Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient used in baking, frying, and even greasing pans. It can be used in any recipe that calls for butter or vegetable oil.
If you are making a dish that calls for coconut oil but you don’t have any, do not worry. There are a number of great substitutions for coconut oil and they are listed here.
So what are the best coconut oil substitutes?
The top substitutes for coconut oil are butter, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, hazelnut oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil.
Read on for how to use each of these alternatives and when to use them.
Coconut Oil Alternatives
While all of the following coconut oil replacements are great, some work better than others depending on why your recipe calls for coconut oil.
Butter
Butter is the most versatile and popular substitute for coconut oil. It works in all types of recipes so no matter what you are making, you can replace coconut oil with butter.
Butter is also widely available and likely already in your refrigerator. It can be used at a 1:1 ratio in baking and frying recipes.
While it is best to use unsalted butter when using it in a baking recipe, if salted is all you have on hand be sure to use less additional salt when mixing your ingredients. Butter has a smoke point of 300 degrees.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a popular keto friendly alternative to coconut oil. It offers a high smoke point making it a good choice for frying and roasting.
It provides a rich nutty flavor of a similar intensity to coconut oil. Avocado oil works well in baked recipes as well making it a solid choice when making a dessert. Keep in mind that while avocado oil has a pleasant flavor, it does not offer the signature coconut flavor of coconut oil.
When using avocado oil go with a 1:1 ratio.
Grapeseed Oil
Made by pressing the seeds of grapes, grapeseed oil is another keto friendly coconut oil substitute.
With a smoke point of 420 degrees, grapeseed oil is another excellent option when frying or sautéing.
Grapeseed oil offers a mild, pleasing flavor that can be used in baked dishes as well as fried. Grapeseed oil is not as widely used as the options above, but if you have it available it is an excellent replacement for coconut oil.
Related: Grapeseed Oil Substitutes
Almond Oil
Almond oil is made by cold pressing almonds. It offers a subtle, nutty flavor that goes well with any recipe calling for coconut oil.
It offers a high smoke point, making it a great option for frying as well as baking. Almond oil provides one of the best flavor alternatives when subbing in for coconut oil.
The subtle almond flavor it imparts goes particularly well with baked desserts. When using almond oil in place of coconut oil use a 1:1 ratio.
Hazelnut Oil
Another subtle, nutty oil, hazelnut oil is a great substitute for coconut oil. Used much the same as almond oil, this option is another great way to go when baking a dessert that calls for coconut oil.
It also offers a high smoke point allowing it to be used as a frying oil. Next time you bake a cake or roast vegetable, give hazelnut a try at a 1:1 ratio.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is made by cold pressing hemp seeds. It offers a subtle flavor that will not overpower your recipe.
Hemp seed oil is another keto substitution option. It does offer a relatively low smoke point so it is not the best option for frying. But if baking a recipe that cooks for less and 40 minutes at 425 degrees or below, it is a great coconut oil alternative.
Use a 1:1 ratio when subbing in for coconut oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is produced by pressing the oil from olives. It is found in most kitchens making it a popular substitute for coconut oil.
Olive oil offers a robust flavor that goes well in most recipes. It can be used in baked goods, frying, sautéing, and even drizzled over veggies.
Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing coconut oil with olive oil.
Related: Olive Oil Substitute
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is produced by pressing the seeds of the sunflower plant. The oil offers a subtle flavor and high smoke point making it a solid substitute for any recipe that calls for coconut oil.
When opting for sunflower seed oil use a 1:1 ratio.
Coconut Oil Replacements FAQ
Can I substitute olive oil for coconut oil?
Yes. Olive oil is an excellent substitute for coconut oil. It can be used in baked recipes as well as fried.
Can I substitute vegetable oil for coconut oil?
Yes. Vegetable oil can be used in place of coconut oil. It does not offer the same level of flavor as many other options found above, but it works if no other alternatives are available.
Can I use applesauce instead of coconut oil?
Yes but because applesauce does not contain fat, it is recommended to include another fat if making a baked recipe.
The best way to substitute applesauce for coconut oil is to replace half the called for coconut oil with applesauce and the other half with one of the substitutes listed above.
What are the best coconut oil substitute for baking?
The best coconut oil substitutes for baking are butter, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil.
What are the best coconut oil substitute for cookies?
The best coconut oil substitutes when baking cookies are butter and avocado oil.
What are the best coconut oil substitute for baking chocolate?
The top coconut oil substitute to use when baking chocolate is butter. Many of the other options above can work in a pinch but butter is the go to option.
What is a low calorie substitute for coconut oil?
The lowest calorie options will be nut oils such as hazelnut oil and almond oil. Sunflower seed oil and hemp seed oil are two more great options.
What is a keto substitute for coconut oil?
The top keto substitutes for coconut oil are avocado oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, sunflower seed oil, and hemp seed oil. Read above for how to use each of these alternatives.