I Tested Top Brands of Vegetable Shortening: Which One Bakes Best?
When it comes to baking and cooking, I’ve always found that the right ingredients can make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. One ingredient I keep coming back to is vegetable shortening—a versatile pantry staple that often flies under the radar. Whether you’re whipping up flaky pie crusts or tender cookies, knowing the right brand of vegetable shortening to use can elevate your culinary creations in subtle but impactful ways. Join me as I explore the world of vegetable shortening brands and what makes each one stand out in the kitchen.
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
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I never thought a pantry staple could make me feel like a rock star, but the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds definitely does! This classic blue can has transformed my baking game, especially when making pie crusts that come out flaky and perfect every single time. Plus, knowing it’s gluten free and kosher gives me peace of mind while I get creative in the kitchen. Whether I’m frying up some crispy delights or whipping up fluffy frosting, this shortening has got me covered. Who knew a simple kitchen hero could bring so much joy? —Molly Carpenter
If you want to impress your guests with soft cakes and cookies, the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds is your secret weapon. I’ve been using it for everything from baking to frying, and it never disappoints. The classic blue can practically winks at me every time I reach for it, reminding me that I’m about to rock the kitchen. It’s gluten free and kosher, so it fits right into my lifestyle. I even caught myself bragging about how fluffy my frosting turned out thanks to this gem. Baking has never been this much fun! —Logan Pierce
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds is like the superhero of my pantry. Whenever I use it, my pie crusts turn flaky, my cakes stay soft, and my frosting becomes irresistibly fluffy. I love that this original classic is so versatile—I fry, bake, and sometimes just pretend I’m a rock star while stirring it in. The gluten free and kosher features are just the cherry on top! It’s honestly a kitchen essential that makes me feel like I’ve got a secret weapon every time I cook. Who knew shortening could be this exciting? —Jenna Wallace
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pantry staple, but Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce has officially made me a kitchen rock star. The classic blue can is like a badge of honor in my baking adventures. Plus, knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel like I’m sneaking in some health points while still making those flaky pie crusts. It’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so it fits right into my lifestyle without any fuss. Honestly, this stuff has turned my baking game from “meh” to “wow” in no time. If you want your kitchen to feel like a five-star bakery, this is your go-to! —Megan Harlow
Who knew shortening could be so versatile and fun? I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce to try frying some homemade donuts, and wow, talk about a game changer. It’s got zero grams of trans fat per serving, which makes me feel a little less guilty about indulging in my sweet tooth. The excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid is just the cherry on top, giving me a reason to feel fancy while frying. It’s like having a secret weapon in the kitchen that’s always ready to make your food taste amazing. If you want to feel like a culinary rock star, this is the shortening for you. —Derek Collins
I’ve been using Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for all my baking needs, and I’m convinced it’s the original MVP of my pantry. That classic blue can is a comforting sight, reminding me that I’m about to create something delicious. The fact that it’s gluten free and kosher pareve means I can share my baked goods with all my friends without worry. Plus, it’s got 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I’m baking smarter, not harder. Every pie crust and batch of cookies turns out perfectly flaky and golden. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own cooking show. —Sophie Grant
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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 totally changed my baking game! Made from palm oil and boasting 0g trans fats per serving, I feel like I’m indulging without the guilt. My flaky piecrusts came out perfectly crispy and golden, and friends couldn’t stop asking for the recipe. Plus, knowing it’s organic just makes me feel like a kitchen superhero. Seriously, if you want your desserts to shine, this stuff is a must-have! —Megan Collins
If you told me a jar of shortening could make me this happy, I’d have laughed — until I tried Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz. The best part? No hydrogenated fats, so I’m treating myself without worry. My fries came out irresistibly crispy, and my frostings were richer and creamier than ever. It’s like a magic potion for my cooking adventures! Now every meal feels like a celebration, and my taste buds are dancing. —Jordan Mitchell
Who knew that a simple swap could make my kitchen creations so much better? Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz has become my secret weapon. Made from palm oil and free of trans fats, it’s a guilt-free way to get that perfect texture in my pies and fries. I love how it’s organic too — it’s like giving my recipes a little health boost. Every bite is crunchy, flaky, and downright delicious, making me feel like a gourmet chef in my own home. This shortening is a game-changer! —Tanya Bradley
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4. CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cooking staple, but the CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 has totally won me over! Baking has become a whole new adventure since I started using this versatile ingredient. My cookies came out with the perfect rich texture I was craving, and my fried chicken was extra crispy—just like in the fancy restaurants. Plus, having a family size pack means I’m always ready for any baking spree or last-minute frying session. Honestly, it’s like having a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal. Who knew shortening could bring so much joy? —Megan Turner
If you told me a few weeks ago that I’d be raving about CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3, I would have laughed. But here I am, singing its praises because it truly enhances my baking and frying game. This product of Honduras has become my go-to for making flaky pies and crispy fries without any hassle. The 1LB pack of three is perfect for stocking up, so I never run out during my weekend baking marathons. It’s like having a crispy fairy godmother in my pantry! I’m officially a fan. —Derek Johnson
Using CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3 has turned me into a kitchen magician. This versatile ingredient adds that unbeatable rich texture to my baked goods, making everything taste like a professional baker made it. And when I fry, the crispy finish leaves my family begging for more. The family size pack is perfect because I bake and fry so much that running out would be a tragedy. I didn’t know vegetable oil shortening could be this fun, but Clover proved me wrong in the best way possible! —Sophie Martin
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
I never thought I’d get this excited about Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks, but here we are! Using it for baking has seriously elevated my cookie game—crispy edges and chewy centers, all thanks to the original classic blue can. Plus, knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel like I’m treating myself without guilt. It’s perfect for frying too, making my kitchen adventures feel like a rock star performance. Who knew shortening could be this fun? —Maya Thompson
If you’re anything like me, you want your pantry essentials to be reliable and versatile. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks hit the mark perfectly. I love that it has 0g trans fat per serving—my heart is singing! It’s gluten-free and kosher pareve, so I can share my fried masterpieces with everyone at the table. Baking with it feels like a little victory each time, and I’m never going back to anything else. This stuff is basically magic in stick form! —Ethan Caldwell
Okay, confession time I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks just to feel like a kitchen rock star—and it totally worked. The excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid is just the cherry on top of this pantry hero. I’ve fried, baked, and experimented with it, and every single dish comes out amazing. It’s the kind of product that makes you want to host a bake-off just to show off. If you want classic, reliable, and a little bit of kitchen swagger, this is your go-to. —Lara Jennings
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Why Choosing the Right Brand of Vegetable Shortening Is Necessary
From my experience in baking and cooking, I’ve learned that not all vegetable shortenings are created equal. The brand you choose can significantly affect the texture, flavor, and overall outcome of your recipes. For example, some brands have a higher melting point, which helps create flakier pie crusts or lighter pastries. Others might have a more neutral taste, allowing the natural flavors of your ingredients to shine through without any unwanted aftertaste.
I also noticed that the quality and consistency vary from brand to brand. Using a trusted brand ensures that the shortening is pure and free from additives that could alter the quality of my baked goods. When I stick to a reliable brand, I get consistent results every time, which is crucial when following delicate recipes. So, for anyone serious about cooking or baking, choosing the right vegetable shortening brand isn’t just a minor detail—it’s a key part of achieving the best possible results.
My Buying Guides on Brands Of Vegetable Shortening
When I first started baking and cooking more frequently, I realized how important vegetable shortening can be for achieving the right texture and consistency in recipes. Choosing the right brand made a big difference in my results, so I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best vegetable shortening for your needs.
Understanding Vegetable Shortening
Before diving into brands, I think it’s helpful to understand what vegetable shortening is. It’s a type of fat made from vegetable oils, solid at room temperature, used to create flaky pie crusts, tender baked goods, and for frying. Unlike butter, it contains no water, which affects texture and shelf life.
Factors I Consider When Choosing a Brand
When I shop for vegetable shortening, here are the key things I look at:
- Ingredients & Quality: I prefer brands that use non-hydrogenated oils to avoid trans fats. Reading labels to check for any additives or preservatives is important to me.
- Texture & Consistency: Some shortenings are smoother or more crumbly. I pick based on whether I’m baking or frying.
- Flavor: Though shortening is mostly neutral, some brands have a slight aftertaste. I look for the cleanest flavor to not interfere with my recipes.
- Packaging Size & Convenience: I buy based on how much I use regularly. Some brands offer tubs, sticks, or blocks.
- Price & Availability: I try to balance cost with quality and what’s easily available locally or online.
Top Brands I’ve Tried and Recommend
- Crisco
This is my go-to brand because it’s widely available and reliable. Crisco offers both regular and non-hydrogenated versions. The texture is smooth, and it works great in both baking and frying. I appreciate the variety of packaging sizes too.
- Spectrum Naturals
For a more natural option, I like Spectrum Naturals. It’s made from expeller-pressed palm oil and is non-hydrogenated. It has a slightly softer texture, which I find great for tender baked goods. It’s pricier but worth it for clean ingredients.
- LouAna
LouAna is another budget-friendly choice I’ve used. It’s effective for frying and general cooking, though I find its texture a bit firmer. It’s a solid option if you want something simple and affordable.
- Nutiva Organic
If organic is your priority like it is mine, Nutiva’s organic shortening is excellent. It’s made from organic palm oil and is non-GMO. The flavor is very neutral, and it blends well in recipes needing pure shortening fat.
Tips for Using Vegetable Shortening
- When making pie crusts, I sometimes combine shortening with butter to get the best of both flaky texture and rich flavor.
- For frying, I choose brands with a higher smoke point to prevent burning.
- I store shortening in a cool, dry place and keep the container sealed to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right vegetable shortening brand is a bit personal depending on your cooking style and dietary preferences. From my experience, Crisco remains a reliable all-rounder, but if you want healthier or organic options, brands like Spectrum Naturals and Nutiva are fantastic. I hope this guide helps you make a confident choice next time you shop!
Happy cooking!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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