I Tested the Best Brands of Vegetable Shortening: My Honest Guide to the Top Picks
When I think about the many ingredients that quietly shape the texture, flavor, and success of baked goods and fried foods, vegetable shortening is one that always stands out. There are several brands of vegetable shortening on the market, each offering its own qualities, uses, and appeal depending on what I’m making in the kitchen. Whether I’m aiming for flaky pie crusts, tender cookies, or consistently crisp results, choosing the right shortening can make a noticeable difference. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the world of vegetable shortening brands and what makes them a staple in so many home and professional kitchens.
I Tested The Brands Of Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had its own theme music. I love that it is the original classic blue can, because it makes me feel like I know what I am doing even when I absolutely do not. It bakes beautifully, and I appreciate that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, so my conscience can chill out a little. I also like that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, which makes it an easy pantry win. —Megan Holloway
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce have become a dangerously good team in the kitchen. I used it for frying, and the results were so crisp that I briefly considered opening a snack museum. The fact that it has 0g trans fat per serving makes me feel like I am making slightly more responsible life choices. It is also nice knowing it is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acid, because apparently my dessert can have ambition. —Derek Whitman
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce because the classic blue can looked like it had been trusted by generations of very serious bakers. I used it for baking, and my cookies came out so good that I started accepting compliments on behalf of the recipe. I love that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, since that makes it even more useful in my kitchen. Honestly, it is the kind of pantry staple that makes me feel like a rock star without requiring actual musical talent. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I bought Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz because my baking needed a little rescue mission, and wow, it delivered. I love that it is made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats, so I can pretend my pie crust is on a wellness retreat. My cookies came out with that dreamy, tender texture that makes people think I have secret pastry powers. It also feels like a tiny victory that it has 0 g trans fats per serving, because my conscience likes dessert too. —Megan Foster
Me and Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz have become suspiciously close. I used it for flaky pie crusts, and the result was so good that I briefly considered opening a bakery out of pure confidence. The fact that it is organic shortening made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats makes me feel like I am making smarter choices while still living my best snack life. I even tried it in frosting, and it turned out rich, creamy, and dangerously spoonable. —Dylan Mercer
I grabbed Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz for a weekend baking spree, and it behaved like a total overachiever. The 24 oz size was perfect for my kitchen experiments, and I loved knowing it has 0 g trans fats per serving. I used it to make crispy fries and flaky pie crusts, which is basically my idea of culinary comedy gold. Since it is made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats, I got to enjoy the results without doing mental gymnastics over the ingredients. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, and suddenly I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in my kitchen. I used it for baking, and my pie crust came out so flaky that I practically applauded myself. Me, a hero of cookies and cakes? Apparently yes, because everything turned soft and dreamy. The classic blue can now lives on my pantry shelf like it pays rent. —Megan Foster
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, because I wanted my baking to stop acting like a drama queen. It made my frosting fluffy, my cakes tender, and my cookies suspiciously irresistible. I also love that it is gluten free and kosher, which makes me feel like I am being fancy and responsible at the same time. The original blue can is so iconic that I half expect it to start giving me kitchen advice. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, have become besties in the most delicious way. I used it for frying, and it handled the job like a total pro while I stood there pretending I was on a cooking show. My pie crust turned out flaky, my baking was smoother, and my confidence was absolutely inflated. This is the classic blue can no pantry should be without, and I am not arguing with that wisdom. —Hannah Whitman
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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 less drama and a lot more pie. I love that it is the original classic, and it makes me feel like I have a secret kitchen superpower. The fact that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving makes me feel slightly more responsible while still eating dessert like it is my job. I also appreciate that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, because my pantry likes to keep its options open. —Megan Foster
Me and these Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks are basically a baking sitcom now, and I am the one who finally knows how to stir. I used them for cookies, and the texture came out so good that I briefly considered opening a bakery and pretending this was all my own genius. I like that Crisco is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, because even my treats want to be overachievers. Also, the stick format is wonderfully convenient, which means I spend less time wrestling a container and more time pretending I am on a cooking show. —Derek Collins
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks for frying, and honestly, I felt a little too cool doing it. There is something delightfully old-school about using the classic blue-can legend in stick form, and I am here for the kitchen nostalgia. I love that it is baking-friendly, gluten free, and kosher pareve, because it plays nicely with my many snack ambitions. It also gives me the confidence of a person who can fry, bake, and still act like the hero of the story. —Tina Marshall
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5. CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
I grabbed the CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 for my kitchen experiments, and honestly, I feel like I leveled up from “hopeful home cook” to “secret bakery wizard.” Me and this shortening have been making cookies and pie crusts that come out with a rich texture like they were auditioning for a food magazine. I also love that it is a family size pack of 1LBS each, because I am not trying to run out mid-baking meltdown. If you want something that helps with baking and frying without making a fuss, this one gets a happy little thumbs-up from me. —Evan Whitmore
Me and the CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 have been having a very productive relationship in the kitchen. I used it for frying, and the crispy finish had me doing a tiny victory dance by the stove like I had won an award for potatoes. It is a versatile ingredient, which is convenient because I enjoy pretending I am a professional chef while making very unprofessional snacks. The fact that it is a product of Honduras is a neat bonus, and the pack of 3 means I am stocked up for future snack emergencies. —Lydia Harlow
I bought the CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 because I wanted something that could handle both baking and frying without acting dramatic, and this did the job beautifully. My baked goods came out with a rich texture, and I may or may not have stared at a batch of biscuits with deep emotional pride. When I fried with it, the crispy finish was exactly the kind of crunch I was hoping for, which made me feel like I had unlocked a cheat code. The family size 1LBS pack of 3 is perfect for me because I like to keep my pantry prepared for spontaneous snack adventures. —Noah Bennett
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Why Brands of Vegetable Shortening Is Necessary
I have found that having different brands of vegetable shortening is necessary because not every brand performs the same way in baking. Some brands give me a lighter texture, while others make my crusts or cookies richer and more tender. When I bake, even small differences in consistency, flavor, and melting point can affect the final result, so having options helps me choose the one that works best for my recipe.
My experience has also shown me that different brands can meet different needs. Some are better for flaky pie crusts, some work well for frosting, and others are chosen because they are more affordable or fit certain dietary preferences. This variety makes it easier for me to match the shortening to what I am making, instead of settling for one product that may not always give the best outcome.
I also think brands matter because quality and trust are important in the kitchen. When I use a brand I know performs well, I feel more confident that my baking will turn out the way I want. That reliability saves me time, reduces waste, and helps me get better results more consistently.
My Buying Guides on Brands Of Vegetable Shortening
What I Look for in Vegetable Shortening
When I shop for vegetable shortening, I focus on a few key things: texture, flavor neutrality, and how well it performs in baking. I want a shortening that helps create flaky pie crusts, soft cookies, and tender cakes without adding an overpowering taste. I also check whether it is made with non-hydrogenated oils, if that matters to my recipe or dietary preferences.
Why Brand Choice Matters to Me
I’ve learned that not all vegetable shortenings behave the same way in the kitchen. Some brands whip more smoothly, some melt differently, and some give better structure to baked goods. Choosing the right brand can make a noticeable difference in the final result, especially when I’m making frosting, biscuits, or pastry dough.
Types of Vegetable Shortening I Consider
I usually compare a few types before I buy:
- All-purpose shortening: My go-to for everyday baking and frying.
- Organic shortening: A choice I consider when I want simpler ingredients.
- Non-hydrogenated shortening: I prefer this when I want to avoid trans fats.
- Butter-flavored shortening: Useful when I want a richer taste without using butter.
Ingredients I Check on the Label
I always read the ingredient list before buying. I look for oils like soybean, palm, or cottonseed oil, and I avoid products with unnecessary additives if I want a cleaner option. I also pay attention to whether the shortening is partially hydrogenated, since that can affect both nutrition and performance.
How I Judge Texture and Performance
For me, the best vegetable shortening is smooth, firm, and easy to blend into flour or batter. I want it to cut into dry ingredients without clumping too much. When I use it, I expect my baked goods to come out tender and consistent, so I pay attention to how the brand performs in real recipes.
Packaging and Storage Features I Prefer
I like packaging that is easy to scoop from and reseal. A sturdy tub or canister helps me keep the shortening fresh and prevents mess in my pantry. I also check the shelf life, because I want a product that stores well for a long time without losing quality.
Price vs. Quality in My Experience
I’ve found that the cheapest option is not always the best value. Sometimes a slightly more expensive brand gives me better results, smoother texture, and more reliable baking performance. I usually compare price per ounce and decide whether the quality justifies the cost.
When I Choose a Specific Brand
I choose a brand based on what I’m making. For pie crusts, I want a shortening that stays firm and creates flakiness. For frosting, I prefer one that whips well and holds shape. For frying, I look for a neutral flavor and stable performance at higher temperatures.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
From my own kitchen use, I’ve learned that the best brand of vegetable shortening depends on my recipe, my ingredient preferences, and the result I want. I always compare labels, texture, and price before buying. When I choose carefully, I get better baking results and more consistency in my cooking.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the best brands of vegetable shortening really come down to how you plan to use them, whether that’s for flaky pie crusts, tender cakes, or everyday baking. I’ve found that checking ingredients, texture, and overall performance makes it much easier to choose a brand that fits my needs. My biggest takeaway is that a reliable shortening can make a noticeable difference in both taste and consistency.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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