Best Cooking Oil Substitutes

🍳 SubSwap guide 2 substitutes 🌿 vegan options 🥛 dairy-free options 🌾 gluten-free options

What Can I Use Instead of Cooking Oil in a Recipe?

⭐ Top Pick
Olive Oil
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freeketopaleonut-free

Use the same amount as the original. Substitute 1:1 by volume. Extra virgin olive oil has lower smoke point (375°F) than neutral oils; best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and finishing.

Not this one? Try: Infused Oil (herb or garlic) See all 2 →

Need to replace Cooking Oil in a recipe? These 2 alternatives have you covered. From pantry staples to specialty swaps, this guide walks through every practical Cooking Oil replacement you can use in cooking — with the ratios you need to get it right. Ideal if you need to keep things plant-based or avoid dairy. The top pick is Olive Oil — it's the closest match for most recipes. Substitute 1:1 by volume. Extra virgin olive oil has lower smoke point (375°F) than neutral oils; best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and finishing.

Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.

Get ratios for Cooking Oil →

All Cooking Oil Substitutes (2 options)

Olive Oil Same amount
bestcommonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freeketopaleonut-free

Substitute 1:1 by volume. Extra virgin olive oil has lower smoke point (375°F) than neutral oils; best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and finishing.

Infused Oil (herb or garlic) Same amount
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freeketopaleonut-free

Same neutral base oil with added flavor. Use 1:1 replacement.

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Tips for Substituting Cooking Oil

For most recipes, Olive Oil is the best starting point. Substitute 1:1 by volume. Extra virgin olive oil has lower smoke point (375°F) than neutral oils; best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and finishing. Going plant-based? Olive Oil is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Olive Oil fits the bill without the gluten. If you're unsure which Cooking Oil substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.


Common Questions About Cooking Oil Substitutes

What is the best substitute for Cooking Oil?

The best substitute for Cooking Oil is Olive Oil. Use the same amount. Substitute 1:1 by volume. Extra virgin olive oil has lower smoke point (375°F) than neutral oils; best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and finishing.

How many substitutes are there for Cooking Oil?

This guide lists 2 Cooking Oil alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.

What is a vegan substitute for Cooking Oil?

Olive Oil is a great plant-based alternative to Cooking Oil. Substitute 1:1 by volume. Extra virgin olive oil has lower smoke point (375°F) than neutral oils; best for low-heat cooking, dressings, and finishing.

Also commonly substituted

Butter Egg Buttermilk Milk Flour Sugar Baking powder Baking soda Vanilla extract Heavy cream Sour cream Cream cheese

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