Avocados are like the rock stars of healthy food! People add them in salad dressings; they’re delicious on toast, you can mix them in your smoothies, and they even appear in yummy, healthy desserts. They’re everywhere!
Some might think avocados are overly hyped, but honestly, they totally deserve the attention, and that goes for their oil too! It’s all good stuff!
You’ll be amazed at how avocado oil substitutes can imitate the natural oil’s taste and introduce exciting new flavors to your dishes. It’s a trendy thing in the culinary world, but we get it, avocado oil can be expensive.
There’s no need to fret, though, because we’ve got you covered with the best substitutes for avocado oil. They’ll work just as well! But before we get to that, let’s quickly look at some basic info about this unique oil.
What is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil’s popularity is skyrocketing worldwide as more and more people prioritize healthier eating.
With chronic diseases and heart-related issues on the rise, people are turning to avocado oil as a better alternative, and you’ll find it in tons of cookbooks and online recipes. It’s a smart choice for a healthier lifestyle!
You might not come across avocado oil often, but it has become a cutting-edge ingredient in global cuisine!
Not only does it taste amazing, but it also comes with some incredible health perks that will blow your mind.
Avocado oil is made from fresh avocado pulp, and it’s perfect for cooking, especially if you’re into the Paleo diet. Plus, it’s great for your skin too! Thanks to its oleic acid content, it can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. It’s a win-win for your kitchen and your skincare routine!
But since avocado oil may not always be readily available, it’s a smart move to have a few alternative options on hand. Being prepared with substitutes ensures you can keep cooking without any hiccups!
Best Substitutes for Avocado Oil
If you don’t have avocado oil at home or need a replacement for a recipe, no worries! Check out these substitutes for avocado oil.
1. Coconut Oil
Can’t find any baking substitutes? Let us introduce you to coconut oil, your new baking companion. And there are two types available: virgin coconut oil with a delightful tropical flavor and scent and refined coconut oil with a more neutral profile.
Keep in mind that coconut oil has a higher percentage of saturated fat compared to peanut oil.
Apart from baking, coconut oil is suitable for a wide range of pretty high-heat recipes, including sautés, soups, sauces, and dips. When substituting oils, use an equal amount of coconut oil to retain the same delicious flavor.
2. Peanut Oil
Next on this list of best Substitutes for Avocado Oil is Peanut oil! That’s right, you heard correctly. Peanut oil is a nice replacement for avocado oil. It has the same flavor and aroma, but the best part is it’s way cheaper and won’t hurt your wallet as avocado oil does.
But hold on; there’s a catch. Peanut oil isn’t as healthy as avocado oil due to its higher saturated fat content. It can raise your cholesterol levels, so it’s something to consider before switching.
Peanut oil makes an excellent substitute for avocado oil for two key reasons. First, it shares a similar consistency with avocado oil.
Secondly, you can use it like avocado oil because it contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that are perfect for cooking without sticking or burning.
3. Grapeseed Oil
Here’s another option – grapeseed oil! It’s a fantastic alternative to avocado oil, especially for high-heat cooking.
Keep in mind that grapeseed oil has a lower smoking point compared to avocado oil. Still, its natural flavors will complement your recipe beautifully, and you probably won’t even notice the difference.
But wait, grapeseed oil isn’t the same as avocado oil regarding nutrition. Yes, it’s a cool and healthy replacement. Just don’t go dipping your bread or slathering it on pizza with this oil—it won’t work that great. But for other recipes, it’s got loads of nutritious stuff to offer.
4. Sesame Oil
You won’t believe it, but those tiny sesame seeds produce a ton of oil! If you have a bottle of sesame oil in your pantry, you won’t be bothered by the scarcity of avocado oil.
Sesame oil adds a nutty, earthy kick to your dishes that makes them delicious. It’s also loaded with good fats and radical fighters.
Compared to other oils, sesame oil can withstand high temperatures, so go ahead and stir-fry your heart out!
But sesame oil has a pretty strong flavor that can dominate dishes, especially in baked goods. So, don’t even think about swapping it in for cakes or bread! Stick with plain corn or veggie oil for those recipes.
5. Truffle Oil
Also among the best Substitutes for Avocado Oil that is worth trying out is truffle oil.
It has this awesome flavor profile that’s way more interesting than plain avocado oil. Imagine bold earthy, and woody notes that’ll blow your mind. And guess what? It’s just as creamy and buttery too.
6. Butter
Got some butter in your fridge? Awesome! You can use it instead of avocado oil in baking recipes! Butter is creamy and very tasty compared to other oils.
Just remember, butter can’t handle high heat like avocado oil, so it’s not the best. But if you want some deliciously rich flavor in your dishes, go for it! Some folks dig it!
7. Flaxseed Oil
If you’ve got flaxseed oil in your kitchen, use it as a substitute for avocado oil. It is slightly nutty and has a delicious aroma.
Note that flaxseed oil, or linseed oil, is best used in unheated dishes like salads, marinades, and sauces. Avoid heating it to preserve its beautiful flavors.
Also, check the oil before using it, especially if it’s been in the pantry for a while. It might have a bitter, burnt flavor, which you don’t want to experience!
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) is like a healthy and pocket-friendly twin to avocado oil but with way more health perks.
The great thing is you can use EVOO for cooking at higher temperatures without any concerns, unlike avocado oil which starts smoking earlier.
9. Extra Light Olive Oil
Avocado oil has a mild taste with a hint of grassy and nutty flavors. Extra light olive oil shares a similar characteristic, and being bland in flavor, it won’t interfere with the deliciousness of your dish.
Picking extra light olive oil is crucial due to its high smoke point, reaching up to 470°F. While avocado oil has a slightly higher smoke point at 520°F, the variation won’t matter sometimes.
It’s fascinating that both oils are mostly made from monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, and offer plenty of vitamin E.
10. Ghee
Another excellent substitute for avocado oil is ghee, made by melting butter and removing the milk solids. It adds a rich, creamy taste that can complement your recipe and other ingredients perfectly.
You can use equal amounts or adjust to create a tasty meal!
11. Canola Oil
Canola oil might not be the most famous, but it’s a real champ in the kitchen! Just like a star shines brighter when surrounded by other stars, canola oil helps bring out the best in your dishes.
It has a light taste, so even if you go a bit heavy-handed while baking or frying, it won’t mess up the flavor. It can also handle high heat and has a low-fat percentage.
One remarkable thing about this oil is its light and non-greasy texture, so it’s enjoyable to cook with even when using a generous amount.
12. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a mix of plant-based oils from different plants and seeds. It includes neutral-flavored oils like soybean, coconut, and of course, avocado oil.
Cooks illustrated suggests that vegetable oil perfectly replaces avocado oil in baking and cooking. It’s cheap and works well in recipes that need a lot of oil, like doughnuts.
Mixing it with sesame oil in fried rice avoids overpowering the sesame flavor while still getting the job done. Do well to try out Vegetable oil as it is one of the best substitutes for Avocado Oil.
13. Margarine
Margarine is a vegan substitute for butter and a wonderful replacement for avocado oil. It shares a similar texture and can be used in various ways, like avocado oil.
14. Macadamia Nut Oil
Macadamia oil serves as a fantastic all-purpose replacement for avocado oil. It can even handle medium to high heat cooking (below 410 degrees) but isn’t as high as avocado oil’s smoke point.
Our macadamia nut oil is the perfect topping for salad dressings, and we love incorporating it into our sauces and raw dips.
15. Homemade Avocado Oil
We cannot end the substitutes for avocado oil list without mentioning avocado oil itself, and not just any avocado oil; it’s the one you can make right in your kitchen!
Making your unrefined avocado oil right in your kitchen is a fun DIY project, perfect for those who love getting creative!
Homemade avocado oil may take some effort, but it’s worth it! Imagine the satisfaction of creating your very own oil—it’s priceless!
And guess what? You can use it for more than just cooking! It works wonders for your skin and hair too!
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Substitute for Avocado Oil
What Oil Is Better Than Avocado Oil?
Olive oil and avocado oil are good fats that work wonders for your heart. But if we’re talking about nutrition, olive oil wins with more calcium, vitamins, iron, and potassium packed in!
Which Is Better, Avocado or Coconut Oil?
No doubt about it, avocado oil beats coconut oil as a healthier choice for everyday use, thanks to its fat profile and antioxidants.
Scientific data even backs up the idea of reducing saturated fats to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Does Avocado Oil Lighten Skin?
When it comes to being anti-inflammatory, avocado oil won’t clog pores. As for lightening skin, there’s no solid evidence that avocado oil can do that.
How Long Can Avocado Oil Last?
For the freshest flavor, it’s recommended to use avocado oil within 4-6 months after opening. But it can still be good up to its best-by date, especially if stored properly.
What Are the Disadvantages of Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil has many remarkable health perks, but it can also have some downsides, like causing allergies, mouth issues, tummy irritation, and liver trouble. So, be careful and take precautions when using it!
Conclusion – Best Substitute for Avocado Oil
You shouldn’t worry about change. After all, cooking is all about trying new stuff. So, if you’re out of avocado oil, don’t freak out! You have many other oils in your kitchen that can work just as well in your dishes.
These are some of the best substitutes for avocado oil, so look in your pantry and see what you’ve got. You’ll find a good alternative for sure!