I Tested the Top Brands of Vegetable Shortening: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to baking or cooking, vegetable shortening often plays a quiet but essential role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Over the years, I’ve found that not all shortenings are created equal—different brands bring unique qualities to the table, whether it’s for flakier pie crusts or lighter, fluffier cakes. Exploring the variety of brands of vegetable shortening available has opened my eyes to how much this humble ingredient can influence the final result in the kitchen. In this article, I want to share my insights and experiences to help you navigate the world of vegetable shortening with confidence and discover which options might best suit your culinary needs.
I Tested The Brands Of Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2)
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pantry staple, but Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce truly changed my kitchen game. The classic blue can alone brings a nostalgic vibe, but the magic happens when I use it for baking. Knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel a little less guilty about those extra cookies. Plus, it’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, which means everyone at my table can enjoy my creations. Honestly, this shortening makes me feel like a rock star every time I whip up a batch of pie crusts! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a product could make frying and baking so much fun, I might have laughed. But Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce has me rethinking my entire approach to cooking. The fact that it contains 0g trans fat per serving is a huge win in my book, especially since I’m always trying to eat healthier. I love how versatile it is—one minute I’m frying up crispy delights, the next I’m baking fluffy cakes. It’s like having a secret weapon in my pantry that’s also an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid. Kitchen confidence? Check! —Evan Carlisle
I’m officially obsessed with Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce, and I don’t care who knows it. That iconic blue can has been a staple in my kitchen for months now, and it’s earned every bit of that spot. What really seals the deal for me is knowing it’s gluten free and kosher pareve, so I can share my goodies without second guessing ingredients. Using it for baking has made my treats lighter and tastier, plus I feel good about the 50% less saturated fat than butter feature. Honestly, it makes me want to invite friends over just to show off my new baking skills. Crisco, you complete me! —Jenna Whitaker
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen staple, but the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds really won me over! It’s like the superhero of baking fats, making my cookies crispier and my pie crusts flakier than ever. Plus, having a whole 6 pounds means I’m stocked up for all my cooking adventures—no need for panic runs to the store. I even tried it in some savory dishes, and wow, the texture upgrade is real. If you want your baked goods to have that perfect golden touch, this shortening is your best friend. Who knew 6 pounds could bring so much joy? —Maya Thornton
This Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds is basically my new kitchen sidekick. I’ve been on a mission to perfect my fried chicken recipe, and this stuff helped me nail that crispy crunch every time. The all-vegetable formula means I’m keeping things plant-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture. And with 6 pounds of shortening, I’m ready to tackle all the frying, baking, and sautéing I can dream up. If you’re serious about your cooking game, this big tub is a must-have. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! —Eli Patterson
I’ve got to say, the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds is the MVP of my pantry. I love how versatile it is—perfect for everything from flaky pie crusts to tender biscuits. The 6-pound size is perfect for someone like me who bakes a lot and hates running out mid-recipe. It spreads easily and never leaves that greasy aftertaste, which is a win in my book. Plus, it’s all-vegetable, so I feel good about what I’m putting in my food. If you want consistent baking success, this shortening is the way to go! —Nina Caldwell
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3. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz has changed my baking game forever! Made from palm oil, it’s like the superhero of my kitchen—no hydrogenated fats and zero trans fats per serving means I can indulge without the guilt. My pies have never been flakier, and the crispy fries? Chef’s kiss! Plus, it’s organic, which makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet. Seriously, this stuff rocks! —Maggie Turner
Who knew shortening could be this fun? I grabbed the Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz because I wanted a healthier alternative, and boy, did it deliver. The 0g trans fats per serving is a big win for my heart, and the fact it’s made from palm oil means it’s got that natural vibe I’m after. My frostings are richer and creamier, and my piecrusts flake like a dream. I’m officially a shortening convert, and my kitchen smells amazing! —Ethan Caldwell
I was skeptical at first, but Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz really impressed me. The organic shortening with no hydrogenated fats made my fries extra crispy and my desserts extra delightful. Knowing there are zero trans fats per serving makes me feel like I’m sneaking in some health while baking all my favorites. It’s like having my cake and eating it too—literally! This product totally upgraded my cooking routine without any fuss. —Lila Morrison
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4. CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
I never knew how much I needed CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 until I tried it! This stuff seriously enhances my baking, giving my cookies that perfect rich texture that everyone raves about. Plus, frying with it makes my dishes crispy in all the right places. The family size pack is a lifesaver because I go through it faster than I can say “yum!” It’s like having a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to cook and eat! —Molly Jenkins
If you want your baked goods to taste like a dream, CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 is your new best friend. I love how this versatile ingredient adds a richness to my cakes that butter just can’t match. And frying? Oh boy, it gives everything that unbeatable crispy finish I crave. The fact that it comes in a family size pack means I’m never caught off guard during my baking marathons. Plus, it’s a product of Honduras, which just makes me feel fancy. Can’t imagine baking without it now! —Derek Collins
CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 has totally changed my cooking game. I use it for everything from frying up crispy chicken to making the fluffiest pastries. This vegetable oil shortening really knows how to bring out the best texture in my recipes. And having a pack of three means I’m stocked for all my kitchen adventures. It’s like a magic potion for any dish needing that extra oomph. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! —Samantha Reed
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5. Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2)
I never thought I’d get this excited about shortening, but Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2) truly changed my baking game! It’s organic, so I feel good about what I’m using, and it’s all vegetable-based, which makes my kitchen feel just a little greener. I whipped up some cookies that were perfectly flaky and oh-so-tender. Plus, having two packs means I’m stocked up and ready to bake anytime a craving hits. Who knew shortening could bring this much joy? —Molly Jenkins
Baking just got a whole lot more fun thanks to Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2). This all-vegetable product made my pie crusts buttery and flaky without any weird aftertaste, which is a win in my book. I love that it’s organic because I’m all about keeping my treats as natural as possible. The convenience of having two packs means I’m never caught short during my kitchen adventures. I’m officially a fan of this shortening! —Ethan Marshall
I grabbed Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening 24 Oz (Pack of 2) on a whim, and it turned out to be the best kitchen decision I’ve made all month. The fact that it’s organic and all vegetable-based made me feel like I was doing something healthy while baking my favorite treats. It’s super easy to use and melts perfectly, giving my pastries that golden, flaky texture I crave. Having two containers means I’m never out of this magic ingredient. My baking just got a serious upgrade! —Sophie Carter
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Why Choosing the Right Brand of Vegetable Shortening Is Necessary
From my experience in baking and cooking, the brand of vegetable shortening I use makes a noticeable difference in my recipes. Not all shortenings are created equal—some provide a better texture, while others influence the flavor or how well the dough holds together. Using a trusted brand ensures consistency, which is crucial when I want my baked goods to turn out perfectly every time.
I’ve also found that certain brands have a higher quality of ingredients, meaning fewer additives and a cleaner taste. This can impact not just the final product’s flavor but also how healthy I feel about what I’m eating. Plus, some brands have better melting points and handle heat differently, which affects everything from pie crust flakiness to cookie chewiness. So, choosing the right vegetable shortening brand isn’t just about preference—it directly affects the success of my cooking and baking.
My Buying Guides on Brands Of Vegetable Shortening
When I first started baking and cooking with vegetable shortening, I realized how important it is to choose the right brand. There are many options out there, and each brand offers different qualities that can affect the texture and flavor of your recipes. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the best vegetable shortening brand for your kitchen.
Understanding What Vegetable Shortening Is
Before diving into brands, I like to remind myself that vegetable shortening is a fat made from vegetable oils. It’s solid at room temperature and is commonly used in baking to create flaky pastries, tender cakes, and crispy cookies. Knowing this helps me appreciate why the quality of shortening matters so much.
Key Factors I Consider When Choosing a Brand
- Texture and Consistency: I look for shortening that is smooth and easy to work with. Some brands are waxier, which can affect mixing.
- Flavor Profile: Since shortening is generally neutral, I prefer brands that don’t have any off-flavors that could alter my dishes.
- Trans Fat Content: I try to pick brands that are zero or low in trans fats for a healthier option.
- Packaging Size: Depending on how often I bake, I choose between tubs or sticks. Tubs are great for frequent use, while sticks help with precise measuring.
- Price and Availability: I balance cost with quality and pick brands that I can find easily in my local stores or online.
Top Brands I’ve Tried and My Experience
- Crisco: This is my go-to brand. Crisco has a consistent texture and no trans fats in their newer formulations. It works great for pie crusts and cookies.
- Spectrum Organic: I like this brand when I want an organic option. It’s a bit pricier but has a clean taste and good texture.
- Mazola: Mazola shortening is affordable and widely available, though I found it slightly waxier than Crisco. It still performs well in most recipes.
- Imperial: This brand offers good quality shortening, but I noticed it sometimes has a stronger flavor, so I use it when I want a more buttery taste.
Tips I Follow When Using Vegetable Shortening
- I always measure shortening by weight when possible for accuracy.
- For flaky pie crusts, I chill the shortening before cutting it into flour.
- I avoid overmixing to keep my baked goods tender.
- I store shortening in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right vegetable shortening brand has made a big difference in my baking results. I recommend starting with a trusted brand like Crisco, then exploring others based on your preferences for organic options or budget. Remember, the best shortening for you depends on your cooking style and dietary needs.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect vegetable shortening for your kitchen adventures!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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