The 10 Best Substitutes for Coconut Oil

The 10 Best Substitutes for Coconut Oil

Find the best Substitutes for Coconut Oil for cooking, baking, for skin and beauty products and more below.

These 10 coconut oil substitutes are easy to find and work in all diets (Keto, Vegan, etc)… Plus we’ve included a printable guide and links to add each substitute for coconut oil to your shopping list.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Coconut Oil

Each coconut oil substitute will also discuss how you can cook/bake/use the ingredient. Plus we will cover coconut oil conversions as well.

Coconut oil has a high smoke point, meaning you can fry with it. But not all substitutions for coconut butter or oil can be used for frying. So be sure to read about each, or follow the printable guide below.

Be sure to look out for “Special Tips” below to ensure you’re using each alternative for coconut oil properly (which is best for baking, frying, for making beauty products, etc.)

The 10 Best Substitutes for Coconut Oil

Before we discuss how you can use each of these substitutes for coconut oil, we wanted to give you a quick reference guide… though you’ll want to see below to ensure you’re using the correct substitute for frying, baking, and sautéing.

10 Coconut Oil Substitutes:

  1. Butter
  2. Olive Oil
  3. Almond Oil
  4. Grapeseed Oil
  5. Avocado Oil
  6. Sunflower Seed Oil
  7. Peanut Oil
  8. Ghee
  9. Vegetable Oil
  10. Hazelnut Oil

Along with each coconut oil substitute, you’ll find the measurement, flavor, calorie, and health benefit differences and similarities.

1. Butter

Butter is the most common coconut oil alternative… though vegans will want to keep scrolling for better options.

Question: Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?
Answer: Yes, butter is a great substitute for coconut oil in baking, and sautéing. But not in frying and beauty products.

Butter vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting butter for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using butter as a coconut oil replacement. But as we all know, butter makes everything taste a little better!
  • Calories – Butter has a slightly lower calorie count than coconut oil! Butter has 102 calories per tablespoon while coconut oil has 120 calories for the same amount.
  • Health Benefits – It comes down to “healthy fats” vs. unhealthy fats here. Coconut oil is far better for you than butter, as are many of the vegan oils below. So if you’re looking for a healthier choice, see the next option!
  • Dietary – Though substituting butter for coconut oil won’t work for our vegan friends, it will work for those on the Keto diet.

Special Tip: Butter has a lower smoke point than coconut oil. So be sure to use this coconut oil to butter substitute in baking and sautéing, not in frying! (BTW- Below you will find a butter product with a high smoke point… so keep scrolling!)

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a good substitute for coconut oil… And we’re not talking about Extra Virgin Olive Oil which has a peppery flavor (not what you want in a coconut oil substitute!)

Use olive oil in sautéing and in beauty products. It has a lower smoke point than coconut oil, so you won’t want to fry with it. But you can use olive oil to make Homemade Sugar Scrub just as you can with coconut oil.

olive oil

Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting olive oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using olive oil as a coconut oil replacement. And you’ll want to use olive oil, not Extra Virgin Olive Oil as it has a peppery taste that won’t work as a coconut oil alternative.
  • Calories – Olive oil and coconut oil have equal calories. Both olive oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Both olive oil and coconut oil are packed with antioxidants, and can help fight Alzheimer’s disease!(1)(2)(3)(4)
  • Dietary – Using olive oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan foods and those on the Keto diet.

Special Tip: Olive oil has a lower smoke point than coconut oil, so use olive oil as substitutes for coconut butter in sautéing, roasting and in homemade beauty products.

3. Almond Oil

This vegan coconut oil alternative has a high smoke point, so you can use it in frying!

This coconut oil cooking substitute is also great for those on the Keto diet, and it has a mild flavor making it great for a coconut oil baking substitute!

Almond Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting almond oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using almond oil as a coconut oil replacement. But it’s very mild and great in balking, frying and sautéing.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and almond oil have equal calories. Both almond oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Both almond oil and coconut oil are fantastic for your skin, and are packed with antioxidants! (5)(6)(7)(8)
  • Dietary – Using almond oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan foods and those on the Keto diet.

Special Tip: Almond oil is a great substitute for coconut oil! Use it in baking, frying, sautéing, roasting, and even in homemade beauty products!

4. Grapeseed Oil

Another high smoke point coconut oil substitute for cooking and frying is grapeseed oil.

This is a healthy coconut oil substitute for baking, sautéing, and roasted too! Packed with healthy fats, and vegan, this coconut oil alternative is also great for those on the Keto diet.

Grapeseed Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting grapeseed oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using grapeseed oil as a coconut oil replacement. But it’s very mild and great in balking, frying and sautéing.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and grapeseed oil have equal calories. Both grapeseed oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Both coconut oil and grapeseed oil are packed with antioxidants (9)
  • Dietary – Using grapeseed oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan foods and those on the Keto diet.

Special Tip: With a high smoke point, you can bake, fry, sauce and roast with grapeseed oil. Making it a great substitute for melted coconut oil.

5. Avocado Oil

Another high smoke point coconut oil swap is also a great alternative to coconut oil for skin… avocado oil!

Most often used in homemade beauty products, avocado oil is great for skin! But it’s also fantastic to cook and fry with.

Avocado Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting avocado oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using avocado oil as a coconut oil replacement. But it’s very mild and great in balking, frying and sautéing.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and avocado oil have equal calories. Both avocado oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Both avocado oil and coconut oil can help heal wounds and ward off infection. (10)(11)
  • Dietary – Using avocado oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan foods.

Special Tip: Though more commonly used in homemade beauty products, avocado oil is also a great coconut oil substitution for frying and sautéing.

6. Sunflower Seed Oil

This vegan, Keto friendly substitution for coconut oil has a high smoke point and is available at just about all grocery stores.

A healthier version of “vegetable oil” (which we will be covering below) sunflower oil is a great substitute for coconut oil in frying, grilling, and sautéing.

Sunflower Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting sunflower oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using sunflower oil as a coconut oil replacement. But it’s very mild and great in grilling, frying and sautéing.
  • Calories – Sunflower oil has 130 calories per tablespoons while coconut oil has 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Both sunflower oil and coconut oil can help lower cholesterol (12)(13)
  • Dietary – Using sunflower oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for Keto diets and vegan foods.

Special Tip: Use sunflower oil in place of coconut oil for cooking, grilling, and even frying!

7. Peanut Oil

This high smoke point oil is possibly the most famous for frying (like in 5 Guys’ French Fries!)

You can fry and sauté with peanut oil, though we would not recommend using it in baking or homemade beauty products due to it’s nutty scent and flavor.

Peanut Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting peanut oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using peanut oil as a coconut oil replacement. But does have a light nutty flavor and is great in grilling, frying and sautéing.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and peanut oil have equal calories. Both peanut oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Both peanut oil and coconut oil are great for heart health. (14)
  • Dietary – Using peanut oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan foods.

Special Tip: Use peanut oil in place of coconut oil for cooking, grilling, and even frying!

8. Ghee

This milk based product is similar to butter, but with a higher smoke point.

Use ghee as a high smoke point was to substitute coconut oil for butter. Similar in texture to softened coconut oil, this makes great alternatives to coconut oil.

Ghee vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting ghee for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using ghee as a coconut oil replacement. But with a butter flavor it will add something yummy to any dish.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and ghee have equal calories. Both ghee and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Ghee can help reduce inflammation and may help support heart health. (15)(16)
  • Dietary – Using ghee as a coconut oil substitute will work for Keto recipes.

Special Tip: Use ghee in place of coconut oil for cooking, grilling, and even frying! Unlike butter it is not ideal in baking.

9. Vegetable Oil

No two vegetable oils are made the same way… And with that said, we recommend all the other oils above in place of vegetable oil.

But for those of you searching for a substitute you already have in the house, the answer is yes, you can use vegetable oil in place of coconut oil.

Vegetable Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting vegetable oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using vegetable oil as a coconut oil replacement.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and vegetable oil have equal calories. Both vegetable oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – As each vegetable oil is made with a different combination of flaxseed oil, soybean oil and canola oil the health benefits will change depending on the brand of oil you choose.
  • Dietary – Using vegetable oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan recipes.

Special Tip: Use vegetable oil in place of coconut oil for cooking, grilling, baking, and even frying!

10. Hazelnut Oil

This baking oil is also a good coconut oil substitution when making homemade beauty products.

Most commonly used in skincare, you can also bake and sauté with hazelnut oil!

Hazelnut Oil vs. Coconut Oil:

  • 1:1 Ratio – When substituting vegetable oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
  • Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using hazelnut oil as a coconut oil replacement.
  • Calories – Coconut oil and hazelnut oil have equal calories. Both hazelnut oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
  • Health Benefits – Hazelnut oil is great for boosting collagen in the skin! (17)
  • Dietary – Using hazelnut oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan recipes.

Special Tip: Use vegetable oil in place of coconut oil for cooking, baking, and especially in homemade beauty products!

Printable Guide for Coconut Oil Substitutes:

The 10 Best Substitutes for Coconut Oil

10 Coconut Oil Substitutions

Lose Weight By Eating
This printable guide will provide you with 10 coconut oil substitutions for cooking, baking, frying, and even for homemade beauty products!
Find a great coconut oil replacement for all your dietary needs (Vegan & Keto options, plus calories included).
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 0 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course ingredient
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Read through the names and purposes of coconut oil replacements above.
  • Choose the best coconut oil replacement for your recipe and dietary needs.
  • Start cooking, baking, grilling, frying, or creating your homemade beauty products.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbspCalories: 120kcal
Keyword ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQ – Coconut Oil Substitute

What can I use instead of coconut oil in a recipe?

The 10 Best Coconut Oil Substitutes:
Butter

Olive Oil
Almond Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Avocado Oil
Sunflower Seed Oil
Peanut Oil
Ghee
Vegetable Oil
Hazelnut Oil

Can I use olive oil instead of coconut oil for baking?

How to Use Olive Oil in Place of Coconut Oil:
1:1 Ratio – When substituting olive oil for coconut oil, you’ll use the “one to one” ratio. Equal measurements!
Flavor – You won’t have the coconut flavor when using olive oil as a coconut oil replacement. And you’ll want to use olive oil, not Extra Virgin Olive Oil as it has a peppery taste that won’t work as a coconut oil alternative.
Calories – Olive oil and coconut oil have equal calories. Both olive oil and coconut oil have 120 calories per tablespoon.
Health Benefits – Both olive oil and coconut oil are packed with antioxidants, and can help fight Alzheimer’s disease!
Dietary – Using olive oil as a coconut oil substitute will work for vegan foods and those on the Keto diet.

Is butter better than coconut oil?

Coconut oil is the healthier option… and in baking coconut oil is a great substitute for butter. However coconut oil does have a coconut flavor which can ruin some recipes. Another good substitute for butter is olive oil.

What can you use instead of coconut oil in baking?

Coconut Oil Baking Substitutes:
1. Butter
2. Olive Oil 
3. Vegetable Oil 
4. Hazelnut Oil 
Find more coconut oil substitutions in this article…

What can I use instead of oil in baking?

Substitutes for Oil in Baking: Try coconut oil, apple sauce, melted butter or Greek Yogurt in baking. Just make sure to grease the pan to avoid sticking. A little butter, slice oil spray, cooking spray or baking spray will help.

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