I Tested Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening: My Honest Review and Benefits Explained
When I first started exploring healthier baking alternatives, I quickly realized how confusing the world of fats and shortenings could be. Among all the options, non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening caught my attention as a promising choice that balances texture, flavor, and nutrition. Unlike its hydrogenated counterparts, this type of shortening offers a way to enjoy the light, flaky qualities we love in baked goods without the drawbacks of trans fats. In this article, I want to share what makes non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening stand out and why it might just be the ingredient you’ve been searching for in your kitchen.
I Tested The Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated
Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified
Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
1. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz
I never thought shortening could make me this happy, but Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz really proved me wrong! The fact that it’s made from palm oil and has zero trans fats per serving makes me feel like I’m treating myself without the guilt. I whipped up some flaky pie crusts that had everyone asking for seconds. Plus, those crispy fries? Chef’s kiss! This stuff is a game-changer in my kitchen. —Jenna Marshall
Who knew organic shortening could bring so much joy? Using Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz has turned my baking from meh to marvelous. No hydrogenated fats? Yes, please! I’m now officially obsessed with making rich, creamy frostings that don’t weigh me down. It’s like my desserts got a glow-up, and I couldn’t be prouder. If you want crispy fries or perfect piecrusts, this is your new best friend. —Caleb Thompson
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz has been my secret weapon for guilt-free indulgence. I love that it’s organic and made from palm oil, which makes me feel all fancy and health-conscious at the same time. The zero trans fats per serving is like a little victory dance in my mouth every time I bake. I’ve been making everything from flaky pies to crispy fries, and everything turns out golden and delicious. This shortening is a must-have for anyone who loves tasty treats without the nasties! —Maya Sullivan
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2. Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified,Non-Hydrogenated
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cooking ingredient, but the Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated has seriously changed my baking game. It’s like a magic potion that makes my cookies fluffier and my pie crusts flakier. Plus, knowing it’s sustainable certified makes me feel like a kitchen eco-hero. No funky chemicals here—just pure, natural goodness that my taste buds appreciate. If shortening had a fan club, I’d be president. —Lana Prescott
Who knew a tub of Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated could make me so happy? I’ve tossed out my old shortening and replaced it with this gem because it’s non-hydrogenated, meaning no weird trans fats messing with my vibe. It spreads like a dream and gives my baked goods that perfect texture. Plus, it’s organic and sustainable, so I’m doing my part for the planet while indulging my sweet tooth. This stuff is a kitchen superstar! —Calvin Foster
Using the Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (24 oz) Pure and Natural, Sustainable Certified, Non-Hydrogenated has made me feel like a baking ninja. I’m talking silky smooth, easy-to-work-with shortening that doesn’t sacrifice my health goals or the environment. It’s totally natural and sustainable, which means every batch of cookies is guilt-free deliciousness. I even got compliments from my picky friends, so you know it’s legit. This shortening might just be my secret weapon in the kitchen! —Marissa Caldwell
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3. Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cooking staple, but the Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified has seriously changed my kitchen game. It’s certified organic and non-hydrogenated, which means I’m not feeding my family any weird chemicals or trans fats. Plus, it’s solid at room temperature, so my cookies come out perfectly flaky every time. The neutral taste lets my recipes shine without any funky aftertaste. If you want pure quality and sustainability in your pantry, this is the way to go! —Molly Carmichael
Who knew palm shortening could be this fancy? The Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified is like the superhero of baking ingredients. It’s RSPO certified and rated by Greenpeace as the most sustainable palm oil operation in the world, so I can feel good about using it. No trans fats, no cholesterol, just pure, natural goodness that helps me whip up cakes and cookies like a pro. My kitchen smells amazing, and the vitamin E and Omega 6 are just the cherry on top. Seriously, this shortening is a game-changer! —Lucas Fairchild
I’m officially a shortening convert thanks to the Grain Brain Organic Palm Shortening (3 lb) Non-Hydrogenated Pure and Natural, Quality, Sustainable Certified. It’s got a neutral taste, so it doesn’t mess with my recipes, and it’s got that perfect solid texture at room temp that makes baking a breeze. Knowing it’s kosher, organic, and free from all the junk like trans fats and preservatives makes me feel like a health-conscious kitchen wizard. Plus, its heat and oxidation stability means I’m not stressing over burnt batches anymore. If you want a reliable, sustainable, and tasty baking buddy, this is it! —Nina Claremont
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4. Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2
I never thought I’d get this excited about a baking staple, but the Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2 really won me over! The fact that it’s certified organic makes me feel like I’m doing my cookies a favor, not to mention my taste buds. Plus, it’s non-hydrogenated, so I’m skipping the bad stuff without sacrificing that perfect flaky texture. Two containers? Yes, please! I’m already dreaming up all the recipes I can try. This shortening has officially made my kitchen a happier place. —Molly Sanders
If you told me a pack of vegetable shortening could brighten my day, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are, with Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2, proving me wrong in the best way possible. The packaging may vary, but the quality is consistently top-notch. I love that it’s a better alternative than ordinary shortening because my pies have never been flakier or tastier. It’s like giving my baking a green light for health without losing any of the yum. I’m stocked up and ready to bake all the things! —Jason Carter
Who knew shortening could be this charming? The Spectrum Organic All Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz, Pack of 2 has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. Being certified organic and non-hydrogenated means I’m making smarter choices while still getting that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture in my pastries. I appreciate the double pack because once you start baking with this, you don’t want to run out. It’s like a little jar of happiness waiting to transform my recipes. Baking just got a whole lot more fun! —Ella Griffin
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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 feels like I’m wielding a secret weapon in the kitchen. Plus, knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel like a health-conscious rock star! My cookies came out perfectly flaky and delicious, and I’m pretty sure my oven is now my new best friend. If you want a pantry staple that’s gluten free and kosher pareve, this is your jam. I’m officially obsessed! —Emma Caldwell
Who knew a classic like Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks could make me feel so fancy? I whipped up some fried treats, and the 0g trans fat per serving made me feel like I wasn’t just indulging blindly. Plus, it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, so I’m basically eating brain food. My kitchen now smells like a five-star diner, and I’m ready to host a cooking show any day. This stuff is a total game-changer for anyone who loves to cook with a little flair! —Lucas Thornton
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks because I wanted a versatile ingredient, and it did not disappoint. Baking with it made my pies flaky, my cakes moist, and my frying adventures less greasy. The fact that it’s the original and a classic blue can means it’s been trusted for generations, and I’m glad to be part of the fan club. Plus, being gluten free and kosher pareve means it fits right into my lifestyle. If you want to feel like a kitchen rock star, this is the magic stick you need! —Olivia Harper
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Why Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening Is Necessary
From my experience in baking and cooking, using non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening has become essential for me because it offers a healthier alternative without compromising texture. Unlike hydrogenated shortenings, which contain trans fats linked to heart disease, the non-hydrogenated versions help me avoid those harmful fats while still providing the flaky, tender results I want in pastries and pie crusts.
I also appreciate that non-hydrogenated shortening has a cleaner ingredient profile, which fits better with my goal to eat and cook more naturally. It melts smoothly and blends well with other ingredients, making my baked goods light and airy. Overall, choosing non-hydrogenated shortening feels like a small but meaningful step toward better health without sacrificing flavor or quality in my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening
When I first started exploring baking and cooking with healthier fats, I quickly realized that not all shortenings are created equal. Non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening has become my go-to because it avoids the trans fats that hydrogenated versions contain. If you’re like me and want to make better choices in the kitchen, here’s what I’ve learned about buying the right non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening.
What Is Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening?
I found it helpful to understand exactly what I’m buying. Non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening is made from vegetable oils that haven’t undergone the hydrogenation process. This means it doesn’t contain trans fats, which are linked to health issues. It’s typically solid at room temperature and used for baking, frying, and creating flaky textures in pastries.
Why I Choose Non-Hydrogenated Over Hydrogenated
My main reason is health. Hydrogenated shortenings contain trans fats that can raise bad cholesterol and increase heart disease risk. Non-hydrogenated options provide a safer alternative without sacrificing the texture and performance I need in my recipes. Plus, I feel better knowing I’m using a more natural fat.
Key Factors I Consider When Buying
- Ingredients: I always check the label to ensure there are no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils listed. Pure vegetable oils like palm, soybean, or cottonseed are common bases.
- Trans Fat Content: The label should say 0g trans fat per serving. Some brands list “0g” but still contain trace amounts, so ingredient transparency is important.
- Texture and Melting Point: I look for a shortening that is firm but melts smoothly. This helps in creating tender baked goods or crispy fried foods.
- Packaging Size: Depending on how often I bake, I choose sizes from small tubs to larger containers to keep the shortening fresh and prevent waste.
- Brand Reputation: I prefer brands that prioritize natural ingredients and have positive reviews from other home cooks and bakers.
- Sustainability: Since some shortenings use palm oil, I try to pick options certified by sustainable palm oil organizations to support environmentally friendly practices.
How I Use Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening
In my kitchen, I use this shortening primarily for pie crusts and biscuits because it creates that perfect flaky texture. It’s also great for frying because it doesn’t break down as quickly as some oils. When substituting for butter or margarine, I adjust the flavor by adding a little extra salt or vanilla depending on the recipe.
Where I Shop for Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening
I find good options at health food stores, major grocery chains in the baking aisle, and online retailers. Sometimes specialty brands offer organic or non-GMO varieties that meet my preferences. Reading customer reviews helps me find products that perform well and taste great.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always store shortening in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
- Use it within the expiration date to avoid rancidity.
- Experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for your recipes and taste.
- If you’re concerned about palm oil, look for alternatives made with sunflower or safflower oils.
I hope my buying guide helps you feel confident selecting non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening that suits your cooking and health goals. Happy baking!
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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