Best Palm Oil Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Palm Oil in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Similar richness and smoke point; slightly sweeter flavor. Works well in soups and stews but lacks palm oil's distinctive color and earthiness.
Looking for the best Palm Oil substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 5 reliable Palm Oil replacements that work in cooking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store or keep things plant-based. The top pick is Coconut Oil — it's the closest match for most recipes. Similar richness and smoke point; slightly sweeter flavor. Works well in soups and stews but lacks palm oil's distinctive color and earthiness.
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Get ratios for Palm Oil →All Palm Oil Substitutes (5 options)
Similar richness and smoke point; slightly sweeter flavor. Works well in soups and stews but lacks palm oil's distinctive color and earthiness.
Higher water content requires slight increase to 1.2 cups per 1 cup palm oil. Provides richness but lower smoke point; best for lower-heat dishes and adds dairy complexity not present in original.
Natural form with full red color and nutty flavor; identical cooking properties to refined form. Most flavorful variant.
Neutral flavor and pale appearance; same cooking properties as unrefined. Better for recipes where color and flavor neutrality needed.
Mix 15 parts vegetable oil with 1 part tomato paste (e.g., 0.75 cup oil + 1 tbsp paste per 1 cup palm oil). Approximates color and body; won't match exact flavor but provides similar cooking properties.
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Tips for Substituting Palm Oil
For most recipes, Coconut Oil is the best starting point. Similar richness and smoke point; slightly sweeter flavor. Works well in soups and stews but lacks palm oil's distinctive color and earthiness. Going plant-based? Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil with Tomato Paste are both vegan-friendly options that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Vegetable Oil with Tomato Paste is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Palm 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 Palm Oil Substitutes
The best substitute for Palm Oil is Coconut Oil. Use the same amount. Similar richness and smoke point; slightly sweeter flavor. Works well in soups and stews but lacks palm oil's distinctive color and earthiness.
This guide lists 5 Palm 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.
Coconut Oil is a great plant-based alternative to Palm Oil. Similar richness and smoke point; slightly sweeter flavor. Works well in soups and stews but lacks palm oil's distinctive color and earthiness.
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