These Are the Best Substitutes for Vegetable Oil (2024)

Good old vegetable oil is never quite the star in a recipe, but it's often the quiet supporting role needed to help a dish shine. Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordability and high smoking point, this blend of vegetable-based oils is a true workhorse in the kitchen. It's the one you want on hand for deep-frying chicken, baking cakes, making salad dressings and marinades, and so much more. But what happens when you pour out the last drop and need more? Fear not! There are plenty of substitutes for vegetable oil out there, including several options that are likely hanging around in your kitchen.

Before you swap in an alternative oil, remember: Not all vegetable oil substitutes act the same way. One of the great things about vegetable oil is that it's excellent for deep-frying—using an oil with a lower smoke point might result in a kitchen full of smoke! Check out the options below, and find the one that's just right for your recipe. And the next time you find yourself wielding an empty bottle of vegetable oil as you prepare to bake a batch of Ree Drummond's pumpkin cinnamon rolls or fry up her garlic parmesan french fries, you'll know just what to do.

Consider any of these plant-based oils the best substitute out there: Vegetable oil is often a blend made up of these four oils, which are the top vegetable-based oils used in American households. You can use them interchangeably.

The characteristics of peanut oil are similar to vegetable oil, making it a great substitute. It's particularly good for frying, thanks to its high smoking point. Contrary to its name, peanut oil does not taste like its namesake and is prized for its neutral flavor. Peanut oil is, however, far more expensive, as it's produced in smaller quantities and can be harder to find.

Note that regular olive oil has a higher smoking point because it is processed—you can use it for frying. Extra-virgin olive oil, on the other hand, is made from cold-pressing olives and extracting the oils, making it much better for use in salad dressings and as a finishing oil for flavor. Both can be used as a vegetable oil substitute and will impart their signature olive notes.

Coconut oil is a kitchen workhorse that can be used for frying and baking, making it an easy swap for vegetable oil. It's not completely neutral, though—be prepared for a slightly coconutty flavor. One other thing to note is that coconut oil solidifies as it cools, so for measuring purposes, melt it in the microwave or place it near the oven to return it to its liquid state.

Using butter in place of vegetable oil will add a richness to the dish. Particularly with baking, butter is a worthwhile and even decadent swap. Though butter can be used for cooking as well, it's not recommended to swap in butter for any deep-frying or high-heat skillet cooking, as its low smoke point means the butter will burn.

This substitute is no good if you're looking to fry chicken or sauté veggies. But when it comes to baking, applesauce is a winner that you won't want to forget! Not only will it add moisture and serve the same purpose as oil in a baked good, using applesauce means cutting back on the overall fat content of the recipe, making it healthful swap.

Keep this in your back pocket for a vegetable oil baking swap: Using Greek yogurt will add moisture, richness and a pleasant tang. Depending on your preference for low-fat, nonfat or full-fat, substituting Greek yogurt in for oil may also result in a healthier baked good, potentially lower in overall fat. Of course, yogurt won't work as a swap when frying or sautéing.

You might want to skip mayo as a cooking sub for vegetable oil, but when it comes to baking, bring it on: Swapping in mayonnaise for oil when baking is an age-old trick that will yield moist and rich results.