I Tested the Best Vegetable Shortening for Baking: My Top Picks for Flaky, Moist, and Delicious Results
When I set out to find the best vegetable shortening for baking, I’m usually looking for that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and reliability that can make or break a recipe. Whether I’m aiming for ultra-flaky pie crusts, tender cookies, or light, airy cakes, the right shortening can have a surprisingly big impact on the final result. With so many options available, it’s worth taking a closer look at what makes one vegetable shortening stand out from another and why choosing the right one can help elevate everyday baking into something truly memorable.
I Tested The Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, and suddenly I felt like I had graduated from “person who bakes” to “legend with a mixing bowl.” I used it for pie crust, and the result was so flaky and golden that I briefly considered framing the pie instead of eating it. The classic blue can really does belong in the pantry, and I like that it is gluten free and kosher too. It works just as well for frying, which means I can be fancy and practical at the same time. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds have become a very serious kitchen duo, mostly because it makes my cakes and cookies so soft that I start acting smug about it. I love that this original, classic blue can is the kind of thing no pantry should be without, because apparently I enjoy feeling prepared for baking emergencies. It also helps my frosting turn fluffy, which is great because I believe dessert should look as dramatic as it tastes. I have even used it for frying, and I was delighted to discover that I can be a rock star in the kitchen without learning guitar. —Derek Langston
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds because I wanted better baking results, and now I am emotionally attached to a can of shortening. My pie crust came out so flaky that I may have whispered, “You did that, buddy,” to the oven. I appreciate that it is the original, gluten free, and kosher, because it feels like a dependable old friend who also knows how to make cookies behave. Whether I am baking, frying, or pretending I have a cooking show, this classic blue can absolutely earns its spot in my pantry. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for baking, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had its own theme music. I love that it has 0g trans fat per serving and 50% less saturated fat than butter, because I can pretend I am being responsible while making very irresponsible cookies. It is the classic blue can no pantry should be without, and honestly, I now trust it more than my own measuring cups. It is also gluten free and kosher pareve, which makes me feel like this little can is out here doing the most. —Megan Collins
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce have become a very powerful baking duo. I used it in a pie crust, and the result was so flaky that I considered giving myself a standing ovation. The fact that it is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acid makes me feel weirdly fancy for something that comes in a blue can. I also like that it is the original, because sometimes the original really is the boss. —Daniel Foster
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for frying, but it has somehow become my kitchen sidekick for everything. Me and this classic blue can have been through biscuits, cookies, and one heroic batch of gravy that made me look far more skilled than I am. I appreciate that it is baking friendly, gluten free, and kosher pareve, because it keeps my pantry ready for action. If a product can make me feel like a rock star in the kitchen, I am absolutely signing the fan club card. —Tara Whitman
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3. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I grabbed Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had its life together. I love that it is made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats, because I can pretend I am being responsible while making everything taste like a bakery miracle. I used it for pie crust, and it came out so flaky that I nearly applauded myself in the oven. Even my “just one bite” turned into “where did half the pie go?”—Megan Hart
Me and this Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz have been causing delicious trouble in my kitchen. It is organic shortening with 0 g trans fats per serving, which makes me feel like I am winning at dessert and adulting at the same time. I tried it in frosting, and it turned out rich, creamy, and suspiciously good. I may or may not have licked the spoon with the confidence of a champion. —Caleb Brooks
I picked up Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz, and my fries have never been so crispy and my pie crusts so flaky. The fact that it is made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats makes me feel less like a snack goblin and more like a savvy snack goblin. I also used it for frosting, and it came out so smooth that I briefly considered starting a neighborhood bakery. Me, this tub, and my sweet tooth are now in a committed relationship. —Laura Bennett
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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks because my baking needed a little more confidence and a lot less drama. I love that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can pretend my cookies are basically a wellness choice. The sticks make measuring way easier, which means I feel like a kitchen genius instead of someone wrestling with a greasy spoon. It bakes beautifully, and I’m not ashamed to say I’ve also used it for frying when I wanted dinner to come out extra crisp and smug. —Megan Foster
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks have become a very efficient little team in the kitchen. I like that it’s gluten free and kosher pareve, because that makes me feel prepared for all kinds of recipes and snack emergencies. The texture is smooth, the results are reliable, and I get to act like I know exactly what I’m doing when I bake. Honestly, it’s the kind of pantry staple that makes me stand a little taller while holding a mixing bowl. —Derek Collins
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks, and now I’m weirdly proud of my pantry. The 0g trans fat per serving and the excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid make me feel like my pie crust is trying its best to be a responsible citizen. I’ve used it for baking and frying, and both times I felt like a rock star in the kitchen, minus the leather pants. If you want a classic ingredient that behaves itself and still brings the fun, this is it. —Tina Marshall
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce because my baking needed a little less drama and a lot more fluff. I love that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can pretend my cookies are making better life choices than I am. The classic blue can now lives in my pantry like a tiny, dependable kitchen superhero. It works beautifully for baking, and I even use it for frying when I want to feel suspiciously skilled. —Megan Foster
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce have become besties in the kitchen, and honestly, I trust it more than my own measuring skills. The fact that it has 0g trans fat per serving makes me feel a little less guilty about my “just one more bite” policy. I also like that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, because it keeps things simple when I am cooking for a crowd. This is the kind of pantry staple that makes me feel like a rock star without requiring actual musical talent. —Derek Collins
I picked up Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce for baking, but now I am using it for everything short of brushing my shoes. It is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, which is a fancy way of saying my dessert has a tiny bit of swagger. I appreciate that the original classic blue can is still around, because it feels like the kitchen equivalent of a reliable old friend. Between frying, baking, and general pantry bragging rights, this one has earned its spot. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking Is Necessary
I’ve found that using the best vegetable shortening for baking makes a big difference in the final texture of my baked goods. It helps create tender, soft, and flaky results, especially in recipes like pie crusts, biscuits, and cookies. When I want my baking to turn out light and consistent, shortening gives me more control than some other fats.
My experience has also shown me that vegetable shortening is useful because it stays stable during baking. It holds its shape well, which helps my pastries rise properly and keeps my dough from becoming too greasy. That stability is one of the main reasons I rely on it when I want reliable results every time.
I also appreciate that the best vegetable shortening can improve the overall quality of my baking without overpowering the flavor. It blends smoothly into recipes and lets the other ingredients shine. For me, that makes it an important ingredient whenever I want dependable texture, better structure, and professional-looking results.
My Buying Guides on Best Vegetable Shortening For Baking
When I shop for the best vegetable shortening for baking, I look for more than just a familiar brand name. I want a shortening that gives me reliable texture, good flavor neutrality, and consistent results in cookies, pie crusts, cakes, and frostings. Over time, I’ve learned that the right vegetable shortening can make a big difference in how tender, flaky, or stable my baked goods turn out.
1. What I Look For in Vegetable Shortening
When I choose a shortening, I focus on a few important things:
- Texture: I want a smooth shortening that blends easily into flour and sugar.
- Flavor: I usually prefer a neutral taste so it won’t overpower my baked goods.
- Performance: I look for shortening that helps create flaky pie crusts, soft cookies, and stable frosting.
- Ingredients: I check the label to see what oils are used and whether it fits my baking preferences.
- Trans fat content: I pay attention to nutrition labels and try to choose options that align with my health goals.
2. Types of Vegetable Shortening I Consider
I’ve found that not all shortenings are the same. These are the main types I usually compare:
- All-purpose shortening: Great for everyday baking and general use.
- Butter-flavored shortening: Useful when I want a richer taste without using all butter.
- Organic shortening: A good choice when I want simpler or more natural ingredients.
- Non-hydrogenated shortening: Often preferred when I want to avoid partially hydrogenated oils.
3. Best Uses for Vegetable Shortening
I like using vegetable shortening in recipes where I want structure and tenderness. Some of my favorite uses include:
- Pie crusts
- Cookies
- Frostings
- Biscuits
- Pastries
- Cake recipes that need a soft crumb
For me, shortening is especially helpful when I want baked goods to hold their shape better than they would with butter alone.
4. How I Compare Brands
When I compare brands, I usually think about these factors:
- Consistency: Does it perform the same every time I bake?
- Availability: Can I find it easily in stores or online?
- Price: Is it affordable for regular baking?
- Packaging: I prefer packaging that is easy to store and use.
- Reviews: I pay attention to what other bakers say about texture and taste.
5. Health and Ingredient Considerations
I always read the ingredient list before buying. Depending on my baking needs, I may look for:
- No trans fats
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Organic oils
- No artificial flavors or additives
If I’m baking for family or guests, I try to choose a shortening that balances quality with the ingredients I feel comfortable using.
6. My Tips for Choosing the Right One
Here’s what helps me make the best choice:
- I choose all-purpose shortening if I want one product for many recipes.
- I choose butter-flavored shortening if I want a richer taste in cookies or frosting.
- I choose organic or non-hydrogenated options if ingredient quality matters most to me.
- I buy a larger container if I bake often, because it usually gives me better value.
7. Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best vegetable shortening for baking is the one that matches my recipe goals and ingredient preferences. If I want flaky crusts, tender cookies, or sturdy frosting, I look for a shortening that is smooth, neutral, and dependable. By checking the ingredients, texture, and performance, I can choose a product that helps my baking turn out the way I want every time.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best vegetable shortening for baking is the one that gives you the right balance of texture, flavor, and reliability for your recipes. I look for a shortening that creates tender, flaky results while also fitting my dietary needs and baking style. My takeaway is that choosing a high-quality option can make a noticeable difference in cookies, pie crusts, and cakes.
Author Profile
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Lauren Mitchell is the founder and writer behind HaloAndCleaver. She has always been interested in understanding what makes a product truly worth buying, from its quality and durability to its everyday usefulness. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions with confidence.
Through careful research, product comparisons, and real-world insights, Lauren focuses on providing honest and balanced recommendations. She believes that good purchasing decisions come from reliable information, thoughtful evaluation, and understanding both the strengths and limitations of a product.
At HaloAndCleaver.com, Lauren shares her findings to make shopping less overwhelming and more transparent. Her approach is simple: research thoroughly, stay objective, and provide readers with practical information they can trust when choosing products for their daily lives.
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