Best Baking & Cooking Shortenings of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Baking and cooking shortenings are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. These shortenings are made from vegetable oils and are often used in baking to create flaky crusts and tender cakes. They can also be used for frying and sautéing, as they have a high smoke point and can withstand high temperatures. Baking and cooking shortenings come in different forms, including solid, liquid, and spray, making them easy to use in any recipe. They are an essential ingredient in many kitchens and can help elevate the quality of any dish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Cover #TOP 1
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Crisco Shortening Cover #TOP 2
Crisco Shortening
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat, 42 Ounces Cover #TOP 3
SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat, 42 Ounces
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Baking & Cooking Shortenings

#TOP 1

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening

24171
blue
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Cover
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, also known as Crisco Shortening, is a must-have in every pantry. This classic blue can is versatile and can be used for baking, frying, or simply to elevate your cooking skills. It is perfect for creating flaky pie crusts, soft cakes and cookies, and fluffy frostings. With its gluten-free and kosher attributes, Crisco Shortening caters to various dietary needs. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Crisco Shortening is here to make your culinary creations shine.

What We Like
Great value for cooking
Quick delivery and good price
Large container size
Versatile all-purpose shortening
Ideal for emergency preparedness
What We Don't Like
Cans arrived slightly dented
#TOP 2

Crisco Shortening

25147
All-Vegetable
48 Oz
Crisco Shortening Cover
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening is a classic blue can that no pantry should be without. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used for baking, frying, or simply to elevate your cooking skills in the kitchen. This shortening is perfect for making flaky pie crusts, soft cakes and cookies, and fluffy frosting. With its gluten-free and kosher attributes, it caters to various dietary needs. Whether you are a professional baker or a home cook, Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening will help you achieve the perfect texture and taste in your culinary creations.

What We Like
Great for pie crusts
Tender and flaky results
Versatile for baking and frying
Effective as a cleaning agent
What We Don't Like
Limited to baking applications
#TOP 3

SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat, 42 Ounces

SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat, 42 Ounces Cover
South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat

SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat is a 42-ounce can of natural and sustainable lard, that is gluten-free and contains no artificial trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils or artificial ingredients. It outperforms solid vegetable shortenings in a variety of dishes, including tortillas, fried chicken, pie crusts, biscuits, breads, and cakes at a fraction of the cost of butter. SCP LARD has a superior taste, and is perfect for those who prefer a clean label. It also promotes nose-to-tail usability, with minimal processing.

What We Like
Odorless cooking experience
Excellent for baking and frying
High heat tolerance
Healthy alternative to oils
Safe ingredients, no harmful additives
What We Don't Like
Initial storage odor noted
#TOP 4

Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening

25148
Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening Cover
Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce

Introducing Crisco Butter Flavor Shortening, a must-have for all cooks and bakers who crave the amazing benefits of shortening with a rich, buttery taste. With 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving, this shortening is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative. The added bonus of being an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acids makes it even more appealing. Whether you're whipping up flaky pie crusts or moist cakes, this gluten-free and kosher pareve shortening is perfect for adding that buttery flavor to your favorite recipes. Experience the convenience and taste of Crisco Butter Flavor Shortening today!

What We Like
Enhanced flavor for baking
Easy to work with
Great for cookies
Less hassle than butter
Good value for quality
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to alternatives
#TOP 5

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks

25188
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks Cover
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks

Crisco Shortening Sticks are a versatile and convenient option for all your baking and cooking needs. With 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving, it's a healthier choice for your recipes. Use these sticks instead of margarine or butter to reduce the saturated fat content in your dishes. Made from all-vegetable ingredients, Crisco Shortening Sticks are suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you're baking cookies, cakes, or making savory dishes, these sticks provide the desired texture and flavor. Plus, they are kosher certified, ensuring they meet the highest standards. With Crisco Shortening Sticks, you can enjoy delicious and healthier meals without compromising on taste or quality.

What We Like
Convenient stick form
Easy measurement markings
Good price, home delivery
Great for specific recipes
Easy to store and use
What We Don't Like
Not the healthiest option
#TOP 6

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening

24250
All-Vegetable
16 Oz
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Cover
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce

The Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening comes in a classic blue can and is perfect for baking, frying, or adding a special touch to your dishes. With this shortening, you can make flaky pie crusts, soft cakes and cookies, and fluffy frostings. It is also gluten-free and kosher, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

What We Like
Affordable price
Versatile for baking and cooking
Good for griddle cooking
Easy to spread
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Smaller size may limit usage
Misleading packaging claims
#TOP 7

Crisco Butter Flavor Shortening Sticks

25195
Crisco Butter Flavor Shortening Sticks Cover
Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks

Crisco Shortening Sticks are a versatile baking and cooking option that can be used instead of margarine or butter. With 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving, they offer a healthier alternative for your recipes. Made with all-vegetable shortening, these sticks are perfect for baking flaky pastries, cookies, and cakes. The butter flavor adds a rich and delicious taste to your dishes. Whether you're making pie crusts or frying chicken, Crisco Shortening Sticks provide convenience and excellent results. Plus, they are kosher-certified, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Upgrade your cooking and baking with Crisco Shortening Sticks.

What We Like
Easy butter substitute
Great for baking cookies and pies
Good shelf life
Freezable without quality loss
Reliable delivery
What We Don't Like
Price is relatively high
#TOP 8

Spectrum Organic Gluten-Free Shortening

thomaswi
Spectrum Organic Gluten-Free Shortening Cover
Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 Ounce

Spectrum Organic Shortening is a versatile baking ingredient made from palm oil, perfect for creating delicious treats without the worry of unhealthy fats. This organic shortening contains no hydrogenated oils, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite recipes guilt-free. With 0g of trans fats per serving, it allows you to indulge in crispy fries, flaky piecrusts, and rich frostings while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Its clean ingredient list means you can bake with confidence, knowing you're using a product that aligns with your health goals.

What We Like
Non-soy alternative
Great taste and consistency
Ideal for gluten-free baking
Versatile for various recipes
Positive health benefits
What We Don't Like
Packaging issues
Occasional quality concerns
#TOP 9

Crisco Butter Flavor Shortening, 16 oz

24251
Crisco Butter Flavor Shortening, 16 oz Cover
Crisco Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce

Crisco Butter Flavor is a versatile shortening that brings a delicious buttery taste to your baked goods. It contains 50% less saturated fat than traditional butter, making it a healthier choice for your recipes. With 0 grams of trans fat per serving, you can feel good about using it in your cooking. Additionally, it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for your health. Plus, it is gluten-free and kosher pareve, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Enjoy the rich flavor without compromising on health.

What We Like
Cost-effective for bulk buying
Great for baking cookies
Improves cake flavor
What We Don't Like
Smaller size than expected
Price higher than local store
#TOP 10

Spectrum Organic Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz

4585747
Spectrum Organic Vegetable Shortening, 24 oz Cover
Spectrum Shortening, 100% Vegetable, Organic, 24 oz

The Spectrum Organic Vegetable Shortening comes in a pack of 24 ounces and is made of 100% organic expeller pressed palm oil. It contains 0 grams trans fat, making it a healthier alternative for baking and cooking. This product falls under the category of baking and cooking shortenings, providing a versatile option for various recipes.

What We Like
Great creamy mouthfeel
Excellent for buttercream flowers
Organic and non-hydrogenated
Perfect for baking and frying
Good for dairy-free recipes
What We Don't Like
Limited packaging sizes
More moisture than some shortenings
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 kinds of shortening that usually used in baking?

The four types of shortening commonly used in baking are solid, liquid, all-purpose, and cake or icing shortening. These different forms of shortening provide varying textures and functionalities in different baking applications.

2. Why shortening is not used in baking anymore?

Shortening has become less popular in baking due to its high trans fat content. Trans fats have been linked to negative health effects, leading to a decline in the use of shortening in baking recipes. Other healthier alternatives, such as butter or oils, are often preferred in modern baking.

3. Do professional bakers use shortening?

Yes, professional bakers do use shortening in certain instances, especially in cake making. They use a specific type of shortening called high ratio shortening, which is made up of 100% fat and contains added emulsifiers. This type of shortening is designed specifically for baking purposes.

4. Which is better for you Crisco or butter?

When it comes to nutrition, butter is considered to be a healthier option compared to shortening like Crisco. Butter offers more nutritional value and is considered more natural and heart-healthy. However, it's important to consume fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Notes

During our baking & cooking shortening research, we found 24 baking & cooking shortening products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,641 customer reviews through our big data system to write the baking & cooking shortenings list. We found that most customers choose baking & cooking shortenings with an average price of $13.34.

The baking & cooking shortenings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of baking & cooking shortenings, including Crisco, SCP South Chicago Packing, Spectrum. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Baking & Cooking Shortenings Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Crisco Crisco SCP South Chicago Packing Crisco Crisco Crisco Crisco Spectrum Crisco Spectrum
Flavor Vegetable Vegetable - Butter Vegetable Vegetable Butter Flavor Shortening Butter Palm
Item Form Liquid Liquid Solid Sticks Stick Liquid - - Creamy -
Item Weight 6 Pounds - 42 Ounces - - - 20 Ounces 680.39 Grams 16 Ounces -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
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