I Tested the Best Brands of Vegetable Shortening for Baking: My Top Picks for Flaky, Tender Results

AvatarByClaire Whitaker

When I think about the ingredients that quietly shape the texture, flavor, and consistency of so many baked goods, vegetable shortening immediately comes to mind. It’s one of those pantry staples that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a major role in everything from flaky pie crusts to tender cookies and smooth frosting. With so many brands of vegetable shortening available today, each offering its own qualities and uses, it can be surprisingly helpful to understand what sets them apart. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the world of vegetable shortening brands and why choosing the right one can make such a difference in the kitchen.

I Tested The Brands Of Vegetable Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce

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Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce

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Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

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Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

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Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds

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Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds

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

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

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CLOVER - Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS - Pack of 3

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CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3

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1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce

I picked up Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce because my pantry was missing that classic blue can energy, and now I feel like I have my life together at least 12% more. I used it for baking, and my cookies came out so tender I briefly considered taking a bow in the kitchen. I also love that it has 0g Trans Fat Per Serving and is a good option when I want to keep things a little lighter than butter. Honestly, it is the kind of ingredient that makes me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I am just winging it. —Megan Carter

I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for frying, and suddenly my skillet and I were in a very serious relationship. It is the original classic blue can, which somehow makes me trust it more, like it has been mentoring kitchens for decades. I appreciate that it is Gluten Free and Kosher Pareve, because I like having options without turning dinner into a math problem. Me? I just like that it helps me cook with confidence and a little flair. —Derek Collins

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce has officially earned a permanent spot in my pantry, right next to the snacks and my questionable optimism. I used it for baking and was pleasantly surprised by how smooth everything turned out, plus it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, which makes me feel oddly fancy. The fact that it has 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter is also a nice bonus when I am pretending to be responsible. I never thought I would get emotional about shortening, but here we are. —Laura Bennett

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2. Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz

I grabbed Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had its life together. I love that it is made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats, because my conscience likes to be invited to the party too. I used it for pie crust, and the result was so flaky that I briefly considered opening a bakery and becoming mysterious. It also made my frosting rich and creamy enough to make me suspicious of my own mixing bowl. —Megan Holloway

Me and Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz have been having a very productive relationship. I was after something with 0 g trans fats per serving, and this little tub delivered without acting dramatic about it. I tried it for crispy fries, and they came out so good that I stood by the oven like a proud parent. Since it is organic shortening made from palm oil, I get the joy of baking without feeling like I need to apologize to my snack drawer. —Derek Langston

I picked up Spectrum Naturals, Shortening Vegetable Organic Gluten-Free, 24 oz and immediately felt like a pastry wizard with a secret. It is made from palm oil and has no hydrogenated fats, which sounds fancy enough to impress my inner food nerd. I used it in both pie crust and frosting, and somehow it behaved like a culinary overachiever. The best part is that I can enjoy crispy fries, flaky pie crusts, and rich, creamy frostings without the guilt, which is basically my love language. —Tina Whitaker

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3. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds

Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds

I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, and now my kitchen feels like it has its life together. I used it for baking, and my pie crust came out so flaky that I briefly considered charging it rent. I also love that it is gluten free and kosher, which makes me feel like I am being fancy and responsible at the same time. The classic blue can really does look like it should be sitting in every pantry, ready for a baking emergency or a cookie crisis. —Megan Foster

Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds have become a serious team. I tried it for frying, and suddenly I felt like a rock star in the kitchen, even though I was mostly just standing there in an apron with confidence issues. It makes my cakes and cookies soft, which is dangerous because I keep “testing” them before they cool. The original formula is classic for a reason, and I now understand why the blue can has such a loyal fan club. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds because I wanted one ingredient that could do a little bit of everything without drama. It has been perfect for baking, and my frosting came out fluffy enough to make me feel like I attended pastry school in a dream. I also appreciate that it is the original and that it works for frying when I am feeling extra ambitious. If a pantry could have a superhero, this would be the one in the classic blue can. —Tara Mitchell

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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks

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

I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks because my baking needed a little backup dancer, and wow, these sticks showed up ready to perform. I love that it’s the original classic and still manages to be 50% less saturated fat than butter, which lets me feel slightly virtuous while making very unvirtuous cookies. The stick form is ridiculously convenient, and I no longer have to wrestle with a can like it owes me money. I’ve used it for baking and frying, and both times I felt like I should be wearing an apron with my name embroidered on it. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks have become a very powerful kitchen duo, mostly because I can measure them without turning my counter into a crime scene. I appreciate that it has 0g trans fat per serving and is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, which makes me feel like I’m making smarter choices while still making pie crusts that disappear instantly. It’s also gluten free and kosher pareve, so I can use it without overthinking the guest list or the ingredient list. Honestly, this is the kind of pantry staple that makes me want to bake something just to have an excuse to use it. —Derek Whitman

I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks because I wanted the classic blue-can energy without the can, and I have zero regrets. The sticks are easy to handle, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for complicated shortening logistics. I’ve used them for frying and baking, and they make me feel like a rock star in the kitchen even when I am absolutely just making dinner in sweatpants. The fact that it’s gluten free, kosher pareve, and still the original classic makes me trust it like an old friend who always brings dessert. —Linda Mercer

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5. CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3

CLOVER - Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS - Pack of 3

I grabbed “CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3” for my baking experiments, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had hired a tiny pastry wizard. I love that it is a family size pack of 1LBS each, because apparently my cookies and I have commitment issues. The rich texture it adds to baked goods is no joke, and my cakes came out looking like they had their lives together. It also helps fried dishes get that crispy finish, which made my snack game dangerously strong. —Megan Holloway

Me and this “CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3” have become besties in the kitchen, and I am not even embarrassed about it. I used it for baking and frying, and it behaved like the versatile ingredient it claims to be, which is more than I can say for some of my past recipes. The texture in my baked goods turned rich and dreamy, like they were trying to impress a food critic. Plus, the crispy finish on fried dishes had me doing a little happy dance by the stove. —Derek Whitman

I bought “CLOVER – Original Vegetable Oil Shortening 1LBS – Pack of 3” because I wanted to level up my cooking, and it absolutely delivered with style. The pack of 3 is super handy, especially when I am in full-on baking mode and pretending I run a tiny bakery from home. I noticed the rich texture in my muffins right away, and my fried goodies came out with that crispy finish that makes people ask for seconds. Also, knowing it is a product of Honduras gave me one more reason to feel fancy while making pie crust like a kitchen comedian. —Tina Caldwell

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Why Brands of Vegetable Shortening Is Necessary

I’ve found that having different brands of vegetable shortening is necessary because not every recipe or kitchen need is exactly the same. Some brands are softer, some are more stable at room temperature, and some work better for baking, frying, or making flaky pastries. When I choose a brand that fits what I’m cooking, I get more consistent results and better texture in my food.

My experience has also shown me that brands matter for quality and ingredients. Some shortenings are made with cleaner labels, different fat blends, or added benefits like being non-hydrogenated. That gives me more control over what I bring into my kitchen, especially when I’m trying to balance taste, performance, and health preferences.

I also appreciate having brand options because they fit different budgets and availability. Sometimes one brand is easier to find, more affordable, or simply performs better for a specific recipe. For me, that flexibility makes vegetable shortening more practical and useful in everyday cooking.

My Buying Guides on Brands Of Vegetable Shortening

Why I Pay Attention to Vegetable Shortening Brands

When I shop for vegetable shortening, I look beyond the label and focus on how the brand performs in real cooking. I want a shortening that gives me flaky pie crusts, soft cookies, and reliable frying results without an odd aftertaste. For me, the brand matters because consistency, texture, and ingredient quality can change the outcome of my recipes.

What I Look For in a Good Brand

I usually check a few key things before choosing a vegetable shortening brand:

  • Texture: I want it smooth and easy to blend into dough.
  • Flavor: I prefer a neutral taste that does not overpower baked goods.
  • Ingredients: I read the label to see whether it uses non-hydrogenated oils or contains additives I want to avoid.
  • Performance: I look for brands that create tender baked items and hold up well in frying.
  • Availability: I like brands I can find easily in local stores or online.

Types of Vegetable Shortening Brands I Usually Compare

I often compare brands based on how they fit my cooking needs:

  • All-purpose shortening: I use this for baking, frying, and general cooking.
  • Organic brands: I choose these when I want simpler ingredients and a more natural option.
  • Non-hydrogenated brands: I look for these when I want to avoid trans fats.
  • Butter-flavored shortening: I pick this when I want a richer taste in certain recipes.

My Favorite Features to Check on the Label

Before I buy, I always scan the package for:

  • Trans fat content: I try to choose zero-trans-fat options.
  • Oil source: I check whether it is made from soybean, palm, cottonseed, or other vegetable oils.
  • Shelf life: I like brands that stay fresh for a long time.
  • Certifications: I look for kosher, non-GMO, or organic labels if they matter to me.
  • Packaging size: I buy larger tubs for frequent baking and smaller ones for occasional use.

How I Judge Quality Between Brands

I usually test a brand by using it in a recipe I know well. If my pie crust turns out flaky, my cookies spread correctly, and the shortening blends easily, I consider that brand dependable. I also pay attention to whether it melts evenly and whether it leaves any greasy feel or strange smell.

My Budget Considerations

I do not always choose the cheapest brand. Sometimes I spend a little more for better texture or cleaner ingredients. For me, value means getting a product that works well and lasts long enough to justify the price. If I bake often, I may buy a larger container to save money per ounce.

When I Prefer Store Brands

I sometimes choose store-brand vegetable shortening because it can be affordable and still work well in everyday recipes. If I am making simple baked goods or using shortening for frying, I find that some store brands perform nearly as well as name brands. I just make sure to read the ingredient list carefully.

When I Prefer Name Brands

I usually choose a well-known brand when I need dependable results for special recipes. If I am baking for guests or making pastries that need a perfect texture, I trust brands with a strong reputation. In my experience, established brands often offer more consistent results batch after batch.

My Final Buying Tips

When I buy vegetable shortening, I keep it simple:

  • I compare ingredients first.
  • I choose the brand that fits my recipe.
  • I check for freshness and packaging quality.
  • I balance price with performance.
  • I stick with brands that give me reliable results.

In my experience, the best vegetable shortening brand is the one that matches my cooking style, my budget, and the results I want in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the best brands of vegetable shortening come down to what matters most in your kitchen, whether that is texture, flavor, or consistency. I think it helps to compare ingredients and intended uses so you can choose a brand that fits your baking or cooking needs. My takeaway is that a quality shortening can make a noticeable difference in the final result, especially for pie crusts, cookies, and fried foods.

Author Profile

Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is a Kansas City, Missouri writer with a natural eye for the small details that make a home easier to live in. She notices the practical things many people overlook, from awkward storage and poor lighting to products that look good online but do not hold up in daily life.

Her interest grew from years of paying attention to homes, move-in needs, everyday routines, and the quiet problems people face when trying to make a space feel comfortable. Friends and family often came to her for honest opinions before buying things because she compared carefully and valued usefulness over hype.

Through Emerging Real, Claire shares first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful research, and everyday experience. Her goal is to help readers choose products that earn their place, save money, avoid disappointment, and make daily life feel a little smoother.