Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of coconut oil?
Refined coconut oil → Butter, Shortening and Ghee are the easiest swaps. Below: 3 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Refined coconut oil → Butter. Use the same amount. Solid-at-room-temp fat. Same structure.
Adjust: Use 1:1 by volume.
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Refined coconut oil → Butter
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Solid-at-room-temp fat. Same structure.
- Flavor
- Dairy vs coconut.
- Texture
- Mirrors coconut oil.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Use 1:1 by volume.
- Best for
- Any recipe
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Shortening
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Same solid-at-room-temp fat.
- Flavor
- Neutral.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Higher.
- Adjust
- Swaps perfectly.
- Best for
- Baking, Pastry
vegan · dairy free
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Ghee
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
High smoke point. Nutty.
- Flavor
- Nutty dairy.
- Texture
- Same liquid at warm temp.
- Moisture
- No water.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- High-heat, Baking
Common questions
What is the best substitute for coconut oil?
Refined coconut oil → Butter is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Solid-at-room-temp fat. Same structure.
What is a vegan substitute for coconut oil?
Good vegan options are Shortening.
What is a dairy-free substitute for coconut oil?
Good dairy-free options are Shortening.
How much should I use instead of coconut oil?
It depends on the swap. Refined coconut oil → Butter: Use the same amount. Shortening: Use the same amount. Ghee: Use the same amount.
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.