7 Olive Oil Substitutes

It is never a surprise when people use olive oil to cook with due to its healthy properties and versatility. You can use it as a dip, or even for baking, too. 

Not only that, it includes healthy fats which are beneficial for our heart health and to promote the feeling of fullness after a meal.

7 Olive Oil Substitutes

So, what happens if you do not have any olive oil to hand?

Fortunately, there are a number of olive oil substitutions that can work within cooking and baking. While we cannot promise they are all healthy, they do work a treat! 

1. Sunflower Or Vegetable Oil

If you do not have any olive oil to hand, there is a chance that you might have either sunflower or vegetable oil available in your pantry. The latter is what people consider to be the basic standard of all oils.

It goes through a long process just to remove the rancidity to allow it to last a lot longer, however, it does contain small amounts of bad fats.

Still, it does the job and can be a great substitute because it can be widely used.

Sunflower oil on the other hand is made via pressing sunflower seeds. It also has the possibility of including high amounts of oleic acid, which is a great immunity booster.

It can be used as a general alternative when cooking. 

2. Butter

While not a versatile oil alternative due to having a low boiling point compared to olive oil, it does mean that it will burn pretty quickly. It can add a creamier (though less healthy) texture to your dish.

However, while you might only add it to roasts, pasta dishes and basic foods, you can use it to bake and cook.

Butter is a popular go-to when there is no olive oil available, despite its limitations. 

3. Walnut Oil

If you are looking for a drizzle of oil for your salad, then walnut oil will give it a nutty, light, delicious taste. 

Because it is made from walnuts that have been crushed, the oil is thicker than olive oil. Also, it is best to leave this oil cold as it goes bitter once heated. 

4. Mashed Banana

If you are really struggling to find an olive oil alternative when looking through your kitchen cupboards, a banana may just be what you need. However, their uses are very limited.

While not recommended to use when cooking, it can make a great alternative to oil when baking. Just make sure the banana is ripe and fully mashed in order to be able to mix it into a bowl of ingredients.

5. Canola Oil

Otherwise known as rapeseed oil, it is made from canola seeds which have been pressed. You can find this oil everywhere because it is really cheap to create, however, it is mainly used for deep fat frying.

6. Ghee

Ghee is a type of clarified butter that some say is even better than oil. While commonly used within Indian cooking, it can add a delicious creaminess to dishes.

Again, just like butter, it has its limitations, but perhaps this one more so, even though its smoking point is higher. It is best to use ghee within either pan cooking or Indian dishes.

7. Coconut Oil

Lastly, let’s talk about coconut oil. It is already a favorite among vegans who enjoy using this oil to cook and bake with. For example, it is lovely to use when baking cookies or cakes.

It can also be used in raw bakes, something which olive oil cannot do, and can be used while frying food at a high temperature.

Final Thoughts

If you do not have any olive oil to hand, then not to worry, there are many substitutes to choose from. From walnut oil to butter, there is something for every dish and bake. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Best Substitutes For Olive Oil?

There are many different substitutes for olive oil such as butter, any type of oil (sunflower, rapeseed, coconut, walnut, etc), mashed banana, and many more. It all just depends on what you want to use it for.

Can You Use Cooking Oil Instead Of Olive Oil?

Yes, you can use a different cooking oil instead of olive oil. The only difference will be the taste and also the fragrance.

7 Olive Oil Substitutes

7 Olive Oil Substitutes

Recipe by Jenna

We take a look at 7 olive oil substitutes that are easy to find within the kitchen

Course: Substitutes
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • Sunflower Or Vegetable Oil

  • Butter

  • Walnut Oil

  • Mashed Banana

  • Canola Oil

  • Ghee

  • Coconut Oil

Directions

  • Decided on what substitute you need
  • Pick a substitute from the list above
  • Read what you need to substitute with
  • Create the recipe and enjoy

Recipe Video

Jenna
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