Substitute For Olive Oil

Looking for a replacement for your olive oil? We got you! Do you find a comprehensive list of substitute for olive oil and their recommended uses.

You will also find a measurement conversion chart listed below for your reference as well. All you need to know and more can easily be found below when you are trying to look for a replacement for your olive oil.

Why Choose an Alternative Oil?

There are many different reasons why we may need to choose an alternative to olive oil. Whether you simply ran out of olive oil, are looking for a healthy alternative to olive oil, or are trying to find a more budget-friendly option, we have lots of different ideas for you.

Below we will cover the best substitute for olive oil in our comprehensive list, and also provide a chart for you below with our recommended substitution ratios.

Olive Oil Benefits And Uses

Surprisingly olive oil is actually considered a healthy oil. Although it still contains fat and calories, the type of fat that olive oil contains is actually considered good for you if consumed in moderation.

There are many different uses for olive oil. It can be used in baking, pan-frying, or even deep-frying, as well as in dressings and marinades. The uses for olive oil are endless.

Olive Oil Isn’t The Only Healthy Cooking Oil

You didn’t know that olive oil isn’t the only healthy cooking oil. There are other options as well for healthy oils. You can use these other oils to cook with, in dressings, or even marinades. Below we will outline all of the alternative options for olive oil.

Here’s What You Can Substitute For Olive Oil

There are several healthy and not so healthy alternatives for olive oil. Below is a detailed list of all of the substitute options followed by a chart with the conversion measurements.

Best Substitutes For Olive Oil

Almond Oil

Almond oil is of course made from almonds. It is known to be full of vitamin E and rich in antioxidants. This oil is a healthy kind of oil that can be used to replace olive oil.

Almond oil can be purchased from most large grocery stores, or ordered online. When using almond oil as a replacement for olive oil we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another healthy oil that you can use as an alternative to olive oil. Avocado oil comes from the oils extracted from an avocado.

This type of oil is high in oleic acid, and vitamin E. There are several health benefits that are thought to be as a result of avocado oil.

Avocado oil can also be purchased from a large grocery store or online. If you choose to use avocado oil as your replacement for olive oil we recommend using a one-to-one substitute ratio.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another plant-based oil that can be used as a healthy replacement for olive oil. This oil substitute is believed to also contain antioxidants and have health benefits to it as well.

Coconut oil can be found at your local grocery store. This oil tends to melt when it is warm, but if it is cool you may find it in a solid form.

You can use coconut oil as a replacement for olive oil and most recipes. It is not recommended for frying but can be used in cooking, baking, or dressings. Keep in mind that this oil substitute will likely contain a slight coconut flavor, which may impact the overall flavor of your dish.

If you choose to use coconut oil as your replacement for olive oil, we recommend using a substitute ratio of 1:1, for melted coconut oil.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil also known as flax oil or linseed oil is another healthy and plant-based oil. Flaxseed oil is believed to help lower inflammation, and contain high omega-3s.

However, one note of caution when using flaxseed oil is that the smoke point for the soil is much lower than other types of oil. Therefore, it is not recommended to use flaxseed oil when frying or even sautéing over high temperatures.

If you choose to use flaxseed oil as your replacement for olive oil, we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a natural oil that is extracted from grapes. Seed oil is a great alternative to olive oil as it has a lovely flavor that is not overpowering and can replace your olive oil very nicely.

There are a lot of known and assumed health benefits to eating grapeseed oil. These health benefits range from helping with hair loss to fighting against strokes.

Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point so it can be used for frying recipes. Grapeseed oil can be used as a replacement for olive oil in almost any way.

If you choose to use grapeseed oil as your alternative for olive oil we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Palm Oil

Palm oil is an edible kind of oil that is extracted from the fruit of a palm tree. This kind of oil is typically used for cooking in developing countries like Brazil, Africa, and Asia. Palm oil contains a lovely earthy and rich flavor.

If you choose to use palm oil as your replacement for olive oil, we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio for this kind of oil.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is another fabulous substitute for olive oil. Peanut oil is very rich in vitamin E and has other great health benefits to it as well.

This kind of oil has a high smoke point and can be used as a replacement for olive oil in almost any recipe.

Peanut oil can be picked up at your local grocery store and has the added benefit of being lower priced than olive oil in general.

Using peanut oil as a replacement for olive oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point, a good flavor that is not overpowering to your recipe, and is budget friendly.

If you choose to use peanut oil as your alternative for olive oil we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another healthy substitute for olive oil. Sunflower oil comes from sunflowers and is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and rich in oleic acid. There are also several health benefits to eating sunflower oil.

Sunflower oil can be purchased at your local grocery store and may come in a variety of prices. Typically, you can find sunflower oil for a reasonable price.

Sunflower oil has a slightly nutty flavor and also has a high smoke point. This makes it ideal for frying, cooking, or baking. If you choose to use sunflower oil as an alternative for olive oil just be aware that it will add a slightly nutty flavor otherwise it makes a great substitute.

When selecting sunflower oil as a replacement for olive oil we recommend a substitute ratio of 1:1.

Walnut Oil

Walnut oil is another healthy replacement for olive oil that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Walnut oil comes from oil extracted from walnuts. Because of Walnut oil’s good fat content, it has many health benefits.

Walnut oil can be picked up at your local grocery store or ordered online. Walnut oil has a relatively low smoke point and is recommended for use in salad dressing, marinade, or other drizzles. It is not recommended that you use walnut oil for frying due to the low smoke point.

If you choose to select walnut oil as your alternative for olive oil we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Vegetable Oil

What about vegetable oil as an alternative for olive oil? This type of oil is one of the most common types of oil that you can pick up at any grocery store.

Vegetable oil is not as healthy for you as other types of oil. Vegetable oil sounds like it should be healthy but it is not made with the pure ingredients of the other oils that have great health benefits.

However, if health benefits are not your main concern, vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil.

But oil is good when used for marinades, dressings, pan-frying, stir-fries, baking, and much more. In most recipes, you can use a 1:1 substitute ratio for vegetable oil to olive oil. However, keep in mind what you are making, if you’re trying to keep your dish healthy, you may want to seek an alternative kind of oil.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another very common type of oil. You can find canola oil at just about any grocery store, for a reasonable price.

Like vegetable oil, canola oil does not have the health benefits to it that olive oil does. If you are making a recipe that you want to keep healthy, you will want to seek an alternative kind of oil to use instead of canola oil.

However, if you are simply looking for a quick and easy oil replacement, you can use canola oil as a substitute. Canola oil works well for frying, cooking, and baking. Canola oil will not provide the same flavor that olive oil does, but it will work as a replacement when flavor and nutrition do not matter.

We recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio when replacing olive oil with canola oil.

Ghee

Ghee is a kind of clarified butter made from cow’s milk that is primarily used in India. However, ghee can also be used as a replacement for olive oil in some cases. You would want to avoid using ghee in recipes that require frying because it also has a low smoke point, but it may be used to pan-fry foods.

If you are making an Indian recipe, then this is a great alternative for olive oil. We recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio for this replacement.

Butter

Butter is another alternative for olive oil you can use in most recipes. Using butter and a delicious flavor to your recipe, and is ideal for baking, cooking, and pan-frying. You would want to avoid using butter for any fried recipes as butter has a lower smoke point than most cooking oils.

If you choose to use butter as your alternative to olive oil we recommend using a substitute ratio of 1:1 for melted butter to olive oil and cooking recipes, and 1 1/3 cup butter to 1 cup olive oil for baking recipes.

Lard

Lard is another good substitute for olive oil when a lot of heat is required. While it is not exactly a healthy substitute, lard gets the job done and is great for pan-frying or baking.

When substituting large for olive oil you can use a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Chicken or Vegetable Stock

Chicken or vegetable stock can be used as a replacement for olive oil but only for sautéing in a pan. If you’re looking for a lower calorie alternative, chicken stock or vegetable stock is a great substitute for olive oil.

However, the downside of using the ingredient is that you are likely to lose some of the flavors the olive oil provides, and the replacement can only be used for sautéing.

If you choose to use chicken or vegetable stock as your alternative for olive oil, you can use a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Cold-Pressed Seed Oils

Cold-pressed seed oils are oils like pumpkin seed oil. While these are not a good substitute for olive oil when high temperatures are required, they do work well in other cases.

You can use a 1:1 substitute ratio for cold-pressed seed oil as a substitute for olive oil.

Corn Oil

Corn oil is extracted from germ corn and used in cooking. Corn oil has a high smoke point and is good for cooking various dishes. Corn oil is especially known for frying your foods.

Oil made from corn can also be used for baking, cooking, grilling, and frame. Really corn oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil and pretty much any recipe.

A good substitute ratio for corn oil is 1:1 for a substitute for olive oil.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. Sesame oil also contains vitamin E and antioxidants which help to make it good for you. Sesame oil can be used in cooking, sautéing, or even baking if desired.

A good substitute ratio for sesame oil to replace olive oil is a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is another healthy oil substitute that is known to help heal your skin. Hemp seed oil comes from a hemp plant.

A note of caution when it comes to hemp seed oil is that it has a very low smoke point so it should not be cooked in dishes that reach a high temperature. Instead, hempseed oil is better used as a dressing, marinade, or topping.

When substituting hemp seed oil for olive oil we recommend using a 1:1 substitute ratio.

Mashed Bananas

Finally, the last substitute for olive oil is one that you may not have considered. Mashed bananas work surprisingly well as a substitute for olive oil.

Bananas contain a high level of potassium and fiber which have many health benefits. Using mashed bananas in baked good recipes as a substitute for olive oil works out surprisingly well. You can simply mash up a banana and add it to your recipe as your substitute for olive oil.

Of course, mashed bananas are not going to work as an olive oil replacement for cooking or frying, or even marinade recipes. Mashed bananas only worked for baked goods.

Keep in mind if you choose to substitute mashed bananas for olive oil in your baked good recipes, you will want to keep in mind that your bananas will add a banana flavor to your dish. You will not want bananas to overpower the dish, or add additional flavor. If the flavor of bananas will not go well with the dish, then use a different substitute for olive oil.

For more banana flavors you can add very ripe bananas, and unless of a banana flavor add a slightly ripe mashed banana.

When adding mashed bananas as a substitute for olive oil you want to use the substitute ratio of 1:2 banana to olive oil.

Substitute Conversion Chart

Consider

When choosing your substitute is important to stop and consider what you are making. But what you are making will determine what kind of substitute you should choose. Some substitutes work well for baked goods, while others work well for frying, and still, others work best for dressings or marinades.

Salad Dressings
Marinades
Sauteing & Stir-Fries
Baking
Deep-Frying

Olive oil substitute for dressing:

Sunflower oil

Olive oil substitute for roasting vegetables:

Grapeseed oil, Vegetable oil, or Canola oil

Olive oil substitute baking:

Mashed banana or peanut oil

Best Overall Substitute For Olive Oil: Peanut Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vegetable oil a good substitute for olive oil?

I guess you’re not looking for a healthy olive oil alternative, vegetable oil is a good substitute for olive oil. However, if you want the health benefits of olive oil you will want to seek an alternative substitute.

Which oils are the best for cooking?

The best oils for cooking depends on what exactly you’re cooking, however, some good substitute options include sunflower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.

Which oils are the best for baking?

On average the best oils for cooking are vegetable oil and canola oil.

Can you substitute vegetable oil for olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil and most recipes. The only downside of substituting back to oil for olive oil is that vegetable oil does not have the health benefits that olive oil contains.

Alternatives to Olive Oil

There are many alternatives to olive oil depending on what aspect of olive oil you are looking to replace. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative, there are several options.

If you’re simply out of olive oil and need something to replace it, don’t worry we have you covered. There are many replacements for olive oil that range in cost, and availability.

The above list contains all of the substitute options for olive oil and can be very helpful in helping you select which one fits your needs the best.

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