Coconut Oil Substitutes

Coconut oil comes from the oil extracted from coconut fruit and meat. When heated, it becomes a solid and a liquid when cooled.

It’s a popular ingredient known to have health benefits for people following a paleo or keto diet, but it can raise their cholesterol levels. Medical professionals recommend avoiding consuming too much coconut oil.

Aside from being used as cooking oil, processed coconut oil is famous as a skincare product. You can also use it as an ingredient in various vegan and healthy recipes.

The easiest substitutes for coconut oil in 2024 are

• Butter – Butter is in most households so readily available
• Olive Oil – Most kitchens will have olive oil
• Sun Flower Oil
• Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil

One of the most reasonable ways to substitute coconut oil is avocado oil. This versatile cooking oil is a neutral-flavored alternative used in various frying, roasting, and stir-frying recipes. Aside from being healthy, it can also lower cholesterol and provide a source of antioxidants.

Although it’s costly compared to other oils, such as coconut oil, you can use avocado oil in various recipes. However, it’s not ideal for deep-fried dishes or other recipes that require a lot of fat.

When buying avocado oil, look for a brand that uses quality ingredients and no additives. A recent study revealed that some companies use additives that have repellent properties.

Olive Oil

Olive oil can also originate from a process known as extracting it through a press. Most types of olive oil are a virgin or extra virgin. Other types include refined, pure, and olive pomace oil.

Cooking is a process that uses a high smoke point, which you can use for various dishes. It is popular in dressings and dips, but you can also use it in other ways.

Butter

The primary component of butter is butterfat, which is typically made by churning cream. This process separates the fat from the buttermilk.

Although butter has a sweet taste, it is also dense, so you can’t spread it evenly. It is also why it’s perfect for versatile cooking.

Besides being a sweet and salty food ingredient, butter also has a variety of flavors. Although coconut oil has a more robust flavor, it can overpower the taste of other ingredients in a recipe. 

Using butter instead of coconut oil can provide an alternative to the strong flavor of coconut oil.

While you can use it in various recipes, baking is where butter shines. Since it’s not too sweet, it provides a balance to the sugary flavors found in desserts.

Grapeseed Oil

One of the most healthy oils that you can use to replace coconut oil is grapeseed oil. It has a loftier smoke point than other cooking oils, which allows it to appear in a wide range of dishes. Its neutral flavor also helps prevent it from becoming too strong when heated.

This kind of oil comes from the seeds of grapes used in cooking. It has a fruity flavor due to its proximity to the skins of the grapes. It doesn’t have a lot of uses in other dishes aside from being present in salads.

Aside from being used in cooking, you can also use grapeseed oil in various other food applications. Its neutral flavor and high smoke point keep its taste the same as when using coconut oil.

Safflower Oil

One of the most popular cooking oils originates from the seeds of the safflower plant. It’s high in Vitamin E, which helps people avoid harmful chemicals and improve their health. It is an excellent option for people looking for a healthier alternative to cooking oils.

A good choice for cooking or frying is safflower oil, which has a high smoke point, and you can use it for almost any dish that you need an oil substitute. Also, it has a neutral taste, which means it won’t change the flavor of your recipe. Aside from being used as an oil substitute, you can also use safflower oil to make a salad dressing.

Almond Oil

Aside from being used in cooking, almond oil also has a high smoke point, making it a great alternative to coconut oil. It’s also a good choice for people looking to switch to a more plant-based diet.

Unlike other oils, almond oil has a neutral flavor, which means it won’t alter the taste of your dish too much. Almond oil is also costly, making it an excellent alternative to other oils such as coconut oil.

Sunflower Oil

Although sunflower oil is not available in grocery stores sometimes, you can find it at health food stores and online. This type of oil produces by pressing the seeds after being removed from the shells. It can be utilized in various recipes and can have a high smoke point.

If you want to keep the flavor of your dish subtle, sunflower oil is an excellent alternative to coconut oil. It can be purchased easily online or in health food stores. This oil is also an ideal substitute for coconut oil in almost any recipe.

Applesauce

If you are on a quest for a vegan alternative to coconut oil, you can use unsweetened applesauce instead. It will replace the oil’s moisture with the flavor, and it should not cause too much of a spongy consistency in your baked goods. Applesauce has a lot of water, so it should not cause too much moisture in your products.

Try replacing coconut oil with half avocado oil or half applesauce for added texture. Although coconut oil has a high-fat content, subduing it with half applesauce will result in fewer carbohydrates and less fat. It’s still a vegan option.

Keep in mind that both applesauce and coconut oil have unique flavors, so using one for the other might differ.