Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of olive oil?
Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil and Vegetable oil are the easiest swaps. Below: 8 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Avocado oil. Use the same amount. Higher smoke point. Neutral flavor.
Adjust: Best olive oil replacement for searing.
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Avocado oil
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Higher smoke point. Neutral flavor.
- Flavor
- Neutral.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Best olive oil replacement for searing.
- Best for
- High-heat cooking, Frying, Grilling
vegan
-
Grapeseed oil
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Neutral. High smoke point.
- Flavor
- Neutral.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Frying, Dressings, High-heat
vegan
-
Vegetable oil
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Neutral. Good all-purpose.
- Flavor
- Neutral.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap. Use in any recipe calling for olive oil.
- Best for
- Baking, Frying, Dressings
vegan
-
Ghee
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
High smoke point. Nutty flavor.
- Flavor
- Nutty, rich.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- No water — richer than olive oil.
- Best for
- High-heat cooking, Sautéing
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Sunflower oil
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Neutral. High smoke point.
- Flavor
- Neutral.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Frying, Baking
vegan
-
Canola oil
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Neutral, cheap. High smoke point.
- Flavor
- Neutral.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Frying, Baking
vegan
-
Coconut oil
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Adds coconut flavor if unrefined.
- Flavor
- Coconut (virgin) or neutral (refined).
- Texture
- Solid at room temp.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Use refined for neutral flavor. Melt before measuring.
- Best for
- Baking, Sautéing
vegan
-
Butter
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Water content — not for high-heat searing.
- Flavor
- Rich dairy.
- Texture
- Solid at room temp.
- Moisture
- Contains water (less fat per tbsp).
- Adjust
- Use 1/8 more butter to match fat content.
- Best for
- Sautéing, Finishing, Baking
Common questions
What is the best substitute for olive oil?
Avocado oil is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Higher smoke point. Neutral flavor.
What is a vegan substitute for olive oil?
Good vegan options are Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil, Vegetable oil and Sunflower oil.
How much should I use instead of olive oil?
It depends on the swap. Avocado oil: Use the same amount. Grapeseed oil: Use the same amount. Vegetable oil: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use olive oil
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.