What's The Best Coconut Oil Substitute? 13 Options

Looking for a substitute for coconut oil? Butter, margarine, red palm oil, coconut butter, MCT oil — there are many options available. Find out which one is best for your needs!

Jump to:

• What Is Coconut Oil?
• 1. Refined Vegetable Oil
• 2. Avocado Oil
• 3. Olive Oil
• 4. Grapeseed Oil
• 5. Safflower Oil
• 6. Sunflower Oil
• 7. Canola Oil
• 8. Vegetable Shortening
• 9. Butter
• 10. Margarine
• 11. Red Palm Oil
• 12. Coconut Butter
• 13. MCT Oil
• People Also Ask [FAQs]
• Wrap Up: Coconut Oil Substitutes
• Recipe

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the flesh of coconuts. It has a variety of uses, including cooking, skincare, and hair care.

Coconut oil is made by drying the coconut flesh and then extracting the oil. The resulting “crude” oil is then refined to remove impurities.

There are a few different types of coconut oil, including “virgin” and “refined”. Virgin coconut oil or unrefined coconut oil is made from fresh coconuts and has a strong coconut flavor.

Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconuts and has a neutral flavor. Both types of coconut oil are good for cooking, but virgin coconut oil has a higher smoke point and is better for high-heat cooking methods.

If you’re looking for a substitute for coconut oil, consider other oils with a similar fat composition, such as olive oil or avocado oil.

These oils have similar properties to coconut oil and can be used in many of the same ways. Here is a list of the 15 best Coconut Oil Substitutes, that are closely related to Coconut Oil.

1. Refined Vegetable Oil

Looking for a good substitute for coconut oil? Refined vegetable oil is a great option! It has a neutral taste profile, so it won't affect the flavor of your dish. It also has a high heat point, making it ideal for cooking and baking. Plus, it's easy to use - just measure out the oil you need and add it to your recipe.

• When cooking, use 1 cup of refined vegetable oil for every 1 cup of coconut oil called for in the recipe.
• If you're baking, you can use a 1:1 ratio of refined vegetable oil to coconut oil.
• When substituting refined vegetable oil for coconut oil in a recipe, keep in mind that the end result will be less dense and have a slightly different texture.

2. Avocado Oil

One of the reasons I love cooking with avocado oil is that it has a high smoke point. This means I can use it for a variety of recipes, from stir-frying to roasting, without worrying about the oil breaking down and releasing harmful toxins.

Avocado oil also has a light, neutral flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients in a dish. And unlike some other oils, it doesn't become bitter when heated.

• Add a dollop of avocado oil to soup or chili for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
• Use avocado oil in place of butter or other oils when baking. The light flavor won't alter the taste of your favorite recipes.
• Make a simple salad dressing by whisking together avocado oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs and spices.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil also has a milder taste than coconut oil, making it a good option for recipes where you don't want to be overwhelmed by the coconut flavor. Plus, olive oil contains beneficial antioxidants and fatty acids that can help boost your health.

• When substituting olive oil for coconut oil in recipes, you can usually use the same amount of olive oil as you would coconut oil.
• However, if you're using olive oil to replace melted coconut oil, you'll need to use about 25% less olive oil since it has a lower melting point.
• If your recipe calls for solidified coconut oil, you can use the same amount of olive oil but heat it until it's liquid before adding it to your recipe.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for cold dishes like salads or dips. The higher-quality olive oils have more flavor and are best enjoyed when not heated.

4. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a little-known kitchen secret that can be used in a variety of ways. Unlike other oils, it has a very neutral taste, making it ideal for use in salad dressings and marinades.

It also has a high smoke point, meaning it can be used for cooking at high temperatures without losing its flavor or health properties. In addition, grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to improve heart health.

• Grapeseed oil can be used in place of olive oil in most recipes. Use the same amount of grapeseed oil as you would olive oil.
• To replace coconut oil with grapeseed oil, use three-quarters cup of grapeseed oil for every one cup of coconut oil. 
• If a recipe calls for butter, you can usually substitute an equal amount of grapeseed oil. 
• Remember that because grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor, it may not be suitable for all recipes.

5. Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is a good substitute for coconut oil because it has a similar taste profile and heat point. Safflower oil is also less expensive than coconut oil, making it a good alternative for those on a budget.

• To use safflower oil as a substitute for coconut oil, simply substitute the same amount of safflower oil for coconut oil in any recipe.
• You can also use safflower oil to replace coconut oil in baking, deep frying, or sauteing.
• When substituting safflower oil for coconut oil, keep in mind that it has a higher smoke point than coconut oil, so it can be heated to a higher temperature before it begins to smoke.

6. Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is a good substitute for coconut oil. It is also less expensive than coconut oil, making it a more budget-friendly option.

• To use sunflower oil as a substitute for coconut oil, simply replace the coconut oil in your recipe with an equal amount of sunflower oil.
• You can also use sunflower oil in place of other oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• When substituting sunflower oil for another oil, keep in mind that it has a higher smoke point than most other oils, so it is best to use it for cooking at high temperatures.

7. Canola Oil

Canola oil is a good substitute for coconut oil because it has a neutral taste, a high smoke point, and is relatively inexpensive.

• Canola oil is also suitable for Vegans as it is derived from plants. Regarding measurements, use the same amount of canola oil as you would coconut oil in your recipe.
• Additionally, when cooking with canola oil, be sure to preheat your pan on medium-high heat before adding the oil to help prevent sticking.

8. Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening has a neutral taste profile, which makes it a great option for baked goods. It also has a high heat point, which means it can be used for frying without smoking. Plus, it's very versatile–you can use it in place of butter, margarine, or oil in most recipes.

• If you're looking for a direct replacement for coconut oil, I would recommend using 1 cup of vegetable shortening for every 1 cup of coconut oil.
• However, if you're looking to cut back on the fat in your diet, you can use ⅔ cup of vegetable shortening for every 1 cup of coconut oil.
• If you're using it in place of butter or margarine, make sure to cream the shortening before adding other ingredients.

9. Butter

Butter is a good substitute for coconut oil. However, there are some important differences to keep in mind when using butter as a substitute.

• Butter has a lower melting point than coconut oil, so it will need to be used at a lower temperature.
• Butter is less stable than coconut oil and will therefore break down more quickly when exposed to heat.
• Butter contains more water than coconut oil, so it will not produce the same level of crispness when used for frying. Despite these differences, butter can be used successfully as a substitute for coconut oil in many recipes.

10. Margarine

If you're looking for a vegan-friendly, plant-based alternative to coconut oil, margarine is a great option. Margarine has a higher smoke point than coconut oil, making it a better choice for cooking at high temperatures.

• To substitute margarine for coconut oil in a recipe, simply use an equal amount of margarine.
• If you're looking for a healthier option, choose margarine that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. When cooking with margarine, be sure to watch the temperature closely to avoid burning.

11. Red Palm Oil

Red Palm Oil is a good substitute for Coconut Oil because it has a similar profile and heat point. It is also a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.

• To use Red Palm Oil, you can substitute it for Coconut Oil in equal parts.
• You can also use it to fry foods or as a butter substitute.
• For baking, you can use Red Palm Oil in place of butter or margarine.
• It is also a good oil to use for sautéing vegetables.
• When substituting Red Palm Oil for other oils, you should keep in mind that it has a higher smoke point than most other oils. This means that it can be used at higher temperatures without burning the food.
• Red Palm Oil is also a good oil to use for massage and skin care. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin.

12. Coconut Butter

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy alternative to coconut oil, look no further than coconut butter.

Unlike coconut oil, which is mostly comprised of saturated fats, coconut butter is rich in fiber and vitamins. Coconut butter also has a lower melting point than coconut oil, making it ideal for baking or cooking at high temperatures.

• When baking cakes or cookies, substitute ¾ cup of coconut butter for every 1 cup of coconut oil called for in the recipe.
• For savory dishes like stir-fries or curries, start by substituting 1 tablespoon of coconut butter for every 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Taste the dish and add additional coconut butter as desired.
• When using coconut butter as a Spread on toast or waffles instead of jelly or syrup. The natural sweetness of the coconut will be a perfect compliment to your breakfast favorite!

13. MCT Oil

MCT oil is a good substitute for coconut oil because it has a neutral taste, a high smoke point, and is easy to use. MCT oil is made from coconut oil, but it has been refined to remove the coconut flavor.

This makes it a good choice for cooking, as it won't impart any unwanted flavors to your food. MCT oil also has a very high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.

• To substitute MCT oil for coconut oil in a recipe, use an equal amount of MCT oil.
• MCT oil has a neutral taste, so it won't impart any unwanted flavors to your food.
• MCT oil has a very high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
• MCT oil is easy to use; simply substitute it in equal proportions for coconut oil in any recipe.

People Also Ask [FAQs]

Wrap Up: Coconut Oil Substitutes

• Coconut oil is a healthy, delicious, and versatile cooking oil.
• If you're looking for a substitute for coconut oil, there are many options available.
• Butter, margarine, red palm oil, coconut butter, and MCT oil are all good substitutes for coconut oil, and make sure to use extra virgin olive oil for cold dishes such as salads to enhance flavor.
• Each has its own unique flavor and properties, so be sure to choose the right substitute for your recipe.
• With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect coconut oil substitute for your needs.

So there you have it: a few of the best substitutes for coconut oil. Have we missed any of your favorite substitutes? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Recipe