Tag: Lard vs crisco

In the early 20th century, Crisco was marketed as a healthier, modern alternative to traditional animal fats like lard, a narrative that has shifted dramatically over time. Today, many home cooks are re-examining these fats, questioning if lard is actually safer than the vegetable shortening it was designed to replace.

Before Crisco's debut in 1911, lard was the dominant solid cooking fat in American kitchens. Today, many people still wonder what's healthier, lard or Crisco, a question with a nuanced answer that goes beyond old-fashioned versus modern convenience. The answer depends heavily on the specific product and its processing, as both have evolved significantly over time.