a satay curry, for example, a splash of almond oil can work well with the peanut flavor.  Plus, almond oil is low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option to coconut oil. 

How To Substitute

Almond oil with a nutty but similar texture to coconut oil is a fantastic substitute. If your dish calls for savory tastes, then almond oil is the best substitute for coconut oil. Also, since it contains a lower saturated fat, it is a healthy option to substitute.

Hemp Seed Oil

Interestingly, the hemp seed oil is one of the most popular forms of oil for its array of health benefits.

Not only is hemp seed oil filled with an abundance of amino acids, but it’s also said to relieve chronic pain, improve skin quality, improve sleep, aid anxiety, and works to prevent heart conditions.

However, keep in mind that these health benefits are only certain if you consume hemp seed oil orally rather than in cooking. 

A single serving of hemp seed oil can contain 10 grams of protein, which is why those on a protein-based diet (such as keto) use hemp seed oil when cooking their food to keep them fuller for longer. 

When met with heat, hemp seed oil does lose some of its nutritional and health properties. We recommend using hemp seed oil at room temperature or chilled drizzled over salads or pasta. 

How To Substitute

Hemp seed oil is a substitute for coconut oil and is suitable for several uses. It is an excellent alternative to use in cooking, and it is a good substitute for vegetable oil, coconut oil, and butter.

RELATED: 10 Great Alternatives to Vegetable Oil For Cake Baking

Grapeseed Oil

If you find the flavors of the other substitutes on this list far too potent to substitute coconut oil, check out grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is notoriously bland in flavor, meaning it won’t alter the overall flavors of the food you are making. 

The main reason why grapeseed oil is an excellent substitute for coconut oil is because of its roasting abilities.

Grapeseed oil has a high smoking point, which means that it’s less likely to cause food to burn, thus leaving food with a perfect crispy layer – ideal for making roast potatoes.

It works similarly well for frying foods to a crispy level.  Grapeseed oil is also good for baking goods due to its minimal flavor, which doesn’t work to alter the taste of the food.

This means you can substitute the exact amount of coconut oil for grapeseed oil without tasting much of a difference. 

Plus, grapeseed oil is mostly made of polyunsaturated fats, unlike most cooking oils. This means that grapeseed oil is high in omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for the human body. 

How To Substitute

Grapeseed oil is an excellent alternative to coconut oil because it has a similar consistency and is often mixed with other oils. Grapeseed oil has the same chemical composition as coconut oil but contains a much lower level of saturated fats and works well for frying.

Hazelnut Oil

Hazelnut oil might seem like a niche oil for some, but it’s another cupboard essential for plant-based eaters in the same way that coconut oil is.

Similarly to almond oil, hazelnut oil provides a nutty flavor to whatever you’re cooking, which helps to add a unique tone to both savory and sweet foods. 

Despite the fact these tones are often on the sweet side, hazelnut oil is commonly used when roasting and frying savory foods due to its high smoking point.

The high smoking point allows roasted foods to crisp effortlessly without burning, while adding a hint of nuttiness to the flavor. 

Hazelnut oil is also considered to be a healthy cooking oil as it is high in monounsaturated fats, at least 80% of which are linked to lowering cholesterol levels and improving weight loss. 

How To Substitute

Hazelnut oil is an excellent substitute for coconut oil because it also has a higher smoke point. It is a good replacement for those allergic to nuts and is perfect for cooking, baking, and smoothies. Hazelnut oil is an excellent alternative for smoothies because of its neutral flavor.

Sunflower Oil 

Sunflower oil is fairly similar to olive oil, in that it should only really be used to substitute coconut oil for cooking purposes rather than baking.

This is because sunflower oil doesn’t perform as well as coconut oil in baked goods, but it does work nicely for savory baked foods like bread or muffins. 

Due to its high smoking point, sunflower oil is great for frying foods without burning them. Fried chicken (or fried tofu for the non-meat eaters) is one of the most popular savory dishes made with sunflower oil. 

While sunflower oil isn’t the healthiest substitute for coconut oil on our list, it is filled with vitamins and antioxidants – most notably vitamin E. Vitamin E is responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses, helping to keep the body healthy and safe. 

How To Substitute

Sunflower oil is an excellent substitute for coconut oil. The light, nutty, sweet, buttery flavor makes this oil a versatile ingredient in many recipes. It is also a good alternative for baking because it is solid at room temperature.

Avocado Oil 

Avocado oil is a rather niche cooking oil that only health enthusiasts generally know about, which is why we’re recommending it to spread awareness of this awesome cooking oil.

Extracted from the pulp of avocados, avocado oil is less flavorsome than coconut oil, making it an excellent substitute to use in cooking and baking. 

The best thing about avocado oil is its high smoking point, allowing the cook to fry, grill, roast, or sauté foods without drizzling the food in fatty oils.

As avocado has become increasingly popular due to its health benefits, it only makes sense why people opt for avocado oil instead of other cooking oils. 

How To Substitute

Avocado oil is a cold-pressed fruit derived from the flesh of the avocado fruit. The oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E. Avocado oil is often used as a substitute for other oils, such as coconut oil, due to its higher smoke point. It is also more stable in hot temperatures, making it a good option for frying.

Canola Oil

Coconut and canola oils have similar properties so they will behave similarly in recipes. However, you might notice a slightly different flavor.

Canola oil is milder than coconut oil, so that it might be less noticeable in a recipe with other intense flavors.

If you are substituting canola oil for coconut oil in a baking recipe, it is best to use it in a liquid form. It will help to ensure that your baked goods turn out nice and moist.

You may use canola oil to replace coconut oil in savory recipes, like stir-fries or curries. Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning to make up for the milder flavor of the canola oil.

How To Substitute

Canola oil can be used as a 1:1 substitution for coconut oil in most recipes.

Vegan Butter

One of the best substitutes to replace coconut oil is vegan butter. They share similar properties.

Vegan butter provides your recipe with a rich, savory flavor and a chewy texture. In addition, vegan butter is perfect for baking since vegan butter is usually solid at room temperature and melts pretty well.

You may use any butter available in the market to substitute coconut oil.

How To Substitute

You may use an equal amount of vegan butter for coconut oil in your recipe.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is the best substitute for coconut oil. It is often used in Asian cuisines and is perfect for deep frying, sauteeing, and stir-fries.

The best thing about using this oil is that you can easily avail of them from any grocery store, and it’s cheap compared to other options.

It doesn’t contain any specific flavor, but you will get a slightly similar sweet taste. So if you are baking or frying, you can use this oil without second thoughts.

How To Substitute

Use vegetable for coconut oil in the substitution ratio of 1:1.

Applesauce

If you are preparing your favorite desserts and run short of coconut oil, go for applesauce.

Applesauce comes with a sweet flavor and a slight tanginess in flavor. You can get the natural sweet taste in your recipe.

Cookies, bread, cakes, or other similar desserts are perfect to use applesauce since they are sweet and provide natural flavor.

How To Substitute

Use a 1:1 substitution ratio to use applesauce for coconut oil.

Beef Tallow

Substituting coconut oil with beef tallow(fat) is easy. Heat the beef tallow in a pan on the stove until it is melted, and then use it in place of the coconut oil in any recipe.

The two oils have similar properties so the substitution will work well in most cases. Keep in mind, however, that beef tallow will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

How To Substitute

Use beef tallow to replace coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a good option if you’re looking for a coconut oil substitute. Peanut oil has a similar flavor and texture to coconut oil, making it a good choice for baking and cooking.

Peanut oil is also a good source of healthy fats, making it a healthy option for those looking to replace coconut oil in their diet.

How To Substitute

Use 1 cup of peanut oil to substitute 1 cup of coconut oil.

Shea Butter

If you’re looking to substitute coconut oil with Shea Butter for cooking, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, Shea Butter has a lower melting point than coconut oil, so you should melt it before use.

Secondly, Shea Butter is a solid at room temperature, so it is measured in teaspoons or tablespoons (coconut oil is typically measured in cups or ounces).

Finally, because Shea Butter is dense than coconut oil, you will need to use less of it to achieve the same results.

How To Substitute

Use an equal amount of shea butter for coconut oil in any recipe. However, depending on your recipe, reduce or increase the quantity of shea butter.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil has many benefits, making it a healthier choice than coconut oil. Unlike coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

It also has a lower smoke point, which means it is less likely to cause damage to your cells when heated. Many recipes may use extra virgin olive oil instead of coconut oil.

Substituting extra virgin olive oil for coconut oil is a great way to improve the healthfulness of your diet. Olive oil is healthier for you and has a more subtle flavor that can enhance the taste of your food.

How To Substitute

When baking, you can use a 1:1 ratio of olive oil to coconut oil. For sautéing or stir-frying, use a 1:2 ratio of olive oil to coconut oil. And for roasting, use a 1:3 ratio of olive oil to coconut oil.

Ghee

Substituting ghee with coconut oil in any recipe is easy to replace. However, if you are trying to avoid the saturated fat in coconut oil or are allergic to coconut, you may try ghee in your food.

To do this, melt the ghee and use it in place of the coconut oil. The measurements will be the same. Ghee has a higher smoke point than coconut oil, so you can use it for cooking at higher temperatures.

It also has a more intense flavor, so a little goes a long way. When substituting ghee for coconut oil, keep these things in mind to get the best results.

How To Substitute

Use an equal quantity of ghee in your recipe as coconut oil.

Walnut Oil

Coconut oil is unhealthy, high in saturated fat, and contributes to heart disease, whereas walnut oil has a lower saturated fat content and is a source of antioxidants.

It also has a very neutral taste, so that you may use it in any recipe. However, Walnut oil has a lower smoke point than coconut oil, so it is best suited for low or moderate-heat cooking.

Additionally, walnut oil has a distinct flavor that may differ from everyone’s taste. If you are substituting coconut oil in a recipe that calls for walnut oil, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

How To Substitute

For best results, use walnut oil for coconut oil in equal quantity.

Lard

The fat obtained from pigs is lard. It is similar to coconut oil in terms of its saturated fat content and ability to solidify at room temperature.

However, lard has a slightly higher melting point than coconut oil, so there may be better substitutes in recipes that require the oil to be in a liquid state.

Also, lard has a distinct flavor that may differ from everyone’s taste. If you use lard as a substitute for coconut oil, use it in moderation, as it is still a high-fat food.

How To Substitute

You can use lard to replace coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio for cooking.

Cooking Spray

Cooking spray is easy to get your oils and butter into healthier options. Cooking spray is a mix of oils and liquid that allows for a simple cooking process using heat.

The benefits of cooking spray are that it is an all-natural, healthy, and environmentally friendly product. It is excellent for frying, sautéing, and baking.

How To Substitute

Use the cooking spray as per your need. Spray the cooking spray on your vegetables or meat before roasting them on a baking sheet.

Safflower Oil

There might be many reasons that you would think of substituting coconut oil. Maybe you’re allergic to coconuts, or you don’t like the taste of coconut oil.

Whatever the reason, it’s easy to substitute safflower oil for coconut oil in most recipes.

Safflower oil has a similar fat content to coconut oil, so it will work well in recipes that call for coconut oil. In addition, it has a neutral flavor so that it won’t affect the taste of your food.

And it has a high smoke point, so it’s suitable for cooking at high temperatures.

How To Substitute

Use safflower oil for coconut oil; use the same amount of safflower oil as you would coconut oil. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of coconut oil, use 1 cup of safflower oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Use Instead Of Coconut Oil In Baking?

When it comes to baking, there are several substitutes for coconut oil that work similarly in terms of flavor and performance. 

For non-vegans, butter is often a good substitute for coconut oil as butter solidifies at room temperature before melting upon heat, just like coconut oil.

Butter also provides a creamy texture to baked goods that coconut oil can’t always achieve.

However, butter isn’t the healthiest substitute for coconut oil, and can have a distinctive flavor. 

Grapeseed oil is probably the best substitute for coconut oil when it comes to baking. This is because grapeseed oil doesn’t have a distinctive flavor and performs in the same way as coconut oil. 

Other substitutes include hazelnut oil and almond oil for a nutty flavor. 

Which Is Healthier, Coconut Oil Or Olive Oil?

Olive oil is healthier than coconut oil because of its fat content. While olive oil is high in good fats (polyunsaturated fat) and low in bad fats (saturated fats), coconut oil is the other way round, consisting of 80-90% saturated fats.

People who consume saturated fats are far more likely to have a high cholesterol level. Olive oil is also higher in antioxidants that provide useful health benefits such as skin and hair improvement, whereas coconut oil is more refined and contains fewer antioxidants. 

Can You Substitute Vegan Butter For Coconut Oil?

To put it simply, yes, you can substitute vegan butter for coconut oil and vice versa! It all mostly comes down to trying to mimic the same consistency as vegan butter, which is why people will often combine coconut oil with canola oil or applesauce to create a similar texture.

On the other hand, vegan butter can be used as to substitute for coconut oil in the same way regular butter can be used as a substitute.

The Best Coconut Oil Substitutes: Ranked And Reviewed

Prep time

12

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

42

minutes

Coconut oil is a popular cooking ingredient, but it has its drawbacks. Find out the best coconut oil substitutes and how to use them.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil

• Butter

• Almond Oil

• Hemp Seed Oil

• Grapeseed Oil

• Hazelnut Oil

• Sunflower Oil 

• Avocado Oil

• Canola Oil

• Vegan Butter

• Vegetable Oil

• Applesauce

• Beef Tallow

• Peanut Oil

• Shea Butter

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Ghee

• Walnut Oil

• Lard

• Cooking Spray

• Safflower Oil

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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