If you’re out of grapeseed oil but need it for baking, stir frying, or sautéing no need to worry. There are a number of great substitutes you can use in place of grapeseed oil. And you most likely already have some of these alternatives in your pantry.
These grapeseed oil replacements can be used in everything from baking cake, to frying vegetables. Keep in mind though, that each of these substitutes offer their own unique flavor and smoke point, so read on for the best uses for each grapeseed oil alternative.
So what are the best substitutes for grapeseed oil?
The top grapeseed oil substitutes are vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, olive oil, almond oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and walnut oil.
Read on for which substitute to use for your recipe and how to best use each grapeseed oil replacement.
Grapeseed Oil Alternatives
In order to pick the appropriate substitution you need to understand what grapeseed oil is and how it is used in the kitchen.
Grapeseed oil has gained in popularity due to it’s availability and versatility. It works wonderfully in everything from baking to frying. It is even used as a salad dressing.
Grapeseed oil offers a relatively high smoke point of 420 degrees. Because of it’s versatility grapeseed oil is a popular substitute for vegetable oil.
Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of the winemaking process. When grapes are pressed for wine, the seeds of the grape are left behind.
The oil is then extracted from these seeds leaving you with grapeseed oil. Because it is a byproduct of winemaking, most grapeseed oil comes from Spain, Italy, and France.
Grapeseed oil is readily available at most grocery stores in the US and it is an affordable option for nearly any recipe that calls for oil.
Grapeseed Oil Use In Baking and Cooking
Grapeseed’s high smoke point makes it an ideal fat for baking and cooking. It works particularly well in cakes, sweet breads, and muffins.
It is also a popular oil for sautéing and frying. It offers a light flavor that won’t get in the way of any fried recipe. Grapeseed oil is an excellent choice for roasting and frying vegetables.
Related: Macadamia Oil Substitute
Vegetable Oil
With a smoke point of 450 degrees, vegetable oil is a great substitute for grapeseed oil in baking and frying recipes.
Vegetable oil is usually derived from the seeds of the soybean. While vegetable oil can refer to any oil made from the seeds of vegetables, in the US it generally refers to soybean oil. Vegetable oil is one of the best all around substitutes for grapeseed oil.
Canola Oil
Canola oil offers a smoke point of 400 degrees. It is made by extracting oil from the rapeseed plant. The flavor is light making it a great option for baking and as a salad dressing.
Canola oil is also a popular oil for barbequing. It works particularly well when roasting vegetables. Canola oil is also high in monounsaturated fats and omega 3.
Avocado Oil
With a high smoke point of 520 degrees, avocado oil is an excellent substitute for grapeseed oil when sautéing and frying.
Avocado oil is made from the pulp of the avocado fruit. It is high in vitamin E, phytosterols, lutein, and carotenoids.
The flavor is mild and it works well in baking and as a salad dressing as well as frying.
Related: Avocado Oil Substitutes
Olive Oil
Olive oil is derived from pressing olives. Virgin and extra virgin olive oil offers a strong flavor that is a popular salad dressing. It has a strong nutritional profile making it an ideal substitute for those looking to add flavor to salads.
With a smoke point of 374-405 degrees, Virgin olive oil is also well suited for roasting vegetables.
Related: Olive Oil Substitutes
Almond Oil
Almond oil has a smoke point of 430 degrees making it good for sautéing vegetables. It is a popular oil for Chinese style dishes. It can also be used for most other frying, making it one of the most versatile grapeseed oil substitutes.
It can also be used in baking recipes such as cakes, breads, and muffins.
Almond oil offers a mild flavor which allows it to go in all types of dishes.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil has a high smoke point of 450 degrees making it great for frying and roasting. It is a popular oil using in Chinese style recipes. It offers a mild flavor that is great for frying and sautéing.
Peanut oil is particularly good when cooking multiple ingredients at once thanks to it’s mild flavor and high smoke point.
It does not work well as a salad dressing so should only be substituted for grapeseed oil in baking and cooking recipes.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil comes from pressing the seeds of the sunflower plant. It offers a subtle flavor and a high smoke point of 450 degrees. It is packed with nutrients as well as having no trans fats. Because of it’s mild flavor and high smoke point it is a great alternative for grapeseed oil in frying and baking recipes.
It is not well suited as a salad dressing.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is made by pressing the seeds of the safflower plant (a relative of the sunflower). It has a light color and mild flavor and a smoke point over 500 degrees.
Safflower oil works in baking and frying recipes as well as a salad dressing. While not as readily available as other options, safflower oil is a great grapeseed oil replacement if you can find it at your local grocery store.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is made by cold pressing walnuts. It is a nutty flavored oil that has a low smoke point. Because of it’s low smoke point it is best suited as a salad dressing. Walnut oil becomes bitter when heated so it should not be used in baking or frying.
Related: Walnut Oil Substitutes