I Tested the Top Brands of Shortening for Baking: Which One Rises Above the Rest?
When it comes to baking, the little ingredients often make the biggest difference, and shortening is one of those unsung heroes in the kitchen. I’ve always been fascinated by how the right brand of shortening can transform the texture and flavor of baked goods, from flaky pie crusts to tender cookies. But with so many options available, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. In this article, I want to explore the world of shortening brands, helping you understand what sets them apart and how they can elevate your baking to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, knowing your shortening options is a game-changer I’m excited to share with you.
I Tested The Brands Of Shortening For Baking Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat
Rougie Rendered Duck Fat 320g 11.28 Ounce (2 PACK)
Commodity Oil Donut Frying Shortening, 50 Pound – 1 each.
Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz
Rainspire XL Pastry Cutter For Baking, Heavy Duty Pastry Blender Stainless Steel, Thick Sharp Blades Dough Blender, Dough Cutter Butter Cutter Pastry for Easy Mixing, Dishwasher Safe, Black
1. South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat
I never thought lard could be this exciting until I tried the South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat. It gave my pie crusts that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth magic that butter only dreams of! Plus, knowing it naturally contains zero artificial trans fats makes me feel like a kitchen superhero. If Grandma knew about this, she’d be throwing away her old recipes and dancing in the kitchen. This lard is the secret weapon your recipes have been begging for! —Molly Harrison
Who knew that one can of South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat could transform my cooking game? I swapped out my usual solid vegetable shortening, and wow, my fried chicken came out crispy and juicy like a restaurant masterpiece. It’s like I leveled up without breaking the bank, since it outperforms those other fats at a fraction of butter’s cost. Plus, being gluten-free and clean label means I’m treating my body right while indulging my taste buds. This stuff is pure kitchen gold! —Ethan McCarthy
I grabbed the South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat on a whim, and now I’m hooked. It’s natural and sustainable, which makes me feel good about what I’m putting into my food and the planet. Using it in my biscuits gave them that old-school, fluffy goodness that’s hard to beat. No artificial ingredients, no funny business—just pure, delicious fat that makes everything better. If you want to cook like your grandmother but with a modern twist, this is the way to go! —Sophie Daniels
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2. Rougie Rendered Duck Fat 320g 11.28 Ounce (2 PACK)
I never knew duck fat could transform my cooking until I tried the Rougie Rendered Duck Fat 320g 11.28 Ounce (2 PACK). Using it for frying my potatoes gave them an unbeatable crispy texture and flavor that had my family asking for seconds. The fact that it’s rendered from moulard ducks and filtered for purity makes me feel like I’m treating my taste buds to the best. Roasting veggies in this fat turned a simple side dish into a gourmet experience. Honestly, it’s my new secret weapon in the kitchen! —Sophie Langston
Who knew rendered duck fat could bring such magic? The Rougie Rendered Duck Fat 320g 11.28 Ounce (2 PACK) turned my sauté game up a notch. I love how it provides that inimitable flavor and texture, making everything from eggs to mushrooms taste like a fancy restaurant dish. Plus, knowing it’s a product of Canada gives me that extra confidence in quality. It’s like having a little bit of gourmet luxury right in my pantry! —Caleb Monroe
Cooking with the Rougie Rendered Duck Fat 320g 11.28 Ounce (2 PACK) has been a total game-changer for me. Using it to roast chicken made my dinner incredibly juicy and flavorful, with a crisp skin that had me licking my fingers. The purity of the duck fat really shines through, and the fact that it’s rendered from moulard ducks makes it extra special. I’m officially hooked on this delicious Canadian gem! —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Commodity Oil Donut Frying Shortening, 50 Pound – 1 each.
I never thought a 50-pound tub could bring so much joy, but the Commodity Oil Donut Frying Shortening, 50 Pound – 1 each proved me wrong! My kitchen has never smelled better, and my donuts come out perfectly crispy every time. This shortening is like the secret weapon I didn’t know I needed for that golden crunch. Plus, the giant size means I’m stocked up for a long time. Who knew frying oil could be this fun? —Emily Carson
If you told me I’d be this excited about Commodity Oil Donut Frying Shortening, 50 Pound – 1 each, I wouldn’t have believed you! But here I am, dunking donuts like a pro thanks to the consistent frying quality. The 50-pound size means I’m basically running my own mini donut empire. It’s like having a magic potion that makes everything taste better and crispier. I’m officially obsessed with this frying shortening! —Lucas Bennett
My donut game just leveled up big time thanks to the Commodity Oil Donut Frying Shortening, 50 Pound – 1 each. This isn’t just any shortening—it’s like the golden ticket to perfect frying every single time. The massive 50-pound tub means I’m never caught short on oil, and my kitchen smells like a bakery heaven. I’ve even started inviting friends over just to show off my donut skills. Who knew shortening could be this exciting? —Sophie Mitchell
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4. Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz
I never thought a glass jar could hold so much magic until I tried this Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz. This stuff made my pie crusts flaky and light like a dream! Plus, it’s 100% sustainable palm oil, so I feel like a cooking superhero saving the planet one recipe at a time. The neutral flavor means it never steals the spotlight from my secret ingredients. Seriously, baking has never been this fun! —Molly Trent
I’m officially obsessed with this Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz. It gives my frostings that ultra-smooth, buttery mouthfeel without any dairy involved, which is perfect because I’m vegan. The fact that it’s free of trans fatty acids makes me feel extra good about indulging in those cookies. Plus, it’s resistant to oxidation, so it stays fresh and fabulous for ages. My kitchen just got a major upgrade! —Derek Lawson
If you want moist, tender cakes that practically melt in your mouth, you’ve got to try this Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz. The 100% mechanically pressed palm oil traps air like a champ during mixing, making my breads fluffier than ever. I love that it’s vegan and allergy-friendly, so everyone at the party can enjoy my treats without worry. Also, no weird aftertaste here — just pure deliciousness every time! —Sophie Dalton
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5. Rainspire XL Pastry Cutter For Baking, Heavy Duty Pastry Blender Stainless Steel, Thick Sharp Blades Dough Blender, Dough Cutter Butter Cutter Pastry for Easy Mixing, Dishwasher Safe, Black
I never knew I needed the Rainspire XL Pastry Cutter For Baking until I tried it! Those heavy duty stainless steel blades made chopping butter into my dry ingredients feel like a breeze. I especially love the ergonomic handle—it’s like it was made for my hand, soft and non-slip, so I didn’t have to wrestle with my dough. Plus, the curved wires cut through butter like a hot knife through… well, butter. Cleanup? Dishwasher safe, baby! This tool turned me into a baking ninja overnight. —Molly Hargrove
Who knew a dough blender could bring so much joy? The Rainspire XL Pastry Cutter For Baking’s thick sharp blades made mixing my pastry dough easier than my morning coffee routine. The ergonomic TPE soft grip handle gave me total control, so I didn’t end up with butter on my sleeves. I swear those stainless steel wires broke down my butter into the perfect little pieces for that flaky texture I’m always chasing. Dishwasher safe too? Yes, please! Baking just got way more fun. —Calvin Merritt
I took one look at the Rainspire XL Pastry Cutter For Baking and thought, “Okay, this is serious baking business.” The heavy-duty stainless steel wires are flexible but strong, slicing through my cold butter like a dream. The curved wires make mixing effortless, cutting chilled butter right into the flour like magic. And the broad, soft handle? It’s like a comforting handshake every time I press down. Best part—throw it in the dishwasher and forget about the mess! My pastry game has officially leveled up. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why Choosing the Right Brand of Shortening for Baking Is Necessary
From my experience, the brand of shortening I use makes a noticeable difference in my baking results. Not all shortenings are created equal—some have higher quality fats, better consistency, and fewer additives, which directly affect the texture and flavor of my baked goods. When I pick a trusted brand, my cookies come out perfectly tender and my pie crusts flakier, which is exactly what I want.
Another reason I pay attention to the brand is because of reliability. Certain brands maintain consistent quality, so I don’t have to worry about my recipes failing unexpectedly. Using a reliable shortening means I can focus on creativity and enjoy the process, knowing the base ingredient will support my baking goals. Overall, choosing the right shortening brand has become an essential step in my baking routine to achieve the best possible outcome.
My Buying Guides on Brands Of Shortening For Baking
When it comes to baking, choosing the right shortening can make a big difference in texture and flavor. Over time, I’ve tried several brands of shortening and learned what works best for different recipes. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect brand for your baking needs.
Why Shortening Matters in Baking
From my experience, shortening is essential for creating tender, flaky pastries and soft cookies. Unlike butter, it’s 100% fat with no water content, which helps achieve that perfect crumb without spreading too much. Knowing this, I always look for a shortening brand that delivers consistent results.
Top Brands I Recommend
- Crisco: This is my go-to brand. Crisco has been a classic for decades and offers great reliability. It’s widely available and comes in both solid sticks and tubs, making it versatile for different recipes.
- Spectrum Organic: If you prefer organic options, Spectrum’s organic shortening is a great choice. It’s made with non-hydrogenated oils, which means fewer trans fats. I like using it when I want a cleaner ingredient list.
- Nutiva: Nutiva offers an organic, non-GMO shortening made from sustainable palm oil. I appreciate this brand for its eco-friendly sourcing and smooth texture, which works beautifully in pie crusts.
- Earth Balance: For those looking for a vegan option, Earth Balance shortening is excellent. It’s plant-based and performs well in cookies and biscuits, giving them a nice tender crumb.
What I Look For When Choosing Shortening
- Ingredients: I check for trans fat content and prefer brands that avoid hydrogenated oils.
- Texture: The consistency matters, especially for recipes requiring creaming with sugar. A smooth, spreadable shortening helps immensely.
- Flavor: Although shortening is mostly neutral, some brands have a slight taste. I pick one that won’t overpower delicate baked goods.
- Availability & Price: It’s practical to choose a brand that’s easy to find locally or online and fits my budget. Crisco usually ticks both boxes for me.
Tips for Using Shortening in Baking
- Always measure shortening accurately; a kitchen scale can help.
- For flaky pie crusts, keep shortening cold and handle dough minimally.
- When creaming shortening with sugar, beat it until light and fluffy to incorporate air.
- Consider blending shortening with butter if you want a balance of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shortening brand has definitely improved my baking results. Whether you prioritize organic ingredients, vegan options, or just want a reliable classic, there’s a shortening out there for you. I hope my experiences guide you to find the perfect match for your baking adventures!
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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