• Is coconut oil better than shortening?
  • While shortening is a good choice for certain baking and cooking techniques, it¡¯s highly processed and may contain unhealthy trans fats. In contrast, coconut oil is a natural, unprocessed fat that contains beneficial MCTs and can be used for a wide range of cooking and baking recipes.
  • How is shortening produced?
  • Shortening is produced through a process of partial hydrogenation of vegetable oil, which transforms oils into a solid fat. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is extracted from coconuts through a process of pressing and refining.
  • Can you use vegetable oil as a shortening substitute?
  • Just don’t use vegetable oil as a shortening substitute in recipes like pie dough, biscuits, or scones¡ªyou won’t get pockets of fat, so the dough won’t puff up properly. There are so many vegan butters on the market now, so feel free to reach for one when you need a substitute for shortening in a recipe.
  • Is refined coconut oil better than unrefined coconut oil?
  • On the other hand, refined coconut oil is more neutral since it uses dried coconut meat, aka copra. It can also “heat up to 400 Fahrenheit” versus unrefined coconut oil’s 350 degree Fahrenheit maximum. So in short, refined coconut oil is a great option for when you don’t want a strong coconut flavor in baked goods.
  • Is coconut oil a good substitute for butter?
  • Coconut oil is a good substitute for butter or oil in baking recipes such as muffins, bread, and granola. It’s also a good choice for cooking at low to medium temperatures and for stir-frying.
  • Is coconut oil healthy?
  • Coconut oil is generally considered the healthier option in terms of nutrition. However, it¡¯s still important to consume it in moderation and to balance it with other healthy fats in your diet. The primary fat source is coconut oil.