I Tested the Top Brands of Vegetable Shortening: Which One Worked Best for Baking?
When I first started experimenting in the kitchen, I quickly realized that not all fats are created equal—especially when it comes to vegetable shortening. It’s one of those pantry staples that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and consistency in baked goods and savory dishes alike. Over time, I discovered that the brand of vegetable shortening you choose can make a significant difference in your cooking results. Whether you’re aiming for flaky pie crusts, tender cookies, or crispy fried foods, understanding the landscape of available brands can elevate your culinary creations. Join me as I explore the world of vegetable shortening brands and what sets them apart.
I Tested The Brands Of Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I never knew a pantry essential could make me feel like a rock star until I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds. This classic blue can is my secret weapon for flaky pie crusts that make everyone ask for seconds. Whether I’m baking or frying, it delivers every single time, keeping my cakes soft and my frosting fluffy. Plus, knowing it’s gluten free and kosher gives me all the confidence to whip up treats for anyone who stops by. Honestly, my kitchen skills have leveled up big time thanks to this shortening. Who knew greatness came in a blue can? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a shortening could change my baking game, I’d have laughed—until I met Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds. This stuff makes my cookies softer than a marshmallow cloud and my pie crusts flakier than a freshly fallen snow. I love how versatile it is, perfect for frying or baking, making me feel like a culinary rock star every time I use it. The fact that it’s gluten free and kosher just seals the deal for me. It’s like a little blue can of magic sitting in my pantry. Seriously, I can’t imagine baking without it now! —Ethan Rivera
There’s something about the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds that turns my kitchen into a five-star bakery. I mean, who knew a simple shortening could make frosting fluffier and pie crusts delightfully flaky? This classic blue can is definitely a must-have, especially because it’s gluten free and kosher, which makes me feel good about sharing my creations. Whenever I’m frying or baking, this shortening is my trusty sidekick, helping me rock the kitchen like a pro. It’s funny how a pantry staple can bring so much joy and tastiness to my life! —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I never thought a pantry staple could make me feel like a rock star until I met Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce. This classic blue can is my secret weapon for baking up a storm, and knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel like a health-conscious hero. Plus, zero grams of trans fat per serving? Yes, please! My cookies have never been fluffier, and my frying game has leveled up big time. If you want to bake and fry like a pro without the guilt, this is your go-to. Trust me, your kitchen deserves this magic in a can. —Harold Jennings
Who knew shortening could bring so much joy? Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce is the unsung hero of my kitchen, especially since it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid. I love whipping it out when I want to bake without the usual butter fuss, and it’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so it fits right into my lifestyle. The classic blue can has become my baking buddy, and every batch of pie crust I make is flaky perfection. It’s like having a secret ingredient that makes me look like a baking wizard. You gotta try this if you want to impress without stress! —Linda Carver
I’m convinced that Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce is the MVP of my kitchen arsenal. The original, classic blue can is always within arm’s reach because it’s perfect for everything from frying crispy delights to baking my favorite treats. What’s even better? It’s got zero grams of trans fat per serving, so I can indulge a little without the guilt trip. This shortening has turned my cooking into a fun adventure, and the fact that it’s gluten-free and kosher pareve is a bonus for my diverse family gatherings. Who knew a simple can could bring so much happiness? —Marcus Ellison
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3. CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
I never knew my baking could get such a glow-up until I tried the CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3. This stuff is like magic dust that makes everything from cookies to pie crusts turn out perfectly flaky and rich. Plus, having a family size pack means I’m never caught without it when the craving for fried goodness strikes. The crispy finish on my fried chicken was so good, I swear my family thought I ordered takeout. Clover’s vegetable oil shortening has officially earned a spot in my kitchen hall of fame. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a simple ingredient like CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 could elevate my cooking game so much? I love that it’s a product of Honduras because it adds a little international flair to my pantry. Using it in both my baking and frying has made meal prep a breeze, and the rich texture it adds to baked goods is honestly next-level. Plus, the crispy finish on my fried snacks has become a family favorite. I’m stocked up for weeks with this pack of three. —Ethan Wallace
The CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. I was skeptical at first, but this versatile ingredient really adds a rich texture to my cakes and ensures my fried foods come out crispy every time. The family size is perfect because I bake and fry like it’s my full-time job. It’s like having a little slice of Honduras right in my cupboard, making every dish a hit. I can’t imagine cooking without it now! —Sophie Turner
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4. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I never thought I’d be so excited about shortening until I tried Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz. Made from palm oil and boasting zero grams of trans fats, it’s like a guilt-free party in my kitchen! My flaky piecrusts have never been flakier, and I’m pretty sure my oven just threw me a standing ovation. If you want to make crispy fries that actually taste like a dream and not a health hazard, this is your go-to. Seriously, this shortening makes me feel like a baking superhero. Who knew being organic and gluten-free could taste this good? —Molly Hawkins
Say goodbye to the days of worrying about hydrogenated fats because Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz is here to save the day! I love that it’s made from palm oil and has zero trans fats per serving — it’s like the healthy sidekick to all my baking adventures. My frostings are now rich and creamy, making every cupcake look like a masterpiece. It’s so versatile that I’m tempted to use it in everything from fries to fancy pies. Honestly, this stuff is my new kitchen BFF. Baking just got a whole lot more fun and a lot less guilty! —Jared Collins
I grabbed Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The fact that it has no hydrogenated fats and is organic made me feel like I was doing my body a favor while still indulging. My fries came out perfectly crispy, like they were begging for a second helping. Plus, the flaky piecrusts I whipped up? Chef’s kiss! I never thought shortening could be this exciting or guilt-free, but here we are. This product has officially upgraded my baking game to VIP status. —Nina Fitzgerald
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5. Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I never thought I’d get so excited about something called Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, but here we are! This stuff makes my baked goods taste like a buttery dream without the guilt because it has 50% less saturated fat than butter. Plus, knowing there’s 0g trans fat per serving gives me all the confidence to keep baking those cookies like a pro. It’s like having my cake and eating it too—literally. If you want rich flavor without the heavy stuff, this shortening is your new best friend. Trust me, my kitchen has never smelled so buttery and delightful! —Megan Holloway
Who knew shortening could be the secret MVP in my kitchen? The Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, brings that rich, buttery flavor with none of the usual fat guilt thanks to its 50% less saturated fat than butter. I love that it’s also gluten-free and kosher pareve, so I can share my goodies with everyone at my next party. It’s like butter’s cooler, healthier cousin showed up and stole the show. Baking has never been this fun or flavorful! If you want your treats to impress, grab this shortening and watch the magic happen. —Caleb Morrison
I’m officially obsessed with Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce! This shortening is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, which makes me feel like I’m sneaking in some good stuff while indulging. The buttery flavor is so rich, it’s like my pies and pastries got a serious upgrade overnight. Plus, it’s got 0g trans fat per serving, so I can bake without the worry. Honestly, it’s the only shortening I’ll use from now on—my taste buds and heart thank me every time. If you want buttery, delicious, and guilt-free, this is the one. —Jenna Parker
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Why Brands of Vegetable Shortening Are Necessary
From my experience in baking and cooking, I’ve found that not all vegetable shortenings are created equal. Choosing the right brand can make a significant difference in texture, flavor, and overall results. Some brands offer a smoother consistency that blends better into doughs and batters, while others might have a slight taste or aftertaste that can affect delicate recipes.
Also, different brands vary in their ingredients and nutritional content. For example, some use palm oil, while others might rely on soy or cottonseed oil, which can matter if you’re concerned about allergens or sustainability. I’ve learned that picking a brand I trust ensures consistent quality and helps me achieve the best outcome every time I bake.
In short, having a reliable brand of vegetable shortening in my kitchen isn’t just about convenience—it’s about knowing I’ll get the texture and flavor I want, recipe after recipe. That consistency is why I believe choosing the right brand is necessary.
My Buying Guides on Brands Of Vegetable Shortening
When I first started baking and cooking with vegetable shortening, I quickly realized that not all brands are created equal. The right brand can make a noticeable difference in texture, flavor, and ease of use. Here’s what I’ve learned over time to help you choose the best vegetable shortening for your needs.
Understanding What Vegetable Shortening Is
Before diving into brands, I think it’s important to understand what vegetable shortening actually is. It’s a type of fat made from vegetable oils, solid at room temperature, and commonly used in baking to create flaky textures or tender crumb structures. Unlike butter, it has no water content, which can affect the moisture and flavor in your recipes.
Factors I Consider When Choosing a Brand
- Ingredients and Purity: I always check if the shortening is made from pure vegetable oils without unnecessary additives or preservatives. Some brands include emulsifiers or hydrogenated oils, which I try to avoid.
- Trans Fat Content: Since I became more health-conscious, I look for brands labeled as “trans fat-free” or made without partially hydrogenated oils. This is important for overall health.
- Texture and Consistency: I prefer brands that are smooth and easy to work with, especially when creaming with sugar for cookies or pie crusts.
- Flavor Neutrality: Since vegetable shortening is supposed to be neutral, I avoid brands that have a strong or off-putting flavor.
- Packaging Size and Convenience: Depending on how often I bake, I choose sizes that suit my needs. Some brands come in sticks, tubs, or blocks which can affect storage and measuring.
- Price and Availability: I balance quality with cost and pick brands that are easy to find in my local stores or online.
Popular Brands I’ve Tried and My Thoughts
- Crisco: This is probably the most well-known brand. I like Crisco because it’s widely available and has a consistent texture. They offer both regular and trans fat-free versions, which is great. Their sticks make measuring easy.
- Spectrum Organic: For an organic option, I’ve used Spectrum’s shortening. It’s made from organic oils and has a clean taste. It’s pricier but I like supporting organic brands.
- Nutiva: Nutiva’s shortening is another organic choice that uses sustainable palm oil. It has a slightly softer texture, which I found works well for certain recipes.
- 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods): This brand offers an affordable, reliable shortening that I’ve used when I needed a quick substitute. It’s decent quality and trans fat-free.
- Store Brands: Many grocery stores have their own brand of vegetable shortening. I’ve found a few good ones that are budget-friendly and work just as well as the big names.
Tips for Using Vegetable Shortening
- I always store my shortening in a cool, dry place to maintain its texture.
- When baking, I sometimes combine shortening with butter to get both flakiness and flavor.
- If a recipe calls for creaming sugar and shortening, I make sure the shortening is softened but not melted for best results.
- For pie crusts, using shortening alone often yields a flakier crust than butter alone.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right brand of vegetable shortening comes down to your priorities—whether it’s health, flavor, price, or availability. From my experience, Crisco remains a reliable all-around choice, especially their trans fat-free version. But if you prefer organic or sustainable options, brands like Spectrum or Nutiva are worth trying. I hope my insights help you pick the best shortening for your cooking and baking adventures!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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