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Best Baking & Cooking Shortenings of 2026

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Ashley Abels

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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

Top 10 Baking & Cooking Shortenings

#TOP 1 Best Lard

SCP South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow 42oz

SCP South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow 42oz Cover

South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow, 42 Ounces, Paleo-friendly, Keto-friendly, 100% Pure Wagyu

The SCP Wagyu Beef Tallow is a 42-ounce can of pure, high-quality Wagyu beef fat with a smooth, butter-like texture. This makes it perfect for sautéing, searing, and cooking your favorite dishes with ease. If you follow a Paleo or Keto diet, you’ll appreciate that this product fits perfectly into those lifestyles, offering a clean and approved fat source. It also provides a healthy balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which support your overall well-being. Plus, it’s free from artificial trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils, so you can cook with confidence and enjoy natural, wholesome ingredients.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Rich, buttery flavor
  • High smoke point
  • Long-lasting container
  • Versatile for cooking
  • Pure Wagyu tallow

What We Don't Like

  • Packaging may leak
  • Upfront price slightly high

What Customers Say

"I've switched almost entirely to this Wagyu tallow in my kitchen. The flavor is outstanding, and it lasts for months, making it worth the initial investment. It’s great for everything from searing steaks to frying potatoes. This has become my go-to for healthy cooking fats."

"As someone on a keto diet, this tallow is a game changer. The clean, rich taste elevates any dish, and the 100% pure Wagyu quality is impressive. I appreciate how well it performs at high heat and how versatile it is with different cooking methods."

"I love the results I get with this tallow—crisp eggs, caramelized veggies, and restaurant-quality steaks. The only minor issue I’ve had is with the packaging leaking during shipping, but transferring it to another container solved that. Still, the taste and versatility make it a staple for me."

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening

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.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Buttery, rich flavor
  • High quality for baking
  • Good value, affordable price
  • Long shelf life
  • Consistent texture and color

What We Don't Like

  • Packing could be improved
  • Cans may arrive dented

What Customers Say

"I always reach for Crisco when baking because the flavor is rich and buttery. It’s my go-to for cookies and pie crusts, and I appreciate the quick shipping and reasonable price."

"For anyone who bakes occasionally, I highly recommend this. Crisco is noticeably firmer and whiter than generic brands, which makes a difference in the outcome of my cakes and frostings. It’s truly the best for special treats."

"I actually bought this to use as a heat source during NYC winters—it’s huge! It’s perfect for making emergency candles, and there’s always some left over for frying chicken in my cast iron. A great investment for anyone in a small home or cabin."

#TOP 3

Aux Délices des Bois Bacon Fat 11 oz

  • AUX DELICES DES BOIS
  • 1 Pack
Aux Délices des Bois Bacon Fat 11 oz Cover

Aux Délices des Bois Bacon Fat – Premium All-Natural, Seed Oil Free Rendered Cooking Fat for Frying, Roasting, Baking & Sautéing, 11 oz Jar

Aux Délices Bacon Fat offers you a pure and rich cooking fat made from real pork bacon, carefully rendered in small batches to ensure top quality and flavor. It’s free from seed oils, carbs, and trans fats, making it a great choice if you follow keto, paleo, or low-carb diets, or if you want to avoid processed vegetable oils. With a high smoke point of 325°F, this bacon fat is perfect for frying, roasting, sautéing, and baking, giving you a stable and tasty alternative to butter or other oils. Plus, it adds a smoky, savory flavor to your meals, enhancing everything from eggs to cornbread.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • 100% real bacon fat
  • Seed oil free and keto-friendly
  • High smoke point (325°F)
  • Rich, smoky flavor
  • Versatile for many dishes

What Customers Say

"I find this product perfect for making country gravy in the mornings. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because of its awesome quality and convenience."

#TOP 4

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.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Natural ingredients
  • No preservatives
  • Light, fluffy, flaky results
  • Excellent for frying
  • Clean taste and freshness

What We Don't Like

  • Higher price
  • Occasional packaging issues

What Customers Say

"I've completely switched from Crisco to this product, and I’m thrilled with the results—my biscuits are always light and fluffy. I love that it’s a more natural choice for my baking!"

"After using lard and tallow for a couple of years, I can say this lard is super clean with no odor and makes the crispiest fried foods. The only downside is the price has gone up since I first started buying."

"This is a high-quality lard without preservatives—exactly what I want for my pantry. It’s made my pie crusts incredibly flaky and delicious. Even though shipping takes a little while and it’s a bit pricey, the superb quality is worth it."

#TOP 5

Future Essentials Powdered Shortening 12 oz

Future Essentials Powdered Shortening 12 oz Cover

Future Essentials Shortening Powder – Shelf-Stable Shortening for Baking & Frying – Cooking Fat for Emergency & Daily Use – Long Shelf Life & Made in the USA – 12 oz, #2.5 Can

The Future Essentials Shortening Powder offers a convenient 12-ounce can of dehydrated shortening that can be quickly rehydrated with water. This makes it a handy cooking fat for both emergency preparedness and everyday use. With a shelf life of 3 to 5 years, you can store it long-term without worrying about spoilage. When used in baking, it helps create a light, fluffy, and flaky texture in your baked goods, enhancing their quality. This powdered form saves you time and effort, making your cooking process smoother and more efficient.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Good butter alternative
  • Works in baking recipes
  • Convenient for food storage
  • Useful in emergency situations

What We Don't Like

  • Contains corn syrup
  • Small can size

What Customers Say

"I found this powdered shortening to be a solid substitute for butter or oil when baking biscuits and cornbread muffins. With a bit more baking powder or soda, it worked well. Mixing thoroughly with water and powdered milk makes for best results."

"This product is perfect for prepping freeze-dried meals in jars. I like having it in my pantry for emergencies or when I run out of other fats."

"I was disappointed to find that this has corn syrup in it, since I prefer healthier options. Also, the can is smaller than expected, even though it was advertised as a #10 can."

#TOP 6

Bacon Up Premium Bacon Grease 14oz with Spoon

  • Bacon Up
  • 14 Ounce
Bacon Up Premium Bacon Grease 14oz with Spoon Cover

Bacon Up Bacon Grease for Cooking – 14 Ounces, Pack of 1 with Spoon – Premium Rendered Cooking Fat for Frying, Grilling, Baking and Sauteing

Bacon Up Bacon Grease is a versatile cooking fat that enhances your cooking experience. It works great on griddles and cast iron pans, helping you season and clean them while adding a rich bacon flavor to your dishes. The grease is filtered to remove bits, giving it a smooth texture and a long shelf life of up to 18 months, so you can keep it fresh and ready to use. With no trans fat, carbs, sodium, or MSG, this product offers a simple and wholesome ingredient for your meals. Always start with a scoop to easily replace butter or oil when frying, baking, or sautéing.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Authentic bacon flavor
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Enhances food taste
  • Well-strained and pure
  • Long refrigerator shelf life

What We Don't Like

  • Not actual homemade grease

What Customers Say

"As someone who grew up saving bacon grease, I'm impressed with how fresh and flavorful this product is. It's always ready when I need it and really brings out the taste in my dishes."

"I love being able to quickly add real bacon flavor to my Southern cooking without frying bacon every time. The grease is pure and easy to use—definitely a repeat purchase for me."

"Since I don't cook bacon as much these days, this is the perfect solution for anyone wanting authentic bacon taste in their meals. It fries food wonderfully and keeps well in the fridge."

#TOP 7

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks 6.7oz

  • Crisco
  • 1170755
  • All-Vegetable
  • 15.3 cm
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks 6.7oz Cover

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 6.7 Ounce

The Crisco Vegetable Shortening is a must-have in any kitchen, perfect for baking, frying, or adding a classic touch to your recipes. It contains half the saturated fat compared to butter, which means you can enjoy your favorite dishes with less guilt. This shortening is free of trans fats, making it a heart-friendly choice for your cooking needs. Plus, it's gluten-free and kosher, so it fits easily into various dietary preferences. With Crisco, you get a trusted product that helps you cook with confidence and a little extra flair.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Great for pie crusts
  • Convenient stick form
  • Works for decorator frosting
  • Preserves cast iron
  • Reliable baking results

What We Don't Like

  • Package size confusion
  • Limited stick quantity

What Customers Say

"I've been cooking with this for over 50 years—it's my go-to for everything from pies to frying. Always reliable in the kitchen!"

"I was so glad to find this because I couldn't find any non-butter flavored Crisco locally. It works great for cleaning and preserving my cast iron cookware."

"The stick form is super convenient for baking—no extra measuring needed, which is perfect when I'm making my favorite pie crusts."

#TOP 8

4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee Butter, 9 Ounce

4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee Butter, 9 Ounce Cover

Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee Butter by 4th & Heart, 9 Ounce & Original Grass-Fed Ghee Butter by 4th & Heart, 9 Ounce, Keto, Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose Free, Certified Paleo

Enjoy the delicately seasoned, light and creamy whipped texture of 4th & Heart's Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee Butter, sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, antibiotic and hormone free New Zealand cows. The ghee is spreadable at room temperature and requires no refrigeration. Cooked the old-fashioned way without a centrifuge, this lactose-free ghee is perfect for upgrading any recipe by replacing your current butter, olive oil, coconut oil or other cooking oil 1:1 with ghee.

8.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Delicately seasoned with Himalayan Pink Salt
  • Spreadable at room temperature and requires no refrigeration
  • Perfect for upgrading recipes by replacing other cooking oils 1:1 with ghee
#TOP 9

American Tallow 100% Pure Beef Tallow 1 Gallon

  • AMERICAN TALLOW
American Tallow 100% Pure Beef Tallow 1 Gallon Cover

American Tallow 100% Pure Beef Tallow – 1 Gallon (7.2 lbs) | All-Natural, Additive-Free Rendered Fat for Cooking, Frying & Baking | High Smoke Point, Keto & Paleo Friendly | Made in the USA

The American Tallow Beef Tallow is perfect for anyone who loves cooking with rich, savory flavors. It helps you create a golden-brown crust on meats, just like top steakhouses do. This tallow can handle high heat up to 400°F, so you won’t have to worry about burning or ruining your food when frying or roasting. It’s also completely pure and free from additives, giving you a clean, natural product. Plus, it fits well with keto, paleo, and other low-carb diets, providing a healthy source of energy without harmful processed oils. This versatile tallow can elevate your meals and support your diet goals.

8.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Rich flavor enhancer
  • High smoke point (400°F)
  • 100% pure, additive-free
  • Keto and paleo friendly
#TOP 10

Rainbow Farms Ghee Butter 9 oz

  • Rainbow Farms
Rainbow Farms Ghee Butter 9 oz Cover

Ghee Butter 9 ounce by Rainbow Farms - Quality Clarified Butter Fat from Pasture-Raised French Sevre Butter, Non-GMO

Rainbow Farms Ghee Butter is made from grass-fed French Sevre butter, giving you a high-quality clarified butter that supports a healthy lifestyle. Since it's keto and paleo-friendly, you can easily include it in your low-carb or ancestral diet, making meal prep simpler. This ghee is free from GMOs and preservatives, so you get a natural product without unwanted additives. Plus, it contains no lactose, gluten, sodium, sugar, trans fats, or casein, making it suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities. With added vitamins A, E, and K, it also offers nutritional benefits beyond regular butter.

8.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Grass-fed butter
  • Keto and paleo-friendly
  • Non-GMO and preservative-free
  • Lactose and gluten-free
  • Rich in vitamins A, E, K

Baking & Cooking Shortenings Comparison Table

#TOP 1 SCP South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow 42oz Cover

SCP South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow 42oz

#TOP 2 Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Cover

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening

#TOP 3 Aux Délices des Bois Bacon Fat 11 oz Cover

Aux Délices des Bois Bacon Fat 11 oz

#TOP 4 SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat, 42 Ounces Cover

SCP LARD Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat, 42 Ounces

#TOP 5 Future Essentials Powdered Shortening 12 oz Cover

Future Essentials Powdered Shortening 12 oz

#TOP 6 Bacon Up Premium Bacon Grease 14oz with Spoon Cover

Bacon Up Premium Bacon Grease 14oz with Spoon

#TOP 7 Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks 6.7oz Cover

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks 6.7oz

#TOP 8 4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee Butter, 9 Ounce Cover

4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee Butter, 9 Ounce

#TOP 9 American Tallow 100% Pure Beef Tallow 1 Gallon Cover

American Tallow 100% Pure Beef Tallow 1 Gallon

#TOP 10 Rainbow Farms Ghee Butter 9 oz Cover

Rainbow Farms Ghee Butter 9 oz

Brand SCP South Chicago Packing Crisco AUX DELICES DES BOIS SCP South Chicago Packing Future Essentials Bacon Up Crisco 4th & Heart AMERICAN TALLOW Rainbow Farms
Units 42.0 Ounce 96.0 Ounce 11 Fluid Ounces 42.0 Ounce 12 Ounce 14.0 Ounce 6.7 Ounce 1 Count 13.9685 Ounce 9.0 Ounce
Item Weight 42 Ounces 6 Pounds 11 Ounces 42 Ounces 12 Ounces - - 9 ounces 7.2 Pounds 9 ounces
Flavor Beef Vegetable - - - - Butter Butter beef tallow Unsalted
Item Form Solid Liquid Liquid Solid Powder - - - Solid -
FTB Score
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.3
9.1
9.0
8.8
8.6
8.4
8.2
Where to Buy

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 14 baking & cooking shortening products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 93,223 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 $27.50.

The baking & cooking shortenings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of baking & cooking shortenings, including SCP South Chicago Packing, Crisco, AUX DELICES DES BOIS, Future Essentials, Bacon Up. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 823 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels

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!