What Is Vegetable shortening and How Can I Use It?

Vegetable shortening rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 2,019 recipes to cook with it.

What is vegetable shortening?

Vegetable shortening similar to animal derived shortening such as butter or lard, it is cheaper to produce; originally, lard was far cheaper and edible oils came at a higher cost.

Shortening also needs no refrigeration, which further lowers its costs and increases its convenience, especially for people who live in countries without refrigeration.

As a substitute for butter, it can lengthen the shelf life of baked goods and other foods. With these advantages, vegetable shortening gained popularity, as food production became increasingly industrialized and manufacturers sought low-cost raw materials. Vast government-financed surpluses of cottonseed oil,corn oil, and soy beans helped found a market in low-cost vegetable shortening.

Health concerns

Vegetable shortening has become the subject of some health concerns due to its traditional formulation from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which contain trans fat.

Trans fats have been linked to a number of adverse health effects. Usage of shortening lacking trans fats has grown.

Substitution

1 cup + 2 tablespoons of butter may be a substitution for 1 cup of vegetable shortening; butter has extra water content when compared to shortening.

Coconut butter may also be used and is viewed as a healthier substitution for vegetable shortening

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 tablespoon (1 NLEA serving) (12g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 106Calories from Fat 107

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12.0g 18%

Saturated Fat 2.8g 14%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium -1mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 0.0g 0%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 0.0

Protein 0.0g

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 0% • Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find vegetable shortening: Vegetable shortening is usually found in the baking supplies section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Vegetable shortening is a member of the Fats and Oils US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.