Can Vegans Eat Vegetable Shortening? A Complete Guide

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

While vegetable shortening is often associated with traditional baking, its compatibility with a vegan lifestyle is a common question. The answer is nuanced, as not all products labeled 'vegetable' are free from animal-derived additives or controversial ingredients. For a safe vegan option, it is essential to scrutinize the ingredient list of any vegetable shortening product.

Quick Summary

Most vegetable shortening is made from plant-based oils, but some brands may contain non-vegan ingredients. Strict vegans should check for additives like mono- and diglycerides and consider the ethical implications of palm oil production. Alternatives include homemade shortening and other plant-based fats like coconut oil.

Key Points

Label Verification: Always check the ingredient list for hidden animal-derived components like mono- and diglycerides, which can be plant or animal-based.
Palm Oil Ethics: Be aware of the environmental and ethical concerns related to palm oil production and its impact on animal habitats.
Crisco Is Vegan: Most Crisco products are vegan, but stricter vegans may question some additives and the use of palm oil.
Homemade Alternative: For guaranteed vegan and ethical sourcing, you can easily make your own shortening using ingredients like refined coconut oil and neutral oil.
Alternative Fats: Other plant-based fats like refined coconut oil or vegan butter can be used as direct substitutes in baking recipes.
Nutritional Profile: Vegetable shortening is a highly processed fat, so some vegans may choose less-refined alternatives for health reasons.

Understanding Vegetable Shortening and Veganism

When asking, "can vegans eat vegetable shortening?" the primary factor is the product's ingredient list. The term "shortening" traditionally referred to animal fat (lard), but modern vegetable shortening is a solid fat made from hydrogenated or fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as soybean and palm oil. The hydrogenation process converts liquid oils into a semi-solid state, giving baked goods a light, flaky, or tender texture. While the core components are plant-based, hidden ingredients and ethical concerns can make a product non-vegan.

The Importance of Reading the Label

A product labeled "vegetable shortening" isn't automatically 100% vegan-safe. The key is to check for specific ingredients that can be derived from animal sources. Here's what to look for on the label:

Mono- and Diglycerides: These are common emulsifiers used to improve the texture and shelf life of many processed foods. While they can be derived from plants, they can also come from animal fats. Unless the package specifies that they are from vegetable sources, there is ambiguity.
Natural and Artificial Flavors: In some cases, butter-flavored versions of vegetable shortening exist, and these may contain dairy derivatives. Always check for specific flavorings to ensure they are vegan.
Other Potential Additives: Some vitamins, like Vitamin D3, can be animal-derived, though this is less common in shortening. However, for a fully informed choice, a complete ingredient check is necessary.

The Ethical Issue of Palm Oil

For many vegans, the ethical considerations extend beyond just animal-derived ingredients. The production of palm oil, a primary ingredient in many shortenings (including Crisco), has been linked to significant environmental and animal welfare concerns. The demand for palm oil has driven widespread deforestation, destroying the habitats of numerous endangered species. While sustainable and organic palm oil options exist, their effectiveness is a point of contention among environmental activists. Strict vegans may choose to avoid products containing palm oil altogether.

Vegan Alternatives to Store-Bought Shortening

For those who wish to avoid both ambiguous additives and the ethical issues associated with palm oil, several alternatives are available:

Refined Coconut Oil: This is an excellent vegan substitute that is solid at room temperature and has a neutral flavor, making it versatile for baking.
Vegan Butter Sticks: Many brands offer plant-based butter sticks formulated for baking. These can be a direct substitute in many recipes, though they contain some water, unlike pure shortening.
DIY Homemade Shortening: You can make your own shortening with just a couple of ingredients. A simple recipe uses a combination of coconut oil and a neutral liquid oil like canola or olive oil.

Vegetable Shortening Comparison Table


Feature	Conventional Vegetable Shortening (e.g., Crisco)	Refined Coconut Oil	Vegan Butter Sticks
Vegan Status	Mostly vegan, but check additives like mono- and diglycerides	Always vegan	Generally vegan, check ingredients for flavors
Primary Ingredients	Soybean oil, palm oil, hydrogenated palm oil	100% coconut oil	Blend of plant-based oils (e.g., palm, soy, coconut)
Fat Type	Solid fat; high in saturated fat	Solid fat; high in saturated fat	Blend of solid fat, oils, and water
Baking Texture	Creates tender, flaky, and crumbly textures	Similar texture to shortening, but melts at a lower temperature	Adds richness and flavor, but may produce a slightly different texture due to water content
Flavor	Neutral flavor	Neutral flavor (when refined)	May have a buttery flavor
Environmental Concern	Significant palm oil concerns	Palm oil concerns may apply depending on the brand	Palm oil concerns may apply depending on the brand

Conclusion

Yes, vegans can eat most vegetable shortening, but it's crucial to confirm its suitability through careful ingredient verification. While products like Crisco are generally considered vegan based on their plant-based fat composition, the presence of ambiguous additives or ethically concerning ingredients like palm oil can be a deciding factor for many within the vegan community. By prioritizing products with clear ingredient sourcing or opting for easy homemade alternatives, vegans can confidently incorporate shortening into their cooking and baking while staying true to their values. For the most discerning vegans, understanding the nuances of ingredient origins is key to making a truly compassionate choice. For a list of certified sustainable palm oil producers, refer to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) via their official website.

Ethical and Health Considerations

Beyond the basic definition, modern veganism considers the entire lifecycle of a product. This includes the ethical sourcing of ingredients and the health implications of processed foods. When choosing a vegetable shortening, vegans should weigh these factors. The high processing involved in creating shortening, combined with the ethical issues of palm oil, might lead some to prefer more natural, whole-food alternatives. This shift not only aligns with environmental values but also offers a potentially healthier option by avoiding refined and hydrogenated fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all shortening is vegan. Some traditional shortening is made from animal fat, or lard. Always check the ingredient list, as some products may contain non-vegan additives like mono- and diglycerides.

Yes, Crisco is widely considered vegan. It's made from vegetable oils like soybean and palm oil and contains no animal fat or dairy. However, some strict vegans avoid it due to the palm oil's sourcing and the ambiguity of some emulsifiers.

Some vegans avoid palm oil because its production is linked to extensive deforestation, which destroys the habitats of endangered animals and contributes to environmental damage. This makes it an ethically questionable ingredient for many.

Shortening is a solid fat made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, while lard is rendered animal fat, typically from pork. They have different flavor profiles and origins, making lard unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Yes, you can use vegan butter as a substitute. However, vegan butter contains water, whereas shortening is pure fat. This can slightly alter the final texture of baked goods, so adjustments may be needed.

Mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers that help blend ingredients that don't mix well, like oil and water. They can be sourced from either plant or animal fats, so their vegan status is unclear unless specified by the manufacturer.

A simple way to make vegan shortening is to combine two parts coconut oil with one part another neutral vegetable oil, like canola or olive oil. Melt them together, mix well, and then chill until solid.