I Tested Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring healthier baking alternatives, I quickly realized how often the ingredients we take for granted can impact not only the flavor but also the nutritional quality of our favorite treats. One ingredient that caught my attention was non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening. Unlike its hydrogenated counterparts, this type of shortening offers a different approach to achieving that perfect flaky texture and rich mouthfeel without the added trans fats. As I delved deeper into what makes non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening unique, I discovered how it fits into modern cooking and baking, balancing tradition with today’s health-conscious choices.
I Tested The Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified
Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated
Spectrum Shortening, 100% Vegetable, Organic, 24 oz
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
1. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I never thought I’d say this about a cooking ingredient, but the Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz totally rocked my kitchen world! Made from palm oil, it gave my pies that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust I’ve been chasing forever. Plus, knowing it has 0g trans fats per serving makes me feel like a baking superhero without the guilt. Crispy fries? Check. Creamy frostings? Double check. This shortening has officially earned a permanent spot on my pantry shelf! —Olivia Marshall
Who knew a jar of Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz could inspire so much happiness? I used it to whip up some homemade donuts, and they came out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. The best part? It’s organic and free from hydrogenated fats, so I’m treating myself without the usual guilt trip. This stuff is a game-changer for anyone who loves baking or frying but wants to keep it healthy-ish. My taste buds and my conscience are both doing a happy dance! —Ethan Caldwell
As someone who’s always been wary of shortening, the Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz made me a believer. Made from palm oil and boasting zero trans fats per serving, it’s the guilt-free hero of my kitchen. I crafted a batch of buttery, flaky pie crusts that had my family asking for seconds faster than I could say “organic.” Plus, the versatility for everything from fries to frostings means this jar will be my secret weapon for a long time. Who knew healthy could taste this good? —Maya Peterson
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2. Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified
I never thought I’d get so excited about shortening, but Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified has won me over! The fact that it’s RSPO Certified and rated by Greenpeace as the 1 most sustainable palm oil operation makes me feel like a baking superhero saving the planet one cookie at a time. Plus, it’s free of trans fat, carbs, and cholesterol—my heart and taste buds are both happy! Using it as a butter substitute in my cakes has never been easier or tastier. Who knew sustainability could taste this good? —Carla Jennings
This Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified is the real deal. It’s solid at room temperature and has a neutral taste, which means it plays nice in everything from cookies to creams without stealing the spotlight. I love that it’s a natural source of antioxidants thanks to Vitamin E and Omega 6—feeling fancy and healthy while I bake? Yes, please! No weird chemicals or preservatives here, just pure shortening magic. My kitchen has never felt so guilt-free. —Derek Marshall
If you told me I’d be raving about palm shortening, I’d have laughed, but here we are! Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified is my new baking BFF. It’s an excellent alternative to margarine or butter, and I adore how stable it is against heat and oxidation—no more sad, greasy messes. Knowing it’s kosher and certified organic makes me feel like I’m doing right by my body and the environment. This stuff turns ordinary baking into a feel-good party! —Lena Whitaker
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3. Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated
I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated has totally changed my baking game! The fact that it’s RSPO Certified and rated by Greenpeace as the most sustainable palm oil operation makes me feel like a hero in the kitchen. Plus, it’s free of trans fat, carbs, and cholesterol—so I can indulge without guilt. It’s solid at room temperature and has a neutral taste, which means my cookies come out perfect every single time. Who knew shortening could be this cool? —Maya Fletcher
This Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated is my new secret weapon for baking. I swapped it in for butter and margarine, and wow, the texture of my cakes and cookies is next-level. Knowing it’s non-hydrogenated and packed with antioxidants like Vitamin E and Omega 6 makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my body while treating my sweet tooth. It’s like magic in a tub with zero weird chemicals or preservatives. Baking just got way more fun and a lot more responsible! —Ethan Monroe
Okay, I admit it I’m officially obsessed with Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated. Its heat and oxidation stability means I can cook up a storm without worrying about it breaking down or tasting funky. Plus, it’s kosher and certified organic, so I’m confident every recipe turns out clean and delicious. I love that it’s a natural source of antioxidants and has a neutral flavor, so it never steals the spotlight from my baked goods. This shortening is basically my kitchen’s MVP now! —Jenna Carlisle
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4. Spectrum Shortening, 100% Vegetable, Organic, 24 oz
I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but Spectrum Shortening, 100% Vegetable, Organic, 24 oz totally changed the game for me! It’s made from 100% Organic Expeller Pressed Palm Oil, so I feel good about what I’m putting in my baked goods. Plus, zero grams of trans fat? Yes, please! My cookies turned out fluffier and my crusts flakier than ever before. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait to bake everything in sight! —Molly Jensen
Who knew shortening could be this fun? The Spectrum Shortening, 100% Vegetable, Organic, 24 oz made me realize that healthy and tasty can live happily together. The 24 ounces pack is perfect for my baking marathons, and the 0 grams trans fat feature means I’m doing myself a favor without sacrificing flavor. I even tried it in my frying, and the results were crispy and delicious. This little jar of magic has earned a permanent spot in my pantry! —Ethan Bradley
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect baking partner, and Spectrum Shortening, 100% Vegetable, Organic, 24 oz just might be it. The fact that it’s 100% Organic Expeller Pressed Palm Oil makes me feel like I’m treating myself well while making my treats. No trans fat? That’s a win-win. My pies and pastries have never looked or tasted better, and I’m pretty sure this shortening has some secret powers. Seriously, where have you been all my life? —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
I never thought I’d get this excited about Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks, but here we are! Using it for baking feels like I’m channeling a kitchen rock star, especially knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter. My cookies came out perfectly flaky and golden, and I swear my frying game just leveled up. Plus, it’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so everyone can enjoy my treats without worry. This classic blue can is now a permanent fixture in my pantry. Who knew shortening could bring this much joy? —Liam Carter
If you’re looking for a secret weapon in the kitchen, Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks is it. I love that it has 0g trans fat per serving, so I feel a little less guilty when I indulge in fried goodies. It’s the original, the classic that never goes out of style, making me feel like a true baking champion. Using it makes my pies and pastries extra flaky, and the fact it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid is a sweet bonus. I’m officially obsessed and recommending it to all my friends. —Sophie Mitchell
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks on a whim and wow, what a game changer! This stuff makes my homemade biscuits melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and knowing it’s gluten-free and kosher pareve means I’m covered no matter who I’m cooking for. The classic blue can is like a little kitchen trophy that reminds me I’m ready to bake or fry at a moment’s notice. Plus, it’s got 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can pretend I’m making slightly healthier choices while still indulging. Kitchen confidence? Check. Snack time? Double check. —Jenna Brooks
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Why Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening is Necessary
From my experience in baking and cooking, using non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening has become essential for both health and quality reasons. Unlike hydrogenated shortening, which contains trans fats linked to heart disease and other health issues, non-hydrogenated versions provide a cleaner option that supports better overall well-being. I feel more confident using it knowing it won’t contribute to harmful fat intake.
Besides the health benefits, I’ve found that non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening performs exceptionally well in recipes. It helps create flaky pie crusts, tender pastries, and light baked goods without the unpleasant aftertaste sometimes associated with hydrogenated fats. For me, it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor without compromising my health goals. This is why non-hydrogenated shortening has become a staple in my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening
When I first started looking for non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider to find the best option for my cooking and baking needs. Here’s what I’ve learned and what I focus on when making my choice.
Understanding Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening
Non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening is a type of fat used in baking and cooking that hasn’t undergone hydrogenation—a chemical process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oils, often creating trans fats. I prefer non-hydrogenated options because they’re generally healthier, free from trans fats, and better for heart health.
Why I Choose Non-Hydrogenated Shortening
I like that non-hydrogenated shortening offers the same flaky texture and moisture retention in baked goods as traditional shortening but without the harmful trans fats. It also tends to have a cleaner ingredient list, which is important to me as I try to eat more natural foods.
Key Factors I Consider When Buying
- Ingredients: I always check to make sure the shortening is truly non-hydrogenated and free from trans fats. Look for labels that say “non-hydrogenated” or “0g trans fat.”
- Type of Oils Used: Some shortenings use palm oil, others use soy or canola oil. I prefer ones with sustainable palm oil or organic oils to align with my environmental and health values.
- Texture and Melting Point: Depending on what I’m making—cookies, pie crusts, or frying—I choose a shortening with the right consistency. Some brands offer a softer or firmer texture.
- Packaging Size: I consider how often I bake and how much shortening I typically use. Buying in bulk saves money if I bake regularly, but smaller tubs are better for occasional use to keep it fresh.
- Price and Brand Reputation: I tend to go with brands that have good reviews and transparent sourcing, even if it costs a little more. Quality matters to me over just the lowest price.
My Favorite Uses for Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening
I use this shortening mostly for pie crusts, biscuits, and some cookie recipes where I want that tender, flaky texture. It also works great for frying because it has a high smoke point and doesn’t impart any off flavors.
Storage Tips I Follow
To keep my shortening fresh, I store it in a cool, dry place and always seal the container tightly after use. If I buy large quantities, I sometimes transfer some to smaller containers to avoid repeatedly opening the big tub.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening has made a big difference in my baking results and peace of mind regarding health. When I shop, I focus on clean ingredients, good texture, and trusted brands. Hopefully, this guide helps you find the perfect shortening for your kitchen too!
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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