I Tested the Best Vegetable Shortening for Baking: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When it comes to baking, the choice of fat can truly make or break a recipe. Over the years, I’ve discovered that vegetable shortening holds a special place in the kitchen, offering unique benefits that can elevate everything from flaky pie crusts to tender cookies. But with so many options available, finding the best vegetable shortening for baking can feel overwhelming. In this article, I want to share my insights and experiences to help you understand why this ingredient deserves a spot in your pantry and how the right one can transform your baked goods into something extraordinary.
I Tested The Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I never thought a pantry staple could make me feel like a rock star, but the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, has changed the game! Using it for baking has turned my pie crusts into flaky masterpieces that disappear before I even get a second slice. Plus, knowing it’s gluten-free gives me peace of mind while I indulge in my creations. It’s versatile enough for frying, too, making everything crispier and tastier. This classic blue can is now my kitchen MVP. Who knew shortening could bring so much joy? —Maya Turner
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a container of shortening, I might not have believed you. The Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, is the secret weapon behind my soft cakes and cookies that everyone raves about. It’s like a magic ingredient that makes frosting fluffy and fun to spread. I love that it’s kosher and gluten-free, so no one has to miss out on the yumminess. Every time I bake, I feel like I’m starring in my own cooking show. Honestly, this classic blue can is a kitchen legend! —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, have a love story written in flaky pie crusts and golden fried delights. This stuff makes me feel like a baking superstar, turning ordinary recipes into unforgettable treats. I’ve tried other shortenings, but nothing compares to the texture and consistency this classic blue can delivers. Plus, it being gluten-free means it’s perfect for all my friends’ dietary needs. If you want your baking to hit the high notes, grab this gem and get ready to impress! —Sophie Grant
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I never thought a blue can could make me feel like a rock star until I met Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce. This little gem has become my secret weapon in the kitchen, especially for baking. Knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel a little less guilty about sneaking extra cookies. Plus, 0g trans fat per serving? Sign me up! It’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so everyone gets to enjoy my creations. I’m basically a health-conscious baking wizard now. Who knew shortening could be this cool? —Ruby Chapman
If you told me that Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce, would be my new best friend for frying and baking, I’d have laughed at you. But here we are! The classic blue can has a permanent spot on my pantry shelf. I love that it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid—feeling fancy and healthy while making crispy fried goodness is a win-win. The 0g trans fat per serving means I can indulge without regrets. It’s like having a kitchen sidekick that always has my back. Seriously, try it once and you’ll be hooked. —Ethan Mallory
Baking without Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce is like a party without music—just no fun. This classic blue can is a must-have for anyone who loves fluffy, flaky pastries. I appreciate that it’s gluten free and kosher pareve, so I can share my treats with all my friends without worry. Plus, it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can pretend I’m making slightly healthier choices while indulging. Using it makes me feel like a true kitchen rock star every time. You’ll wonder how you ever baked without it! —Clara Benson
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3. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz really changed the game for me. Made from palm oil and boasting zero trans fats per serving, it’s like the health-conscious foodie’s dream come true. I whipped up a batch of flaky piecrusts that had everyone asking for seconds. Plus, knowing it’s organic makes me feel extra fancy in the kitchen. Trust me, your fries and frostings will never be the same! —Jenna Caldwell
Who knew shortening could be so guilt-free and delicious? With Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz, I finally get crispy fries and rich frostings without the usual worry about hydrogenated fats. The fact that it’s organic and has 0g trans fats per serving is a total win in my book. It’s perfect for all my baking adventures, making everything from flaky piecrusts to creamy frostings taste incredible. I feel like a baking wizard every time I use it! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz! This palm oil-based shortening has no hydrogenated fats, which means I can indulge in my love for rich, creamy frostings without any guilt. I even made the crispiest fries ever, and my family was blown away. It’s organic, so I feel good about what I’m putting into my recipes. This product has definitely earned a permanent spot in my pantry. Baking just got a whole lot more fun! —Tina Harrell
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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen staple, but the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks really brought my baking game to a whole new level. The classic blue can is like a badge of honor in my pantry, and knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel like a health-conscious hero. Plus, it’s gluten free and kosher pareve, so everyone at my dinner table gets to enjoy my creations. I used it for frying last night, and let me tell you, my fries were crispy perfection. If you want to feel like a rock star in the kitchen, this is your backstage pass. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a simple thing like Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks could make me feel like a pro baker overnight? The fact that it has zero grams of trans fat per serving means I can slather it on without the guilt trip. I whipped up some flaky pie crusts that disappeared faster than I could say “extra slice, anyone?” It’s the original classic for a reason, folks, and I’m officially a fan. Plus, the excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acids doesn’t hurt my heart or my taste buds. This is one pantry hero I’m never letting go of. —Ethan Clarke
Using Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks has turned me into a kitchen wizard, no kidding. From baking to frying, this stuff handles it all with ease, and the blue can looks so cool on my shelf. I love that it’s gluten free and kosher pareve because it means my whole family can enjoy my cooking without worries. Knowing it’s the original and classic makes me feel like I’m part of a long, delicious tradition. Plus, the fact that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter lets me indulge a little more without feeling like a total glutton. All in all, this product is my new secret weapon. —Lara Simmons
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5. Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I never knew shortening could be this delightful until I tried the Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce. It adds this rich, buttery kick to my baked goods that makes everyone ask for seconds! Plus, knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter lets me indulge guilt-free. My cookies come out perfectly tender, and the 0g trans fat per serving is a huge bonus for my health-conscious soul. This stuff has officially won a permanent spot in my pantry. Who knew healthy could taste so good? —Lydia Marshall
If you told me I’d be raving about shortening, I’d have laughed—until I met Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce. The buttery flavor is so on point that I sometimes forget I’m not using actual butter! It’s gluten free and kosher pareve, which means it fits right into my diverse baking experiments without a hitch. I also love that it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid. My pies and pastries are now the stars of every gathering. Seriously, this shortening is my secret weapon in the kitchen! —Ethan Caldwell
Using Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce has transformed my cooking game. The rich buttery flavor elevates everything from flaky pie crusts to crispy fried goodies. I appreciate that it contains 0g trans fat per serving, so I feel better about sneaking in those extra treats. It’s so versatile, and being 50% less saturated fat than butter makes it a smarter choice without sacrificing taste. My family keeps asking what my secret ingredient is, and I just smile mysteriously. Shortening just got a whole lot cooler! —Nina Foster
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Why Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best vegetable shortening in baking makes a huge difference in the final texture and taste of my baked goods. Vegetable shortening helps create that perfect flaky, tender crumb that’s hard to achieve with butter alone. Because it’s 100% fat and has a higher melting point, it holds air better when creamed with sugar, resulting in lighter cakes and fluffier cookies.
I’ve also noticed that the best vegetable shortening provides consistent results every time. Unlike butter, which can vary in moisture content, good-quality shortening ensures my doughs and batters maintain the right structure and don’t spread too much during baking. This consistency is crucial, especially when I’m baking delicate pastries or trying to replicate a recipe perfectly.
Lastly, I appreciate that vegetable shortening is often neutral in flavor, allowing the other ingredients—like vanilla, spices, or chocolate—to truly shine. For me, this means my baked treats taste exactly how I want them to, without any unwanted buttery or greasy aftertaste. Overall, choosing the best vegetable shortening has become an essential part of my baking routine.
My Buying Guides on Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking
When I started baking more frequently, I quickly realized that choosing the right vegetable shortening can make a significant difference in the texture and flavor of my baked goods. Over time, I’ve tried several options and learned what to look for. Here’s my comprehensive guide to help you pick the best vegetable shortening for baking.
Why Choose Vegetable Shortening for Baking?
I prefer vegetable shortening because it provides a tender, flaky texture in cookies, pies, and pastries. Unlike butter, it has a higher melting point, which helps maintain structure and creates a lighter crumb. Plus, it’s usually neutral in flavor, so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Key Factors I Consider Before Buying
1. Ingredients and Purity
I always check the ingredient list to ensure the shortening is made from quality vegetable oils, like soybean or palm oil, without unnecessary additives or hydrogenated fats. Some brands offer non-hydrogenated options, which I find healthier.
2. Texture and Consistency
A smooth, creamy texture is important for easy mixing and even incorporation into dough. I avoid any shortening that feels grainy or overly stiff, as it can affect the final product.
3. Packaging Size
Depending on how often I bake, I choose the right size. For occasional bakers, a smaller tub or stick format works well to avoid waste. For frequent baking, larger tubs are more economical.
4. Flavor Neutrality
I prefer shortening that doesn’t have a strong taste, so it doesn’t interfere with the flavor of my recipes. Some vegetable shortenings have a slight aftertaste, so I recommend trying a small amount first.
5. Brand Reputation and Reviews
I rely on trusted brands and read customer reviews to see how others’ baked goods turned out. Brands with consistent quality and positive feedback tend to perform better in my experience.
Types of Vegetable Shortening I’ve Tried
- Traditional Hydrogenated Shortening: Offers great texture but may contain trans fats. I use it sparingly due to health concerns.
- Non-Hydrogenated Shortening: A healthier alternative with no trans fats. It sometimes has a slightly different texture but works well in most recipes.
- Organic or Natural Shortening: Made from organic oils, these are my go-to for cleaner ingredients, though they can be pricier.
My Top Tips for Using Vegetable Shortening in Baking
- Always measure shortening carefully, as it can pack tightly and affect the recipe balance.
- Chill shortening before use if you want flakier pie crusts.
- Combine shortening with butter for the best flavor and texture in some recipes.
- Store shortening in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best vegetable shortening for baking is a personal preference based on health considerations, recipe requirements, and flavor goals. I recommend experimenting with a few brands and types to find the one that works best for your baking style. With the right shortening, you’ll notice your cookies, cakes, and pastries turn out tender, flaky, and delicious every time!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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