The Short Answer: It Depends on the Ingredients
Shortening is a solid fat used in baking to create a flaky, tender texture in pastries, biscuits, and pie crusts. Historically, the term shortening referred to animal fats like lard, which is rendered pork fat. Today, however, the most common type of shortening is vegetable shortening, which is made from plant-based oils like soybean and palm oil. This shift from animal fat to vegetable oil was a major marketing point for brands like Crisco when they were first introduced in the early 1900s.
For a shortening to be vegan, it must contain no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. While the primary components of modern vegetable shortening are vegan, other additives can sometimes be sourced from animals. This is why reading the ingredient list is critical for anyone following a strict vegan diet. Cross-contamination can also be a concern in some facilities.
What to Look for on the Label
Understanding what makes a shortening vegan or non-vegan involves scrutinizing the full ingredient list. Here are some key things to look out for:
Primary Fats
- Vegan: Soybean Oil, Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Cottonseed Oil. These are the foundation of most vegetable shortenings and are inherently vegan.
- Non-Vegan: Lard (pork fat), Tallow (beef fat), or Butterfat. If any of these are listed, the shortening is not vegan.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers are substances used to help fats and water mix. They are a common source of hidden animal products in many food items.
- Mono- and Diglycerides: This is one of the most common red flags for vegans. These emulsifiers can be sourced from either animal or plant fats. Unless a product is explicitly labeled vegan or certified kosher (which indicates a higher likelihood of plant origin), their source is often ambiguous. For example, while the mono- and diglycerides in Crisco are likely plant-based, some stricter vegans may still exercise caution.
- Lecithin: While often sourced from soy, lecithin can also come from egg yolks. Again, a vegan label is the best indicator.
Other Potential Concerns
- Refined Sugar: If a product contains refined sugar, it might be processed using bone char, an animal byproduct. This is a concern for some vegans, but not all. Opting for products with organic or unrefined sugar can help avoid this issue.
- Palm Oil: The palm oil industry is associated with significant environmental and ethical concerns, including deforestation that impacts wildlife habitats. Many vegans consider this an ethical issue and seek out products with sustainably sourced or certified palm oil, or avoid it altogether. Brands like Spectrum offer organic, fair-trade versions.
Is Crisco Shortening Vegan?
The most well-known brand of shortening, Crisco, has confirmed that its all-vegetable shortening is vegan. Its ingredients are primarily soybean and palm oils, and the mono- and diglycerides are plant-derived. Crisco has been a popular and reliable choice for vegan bakers for over a century due to its plant-based origins. However, as with any packaged food, always double-check the label for the most up-to-date ingredient information, as formulations can change over time. Crisco also produces other products, so ensure you are purchasing their specific all-vegetable shortening.
How to Choose a Vegan-Friendly Shortening
- Read the Label: The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list for any animal-derived fats like lard or tallow. Look for the vegan-friendly emulsifiers or confirm the source of ambiguous ones.
- Look for a Certification: The vegan society or other certifications are the clearest indication that a product is free of animal-derived ingredients.
- Use Reputable Brands: Stick with brands known for their commitment to plant-based products, like Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening or Earth Balance vegan shortening sticks.
- Check for Ethical Sourcing: If the environmental impact of palm oil is a concern, seek out brands that use organic or sustainably sourced palm oil, or those that have a transparent supply chain.
Vegan Shortening vs. Other Fats: A Comparison
| Feature | Vegetable Shortening | Vegan Butter | Coconut Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Use | Flaky pastries, tall and soft baked goods, greasing pans | Spreads, richer flavor in baked goods, creaming with sugar | All-purpose baking, sautéing; can impart coconut flavor if unrefined |
| Texture | Pure fat, no water; results in tall, tender baked goods | Contains some water, which can create a slightly different texture than shortening | Solid at room temperature but melts easily; can make baked goods dense if used incorrectly |
| Flavor | Neutral, allowing other flavors to shine | Buttery flavor, often includes added flavorings | Can have a distinct coconut flavor unless refined |
| Ingredients | Hydrogenated vegetable oils (soybean, palm), emulsifiers | Plant-based oils, water, salt, emulsifiers, flavorings | 100% coconut oil, can be refined or unrefined |
Homemade Shortening Options
If you prefer to make your own shortening to ensure all ingredients are ethically sourced and vegan, there are simple recipes available. A common method involves combining refined coconut oil with a secondary, neutral-flavored oil like canola or olive oil. This approach gives you complete control over the ingredients and can be a cost-effective alternative. Homemade vegan shortening recipe.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Shortening for Vegans
In conclusion, most vegetable shortening available today is vegan, making it a safe choice for plant-based bakers, particularly well-known brands like Crisco. The key is to be a diligent consumer and check the ingredient list for any potential animal-derived additives, especially emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides. For those with ethical concerns regarding palm oil, several brands offer sustainably sourced options, and making your own homemade shortening is also a viable alternative. By paying attention to the label, vegans can confidently incorporate shortening into their cooking and baking for delicious, flaky results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is all shortening vegan? A: No, not all shortening is vegan. Traditional shortening was lard, an animal fat. While most modern shortening is vegetable-based, it's essential to check the label for any animal-derived ingredients or emulsifiers.
Q: Is Crisco shortening vegan? A: Yes, Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening is vegan. It is made from plant-based oils and contains no animal products. However, always double-check the label for the specific product you are buying.
Q: What are mono- and diglycerides, and are they vegan? A: Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that can be sourced from either animal or plant fat. If a product isn't explicitly labeled vegan, there is a risk they are animal-derived. Stricter vegans might avoid products with ambiguous sourcing.
Q: Is palm oil vegan? A: Palm oil is technically a plant-based oil, but its production is linked to deforestation and habitat destruction, raising ethical concerns for many vegans. Brands that offer organic or sustainably sourced palm oil can mitigate some of these concerns.
Q: What is a good vegan alternative to shortening? A: Excellent vegan alternatives include vegan butter sticks (for a richer flavor), refined coconut oil (neutral flavor, great for frying), or even homemade shortening.
Q: Does shortening have dairy? A: Vegetable shortening does not contain dairy. It is made from vegetable oils, making it a good dairy-free option for baking.
Q: Why do some vegans avoid Crisco even if it's plant-based? A: Some stricter vegans may avoid Crisco due to concerns about the ambiguous sourcing of some ingredients, like mono- and diglycerides, or the potential for cross-contamination in manufacturing. Others avoid it due to the use of palm oil and its associated environmental issues.
