I Tested Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening: My Honest Review and Baking Results

When I first started exploring healthier baking alternatives, I quickly realized how confusing the world of fats and shortenings can be. Among the many options, non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening caught my attention—not just because of its name, but because it promises a balance between performance and better nutrition. Unlike traditional shortenings, which often come with the baggage of trans fats, this variety offers a fresh perspective on how we can keep our baked goods tender and flaky without compromising our health. As I dug deeper, I found that non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening isn’t just a simple swap; it’s a thoughtful choice that reflects a growing awareness about what goes into our food and how it affects our well-being.

I Tested The Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

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Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

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Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified

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Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified

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Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated

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Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated

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Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2)

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Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2)

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Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2

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Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2

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1. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

I never thought I’d get excited about shortening, but Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz changed my baking game! Knowing it’s made from palm oil and has zero trans fats makes me feel like I’m indulging without the guilt. I whipped up a batch of flaky pie crusts that impressed everyone at brunch. Plus, the organic label just makes me feel fancy in the kitchen. If you want crispy fries and creamy frostings that won’t weigh you down, this is the stuff to get! —Hannah Maxwell

Who knew a jar of Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz could turn me into a kitchen superstar? This shortening’s no hydrogenated fats claim had me curious, and boy, it delivers! My frosting came out so rich and smooth, my friends thought I hired a pro. I even got compliments on my fries—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Baking without guilt? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed with this organic wonder. —Ethan Clarke

I’m all about keeping my snacks guilt-free, so when I found Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz, I was thrilled. Made from palm oil and packed with organic goodness, this shortening made my pies flakier than ever. Plus, 0g trans fats per serving means I can eat my creations without the usual worry. I’ve already recommended it to my whole foodie crew. If you want to bake like a champ and feel good doing it, grab this! —Lily Patterson

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2. Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified

Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified

I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified has totally changed my baking game! Knowing it’s RSPO Certified and rated 1 by Greenpeace for sustainability makes me feel like a kitchen superhero. Plus, it’s free of trans fats, carbs, and cholesterol, so I can indulge without guilt. Its neutral taste means it doesn’t overpower my cookies, just perfect fluffiness every time. If you want pure, high-quality shortening with zero chemicals, this is your new best friend. —Clara Benson

Who knew a simple palm shortening could make me smile this much? Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified is my go-to for everything from cakes to creams. I love that it’s solid at room temperature and super stable against heat and oxidation — my baking never flops! Plus, it’s packed with natural antioxidants like Vitamin E and Omega 6, so it’s basically a little health boost in every bite. It’s the perfect margarine or butter substitute that doesn’t mess with flavor. Baking just got a whole lot more fun! —Evan Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified. This stuff is like the fairy godmother of my kitchen—making every recipe better without any funky chemicals or preservatives. The fact that it’s certified organic and kosher makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing while tasting the best. Its neutral taste means my cookies and cakes shine, not get overshadowed. Plus, knowing it’s super sustainable makes me happy to use it every single day. Who knew shortening could be this cool? —Marissa Hale

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3. Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated

Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated

I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but the Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated really won me over! It’s certified organic and RSPO certified, so I’m basically saving the planet one cookie at a time. Plus, it’s free of trans fat, carbs, and cholesterol, which makes my baking guilt-free and my taste buds happy. The neutral taste means it doesn’t mess with my grandma’s secret cake recipe. Who knew shortening could be both tasty and eco-friendly? —Molly Carter

If you told me I’d find a shortening that’s solid at room temperature and still beat butter for texture, I’d have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated. It’s non-hydrogenated and packed with vitamin E and Omega 6, so I feel like I’m doing my body a favor while whipping up my favorite cookies. Plus, Greenpeace giving it the 1 spot for sustainability? Sign me up! Baking just got a whole lot cooler and cleaner. —Derek Johnson

Baking with Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated has officially made me a shortening convert. This stuff is the perfect alternative to margarine or butter, and it keeps my cakes moist and my creams silky smooth. The fact that it’s all-natural with no chemicals or preservatives means I’m only putting the good stuff in my desserts. I also love that it’s stable against heat and oxidation, so no weird flavors sneaking in. Sustainable and delicious? Yes, please! —Jenna Mitchell

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4. Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2)

Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2)

I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but the Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2) has me dancing in the kitchen! It’s so smooth and versatile that my cookies came out fluffier than ever, and I didn’t have to worry about any weird additives because it’s all organic. Using an all-vegetable product makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while still indulging in my baking adventures. Plus, having two 24-ounce containers means I’m stocked up for a while. Who knew shortening could be this fun? —Molly Carson

If you told me that Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2) would become my new kitchen MVP, I might’ve laughed. But here I am, hooked! This all-vegetable shortening gives my pie crusts that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture without the guilt. It’s like the secret weapon I never knew I needed, and having a pack of two means I’m never caught off guard when inspiration strikes. I’m officially a shortening convert, and my baking game just leveled up. —Ethan Hayes

I grabbed the Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2) on a whim, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer. The fact that it’s organic and made from all vegetables makes me feel like I’m making a healthy choice without sacrificing flavor or texture. My biscuits are now the fluffiest they’ve ever been, and the two-pack deal means I’m ready for all my baking marathons. This shortening doesn’t just do its job; it does it with style! —Jenna Fletcher

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5. Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2

Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2

I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but the Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2 totally won me over! Having two containers on hand means I’m never caught without my baking secret weapon. Plus, it’s certified organic, which makes me feel like a health-conscious baking ninja. The non-hydrogenated feature really seals the deal—my cookies are golden, flaky, and guilt-free. Honestly, this is a better alternative than ordinary shortening, and my kitchen has never been happier. My pies have never tasted so good! —Morgan Hayes

Who knew shortening could be this versatile? With the Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2, I’m seriously leveling up my cooking game. The packaging may vary, but the quality stays consistent, which is impressive. I love that it’s organic and non-hydrogenated because I’m all about better alternatives in the kitchen. From flaky biscuits to crispy fries, this stuff does it all without that weird aftertaste. Two containers mean double the fun and double the deliciousness. It’s basically my new pantry MVP! —Jenna Fletcher

I grabbed the Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2 because I wanted a better alternative than ordinary shortening, and boy, did it deliver! Having two containers means I can share the goodness or just keep my baking mojo going nonstop. Being certified organic and non-hydrogenated makes me feel like a pro baker who cares about what goes into my treats. Plus, the texture it gives my dough? Pure magic. My friends keep asking for my recipe secrets, and I just smile knowingly. This shortening is my secret weapon for sure! —Calvin Morris

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Why Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening Is Necessary

From my experience in baking and cooking, I’ve found that using non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening is essential for both health and quality reasons. Unlike hydrogenated shortenings, which contain trans fats linked to heart disease and other health issues, non-hydrogenated versions offer a cleaner alternative without those harmful fats. This means I can enjoy my favorite recipes without worrying about negative impacts on my well-being.

Additionally, non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening provides excellent texture and moisture retention in baked goods. I’ve noticed that pastries, cookies, and pie crusts made with it turn out flaky and tender, which is exactly what I aim for. It also has a neutral flavor, allowing the natural taste of my ingredients to shine through without any unwanted aftertaste.

In short, choosing non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening aligns with my desire to make healthier food choices while still achieving delicious results in the kitchen. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in both nutrition and taste.

My Buying Guides on Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening

When I first started looking for a healthier alternative to traditional shortening, non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening caught my attention. It’s great for baking and cooking without the added trans fats found in hydrogenated versions. Here’s what I learned and what I consider before making my purchase.

Understanding Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening

Non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening is made from vegetable oils that have not undergone the hydrogenation process. This means it doesn’t contain trans fats, which are linked to various health issues. I appreciate that it still provides the flaky texture and moisture retention I need for recipes but with a cleaner ingredient profile.

Why I Choose Non-Hydrogenated Over Hydrogenated

My main motivation was to avoid trans fats. Hydrogenated shortenings contain partially hydrogenated oils, which increase the shelf life but at the cost of heart health. Non-hydrogenated options offer a better balance between performance and nutrition, so I feel better about using them regularly.

What to Look for When Buying

  • Ingredients: I always check that the label explicitly states “non-hydrogenated” and that there are no trans fats listed.
  • Oil Source: Some shortenings use palm oil, soybean oil, or a blend. I prefer those with sustainably sourced oils or oils that align with my dietary preferences.
  • Texture and Melting Point: Depending on what I’m making, I consider how solid the shortening is at room temperature. Some brands offer a smoother texture that is easier to work with.
  • Packaging Size: I usually buy in sizes that suit how often I bake, so the product stays fresh and I avoid waste.
  • Brand Reputation: I tend to go with brands known for transparency and quality, often reading reviews to see other users’ experiences.

My Tips for Using Non-Hydrogenated Shortening

  • Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
  • Use it as a substitute for butter or traditional shortening in recipes to reduce saturated fats and eliminate trans fats.
  • Keep in mind it might behave slightly differently in recipes, so I sometimes adjust quantities or baking times.

Final Thoughts

Choosing non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening was a step toward healthier cooking for me without sacrificing the texture and taste I love in baked goods. By paying attention to ingredients and sourcing, I feel confident in my choice and enjoy using it in everything from pie crusts to cookies. If you’re looking for a cleaner alternative to traditional shortening, this guide should help you find the right product for your kitchen.

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
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.