Substitutes for Extra Virgin Olive Oil in cooking include butter, coconut oil for baking; sunflower, almond oil for vegan recipes; canola, grapeseed oil for sautéing; light olive, peanut oil for Mediterranean dishes; and avocado, walnut oil for dressings and cold dishes.
Butter brings a rich flavor to baked goods. Use it in a 1:1 ratio when substituting for EVOO, but melt it first if the recipe requires a liquid fat. Expect a more buttery flavor and possibly a denser texture. Brands like Land O'Lakes and Kerrygold are widely used.
Coconut oil can be used in solid or liquid form, depending on the recipe. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in a 1:1 ratio. It's solid at room temperature, so consider the texture of the final product. Nutiva and Viva Naturals are recommended brands.
Sunflower oil is a neutral, high smoke point oil ideal for vegan cooking. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. It's less flavorful than EVOO but suitable for all types of cooking. Spectrum and Sunbutter are common brands.
Almond oil offers a mild nutty flavor and is suitable for dressings and light sautéing in vegan dishes. Use in a 1:1 ratio, but be aware of its pronounced flavor if substituting in dressings. NOW Foods and Spectrum are popular brands.
Canola oil is a versatile cooking oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for high-heat cooking. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. It's less flavorful than EVOO, so it won't impart additional taste to dishes. Brands like Spectrum and Wesson are common.
Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and is suitable for frying and sautéing. Use in a 1:1 ratio. It's lighter in flavor compared to EVOO, so it won't overpower dishes. Pompeian and La Tourangelle are popular brands.
Light olive oil is a more refined oil with a higher smoke point than EVOO, making it suitable for cooking at higher temperatures. It has a milder flavor, so expect a less robust taste in dishes. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Bertolli and Filippo Berio are trusted brands.
Peanut oil has a distinct flavor and can be used in Mediterranean dishes where its nuttiness is complementary. It's suitable for high-heat cooking. Use in a 1:1 ratio but adjust to taste. Popular brands include Planters and LouAna.
Avocado oil has a creamy texture and is rich in monounsaturated fats, making it a healthy alternative. It works well in dressings and cold dishes. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. It has a more neutral flavor, so expect a less pronounced taste. Popular brands include Chosen Foods and Primal Kitchen.
Walnut oil adds a nutty flavor to cold dishes. It's best used in recipes where its flavor complements the other ingredients. Use sparingly as it's stronger in flavor. A ratio of 1:1 works well, but adjust to taste. La Tourangelle is a well-known brand.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Baking | Butter, Coconut Oil |
| Vegan Recipes | Sunflower Oil, Almond Oil |
| Cooking and Sautéing | Canola Oil, Grapeseed Oil |
| Mediterranean Recipes | Light Olive Oil, Peanut Oil |
| Salad Dressings and Cold Dishes | Avocado Oil, Walnut Oil |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a beloved ingredient for its flavor and health benefits, but many substitutes can take its place in various recipes. When choosing a substitute, consider the flavor profile, smoke point, and the role of EVOO in your dish to find the best match.
