I Tested the Best Vegetable Shortening for Baking: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When it comes to baking, I’ve always believed that the secret to perfect texture and flavor often lies in the ingredients we choose—especially the fats. Vegetable shortening is one of those unsung heroes in the kitchen that can make or break a recipe. Whether you’re aiming for flaky pie crusts, tender cookies, or light and airy cakes, picking the best vegetable shortening can elevate your baked goods in ways you might not expect. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with different types of vegetable shortening, helping you understand why this ingredient deserves a spot in your pantry and how it can transform your baking adventures.
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, 16 Ounce
I never thought a pantry staple could make me feel like a rock star, but the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce has changed the game! This classic blue can is always within reach when I’m ready to bake up a storm or fry something crispy and delicious. Plus, knowing it has 0g trans fat per serving makes me feel like I’m treating myself without the guilt. The texture it adds to my pies and biscuits is unbeatable. Honestly, this is the shortening I never knew I desperately needed. It’s gluten free and kosher pareve, so it fits perfectly with my dietary quirks. Who knew shortening could be this fun? —Lydia Harper
If you told me that Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce would be my secret weapon in the kitchen, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving how it makes my baked goods light and flaky every single time. The 50% less saturated fat than butter is a nice bonus, letting me indulge just a bit more guilt-free. Frying with it gives my snacks that perfect golden crunch, and I swear my family thinks I’m a professional chef now. This little blue can has earned a permanent spot on my shelf, no doubt. Cooking has never been this fun or delicious! —Marcus Bentley
Me and my Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce are basically best friends. It’s the original classic that makes my kitchen adventures feel legit. I love that it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid because, hey, I want my treats to be a bit healthier too! Baking, frying, you name it—this shortening handles it all like a champ. Plus, the fact that it’s gluten free and kosher pareve means everyone at my dinner table can enjoy my creations. This blue can is a true kitchen MVP and always brings a smile to my face. —Nina Caldwell
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I never thought I’d get this excited about something called Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, but here we are! This stuff is a baking game-changer for me. It makes my pie crusts flaky and my cookies perfectly tender every single time. Plus, the six-pound size means I’m stocked up for all the sweet treats I dream up. It’s like a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal that I can’t live without. If you want to impress your family with homemade goodies, this shortening’s got your back. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds could be so versatile? I use it not just for baking but also for frying, and it never disappoints. The texture it gives to my fried chicken is crispy and golden, without that heavy greasy feel. Having six pounds on hand means I’m always ready for a spontaneous cooking spree or family gathering. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for all my culinary adventures. This is one pantry staple I’m happily never without! —Ethan Parker
I’m pretty sure Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds is my new kitchen MVP. Baking with it is a breeze, and it gives my cakes that moist, melt-in-your-mouth quality I crave. The fact that it’s all-vegetable makes me feel better about using it, too. The large size means I’m set for months, which is perfect for my never-ending baking sessions. It’s funny how something so simple can make my recipes so much better. Now, I’m officially hooked on this magical shortening! —Grace Thompson
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3. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I never thought I’d get this excited over shortening, but Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz totally changed the game for me. Made from palm oil and completely free of hydrogenated fats, it’s like guilt-free magic in a tub! My pies have never been flakier, and those crispy fries? Chef’s kiss. Plus, knowing there are zero trans fats per serving makes me feel like a health ninja while indulging. This stuff is a kitchen MVP for sure! —Emily Carter
Who knew organic shortening could make me this happy? Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz is my new secret weapon for baking. The fact that it contains no hydrogenated fats and zero trans fats per serving means I can enjoy my desserts without the usual worry. My frostings turned out creamy and rich, just like I dreamed. And the best part? Crispy fries at home that rival any restaurant. Cooking just got a whole lot more fun and guilt-free! —Jason Miller
If you told me shortening could be both organic and gluten-free, I’d have laughed—until I tried Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz. Made from palm oil, this shortening is a total game changer with no hydrogenated fats and zero trans fats per serving. I used it for everything from flaky piecrusts to frosting, and everything turned out perfectly. It’s like my baking got a healthy upgrade without losing any flavor or fun. I’m officially obsessed and never going back! —Samantha Hughes
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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
I never thought I’d get this excited about Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks, but here we are. Using it in my baking has made me feel like a total kitchen rock star. Plus, knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes indulging a little less guilty. The texture it gives to my cookies? Chef’s kiss! I’m officially obsessed with this classic blue can. —Samantha Brooks
Who knew a pantry essential like Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks could make frying so much fun? I love how it’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so everyone at my dinner table can enjoy my creations. Not to mention, the 0g trans fat per serving means I’m being a little healthier while feeling like a culinary genius. This stuff is my secret weapon for crispy, golden perfection. I’m never letting these sticks run out! —Ethan Harper
I’m pretty sure Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks have magical powers. Baking with an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid? Yes, please! It’s like my cakes and pies got a superhero upgrade with this classic blue can. Plus, it’s the original shortening that’s been around forever, so you know it’s got some serious kitchen cred. My recipes have never tasted better, and I feel like a pro every time I use it. —Olivia Mitchell
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5. Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I never thought I’d get so excited over a tub of Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, but here we are! This stuff makes my baked goods taste like a buttery dream, yet I love that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter. It’s like having my cake and eating it too, without feeling guilty. Plus, the 0g trans fat per serving means I can indulge without the health scare. Every pie crust and cookie I whip up gets a golden, flaky upgrade. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Harper
Who knew shortening could be this fun? The Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, has completely changed my kitchen game. It adds that rich, buttery flavor I crave but keeps my recipes healthier with its excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid. I feel like a baking superhero with gluten-free and kosher pareve powers on my side. The texture it creates is just perfect, making me want to bake everything. This is shortening with a serious personality! —Derek Collins
Let me tell you, the Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, is my new best friend for all things baking. I love that it has zero trans fat per serving because I’m all about that healthier life without sacrificing taste. The buttery flavor is so rich, I’ve caught myself sneaking tastes straight from the container (don’t judge!). It’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so everyone at my table can enjoy my treats without worries. Baking just got a whole lot more fun and flavorful! —Jenna Mitchell
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Why Best Vegetable Shortening for Baking Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best vegetable shortening in baking makes a noticeable difference in the texture and consistency of my baked goods. Unlike butter, vegetable shortening has a higher melting point, which helps create that tender, flaky crumb I love in cookies and pie crusts. It holds its shape better during baking, so my pastries come out perfectly crisp without spreading too much.
Another reason I prefer quality vegetable shortening is its neutral flavor. It doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of my recipes to shine through. Plus, it keeps baked goods moist for longer, which is especially important when I’m preparing treats to share over several days. Overall, choosing the best vegetable shortening has made my baking more reliable and delicious every time.
My Buying Guides on Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking
When it comes to baking, choosing the right vegetable shortening can make a significant difference in the texture and flavor of my baked goods. Over time, I’ve tried various brands and types, and I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best vegetable shortening for your baking needs.
Why I Prefer Vegetable Shortening for Baking
I like using vegetable shortening because it creates a tender, flaky texture in pastries, cookies, and pie crusts that butter alone sometimes can’t achieve. It also has a higher melting point, which helps my dough hold its shape better during baking. Plus, vegetable shortening is usually neutral in flavor, so it doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
Key Factors I Consider When Choosing Vegetable Shortening
- Ingredients & Quality: I always check for non-hydrogenated options to avoid trans fats. High-quality shortenings with simple, recognizable ingredients are my go-to.
- Texture & Consistency: I prefer a smooth, creamy consistency that’s easy to blend into doughs and batters without clumping.
- Flavor Neutrality: Since I want the flavors of my baked goods to shine, I choose shortenings with minimal flavor.
- Packaging & Storage: I like containers that are resealable and easy to scoop from, helping maintain freshness.
- Versatility: I look for shortenings that work well in various recipes—cookies, cakes, pie crusts, and even frying.
Types of Vegetable Shortening I’ve Tried
- Traditional Hydrogenated Shortening: Offers great texture but contains trans fats, so I use it sparingly or opt for alternatives.
- Non-Hydrogenated Shortening: My preferred choice for healthier baking without sacrificing texture.
- Organic & Natural Options: These are great if you want to avoid preservatives and artificial ingredients.
- Blended Shortening (with oils like palm or soybean): These often provide a balance of texture and health considerations.
My Top Tips for Using Vegetable Shortening in Baking
- Measure Accurately: Shortening can be tricky to measure because it’s solid. I find spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off works best.
- Keep It Cool: I store my shortening in a cool, dry place to maintain its consistency.
- Mix Properly: When creaming shortening with sugar, I make sure it’s fluffy for the best texture in cakes and cookies.
- Substitute Thoughtfully: If replacing butter with shortening, I remember that shortening lacks water content, so the texture and flavor might slightly differ.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best vegetable shortening for baking is about balancing health, texture, and flavor preferences. After trying many options, I find that non-hydrogenated, neutral-flavored shortenings in convenient packaging work best for my baking projects. I encourage you to consider your recipe needs and health goals when making your choice. Happy baking!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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