Canola oil ingredient

All About Canola oil

oils

Your complete guide to canola oil - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.

25 substitutes

Best Substitutes for Canola oil

Don't have canola oil? Try these alternatives in your recipes.

general

Common all-purpose substitutions that work in most recipes, offering a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

Vegetable Oil (e.g., blend of soybean, corn, or sunflower)

#1 choice

Very similar in neutral flavor and smoke point, making it an excellent direct substitute for most applications.

Grapeseed Oil

#2 choice

Extremely neutral flavor and a slightly higher smoke point than canola, making it very versatile for general cooking and baking.

High Oleic Sunflower Oil

#3 choice

Neutral flavor, good for high-heat cooking, and a healthy fatty acid profile. Avoid regular sunflower oil which has a lower smoke point.

Light Olive Oil

Lighter in flavor than extra virgin olive oil, but still may impart a slight fruity note. Has a lower smoke point than canola, so best for medium-heat cooking or baking.

Avocado Oil

Very neutral flavor and a very high smoke point, making it suitable for all cooking methods, including high-heat frying. It is generally more expensive.

baking

Substitutions specifically for baking applications where canola oil provides moisture, tenderness, and a neutral flavor.

Vegetable Oil

#1 choice

Provides similar moisture and texture to baked goods as canola oil due to its neutral flavor and liquid consistency.

Grapeseed Oil

#2 choice

A very neutral oil that won't interfere with the flavor of your baked goods, contributing to a light texture.

High Oleic Sunflower Oil

#3 choice

A good neutral option for baking, contributing moisture without added flavor. Ensure it's high oleic for better stability.

Melted Unsalted Butter

Adds richness and a distinct buttery flavor. Can be used in most recipes, but may result in a slightly denser texture in some cases. Note: Butter is a dairy product.

Light Olive Oil

Can be used in baking, especially for savory items or recipes where a slight fruity note is acceptable. Not ideal for delicate flavors.

cooking

Substitutions for general cooking, sautéing, frying, and roasting, focusing on smoke point and flavor neutrality.

Vegetable Oil

#1 choice

Functions identically to canola oil for sautéing, frying, and roasting due to its similar smoke point and neutral flavor.

Grapeseed Oil

#2 choice

Has a higher smoke point than canola oil and a very neutral flavor, making it excellent for high-heat cooking.

High Oleic Sunflower Oil

#3 choice

Offers a high smoke point and neutral flavor, ideal for all types of cooking, including deep frying.

Avocado Oil

Boasts one of the highest smoke points, making it superb for searing, frying, and roasting without imparting flavor. More expensive than canola.

Light Olive Oil

Suitable for moderate-heat cooking like sautéing or pan-frying. Avoid for very high-heat applications due to its lower smoke point compared to canola.

keto

Low-carb alternatives for ketogenic diet followers who may prefer certain oils due to their fatty acid profile or processing.

Avocado Oil

#1 choice

Highly recommended for keto due to its high monounsaturated fat content, neutral flavor, and very high smoke point, suitable for all cooking.

MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil)

#2 choice

1:1 (for dressings/low heat) ratio

Primarily used for its cognitive benefits and quick energy source. Best for dressings, smoothies, or very low-heat cooking, not suitable for high-heat frying.

Refined Coconut Oil

#3 choice

A good source of MCTs. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor and a moderate smoke point, suitable for most cooking methods. Unrefined has a distinct coconut flavor.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Rich in monounsaturated fats. Best for dressings, drizzling, or low to medium-heat cooking due to its lower smoke point and distinct flavor profile.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

A keto-friendly fat with a high smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor. It's clarified butter, so it's lactose-free, but still dairy-derived.

paleo

Paleo diet compliant alternatives, as canola oil is generally avoided due to its processing and omega-6 content.

Avocado Oil

#1 choice

A cornerstone of paleo cooking, offering a neutral taste, high smoke point, and healthy monounsaturated fats.

Refined Coconut Oil

#2 choice

Paleo-approved, neutral flavor when refined, and suitable for medium-heat cooking. Unrefined coconut oil is also paleo but has a strong coconut taste.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

#3 choice

Excellent for dressings, marinades, and low to medium-heat cooking. Its distinct flavor is embraced in paleo cuisine. Avoid high-heat cooking due to its lower smoke point.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Considered paleo-friendly by many due to the removal of milk solids, offering a high smoke point and rich flavor. Some strict paleo followers may still avoid.

Lard or Tallow (rendered animal fat)

Traditional, nutrient-dense fats that are highly stable for cooking at high temperatures. Imparts a distinct savory flavor. Ensure it's from pasture-raised animals for best quality.