What is a good butter substitute without palm oil?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

The palm oil industry has been identified as a significant contributor to deforestation and habitat destruction, leading many to seek out more sustainable alternatives. Finding a good butter substitute without palm oil is a simple and effective way to make more ethical choices in your kitchen, without compromising on taste or texture. This guide explores a range of options suitable for various culinary applications.

Quick Summary

This guide details several effective palm oil-free substitutes for butter, including plant-based oils, fruit purees, and commercial vegan products. It offers specific recommendations and usage ratios for both cooking and baking applications, helping you find the right alternative for any recipe.

Key Points

Coconut oil is a reliable 1:1 substitute: Refined coconut oil can replace butter in baking recipes that need a solid fat, without adding a strong flavor.
Liquid oils are great for savory dishes: Olive oil and avocado oil work well for cooking and spreading, with olive oil having a distinct flavor and avocado oil being more neutral.
Fruit purees add moisture and reduce fat: Mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce can replace some or all of the butter in sweet baked goods, though adjustments to liquid content may be needed.
Nut and seed butters offer rich flavor: Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butters are ideal for spreads and dense baked goods, adding a nutty taste.
Commercial vegan butters are available: Several brands, including Miyoko's Creamery and Flora, offer high-quality, palm oil-free vegan butter options for versatile use.
Adjustments are key: The best substitute depends on the recipe's requirements for flavor, texture, and fat content. Be prepared to experiment with ratios to find the best fit.
Consider the environmental impact: Choosing palm oil-free alternatives helps reduce deforestation and habitat loss associated with the palm oil industry.

Why Choose a Palm Oil-Free Butter Substitute?

For many consumers, the decision to avoid palm oil is rooted in environmental and ethical considerations. The rapid expansion of palm oil plantations, particularly in Southeast Asia, has led to extensive deforestation, threatening the habitats of endangered species like orangutans, elephants, and tigers. Beyond environmental impact, health-conscious individuals may also be looking for alternatives to reduce their saturated fat intake or to adhere to a vegan diet. By switching to palm oil-free alternatives, you can support biodiversity and make more mindful choices for both your health and the planet.

Top Butter Substitutes Without Palm Oil

There is a diverse array of options for replacing butter without relying on palm oil. The best choice depends on your recipe, desired flavor profile, and health goals.

Plant-Based Oils

Refined Coconut Oil: A Versatile Solid Fat

Refined coconut oil is an excellent 1:1 replacement for butter in recipes requiring a solid fat, like flaky pie crusts or baked goods. The refining process removes the strong coconut flavor, making it a neutral option that won't overpower your dish. Since coconut oil has a lower melting point than butter, it’s best to work with it when it's softened, but not liquid, especially for creaming.

Olive Oil and Avocado Oil: Healthier Liquid Options

For dishes that call for melted butter, liquid oils like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are superb choices. Olive oil adds a distinctive, savory flavor that works well in herb breads, biscuits, and some muffins. A common conversion ratio is to use 3/4 cup of olive oil for every 1 cup of butter. Avocado oil, with its neutral taste and high smoke point, is ideal for a wide range of cooking and baking applications without altering the flavor of the final product. Both are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Fruit-Based Purees

For those looking to reduce fat and add natural moisture, fruit purees offer a fantastic, palm oil-free alternative in baking.

Unsweetened Applesauce: An easy 1:1 swap for butter in cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Since it adds moisture, you may need to slightly decrease other liquids in the recipe to achieve the right texture.
Mashed Banana: Another excellent option for adding moisture and sweetness to quick breads and muffins, providing a noticeable banana flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio but be mindful of the added sweetness and moisture.
Mashed Avocado: Works well as a 1:1 replacement, especially in chocolate-based recipes where its greenish tint won't be visible. It adds a rich creaminess and healthy fats.

Nut and Seed Butters

Nut and seed butters, such as almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter, provide a creamy texture and nutty flavor to baked goods. They can be substituted at a 1:1 ratio, but be aware they can result in a denser, heavier texture. Opt for brands with minimal added ingredients and no palm oil. Homemade nut butters are another great option.

Commercial Palm-Free Vegan Butters

Some brands have formulated vegan butters specifically to avoid palm oil. Brands like Miyoko's Creamery offer cultured vegan oat milk butter, using alternative fats like sunflower and coconut oil to achieve a buttery flavor and texture. Flora is another brand that has removed palm oil from some of its spreads. Always check the ingredient list to ensure it meets your specific criteria.

Comparison of Palm-Free Butter Alternatives


Substitute	Best For	Flavor Profile	Saturated Fat Level	Notes
Refined Coconut Oil	Baking, high-heat cooking	Neutral	High	Solid at room temperature, good for mimicking butter's texture.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Sautéing, dressings, savory dishes	Distinctly olive	Low	3/4 ratio for baking; strong flavor.
Avocado Oil	Baking, frying, high-heat cooking	Neutral	Low	High smoke point, versatile.
Mashed Avocado	Spreads, chocolate baked goods	Neutral, creamy	Low-Moderate	Adds moisture and healthy fats.
Unsweetened Applesauce	Sweet baked goods	Naturally sweet	Very Low	Significantly reduces fat, can affect texture.
Nut/Seed Butters	Spreads, dense cookies/brownies	Nutty	Low-Moderate	Results in a dense product, great for flavor.
Palm-Free Vegan Butter	Baking, spreading, browning	Buttery, cultured	Varies	Engineered to mimic butter's properties; check labels.

Conclusion

Finding a good butter substitute without palm oil is increasingly simple, thanks to a variety of readily available and versatile options. For baking that requires a solid fat, refined coconut oil is a reliable 1:1 replacement. For liquid applications, heart-healthy olive and avocado oils are excellent choices, though with different flavor profiles. Those seeking to reduce fat and add moisture can turn to fruit purees like applesauce, while nut and seed butters offer a denser, flavorful alternative. A growing number of commercial vegan brands also provide high-quality, palm-free butters that mimic the real thing. By choosing these alternatives, you can continue to enjoy delicious cooking and baking while supporting both your health and a more sustainable food system. Find the right option for your needs and start experimenting in your kitchen today. For more information on plant-based cooking and recipes, visit One Green Planet's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are among the healthiest liquid options, rich in monounsaturated fats. For a solid alternative, refined coconut oil is a good choice, though it is higher in saturated fat.

Yes, refined coconut oil can be used as a 1:1 substitute for butter in baking recipes, especially those that call for a solid fat. It is best to use it in its softened state, not fully liquid, for creaming.

In recipes that call for melted butter, you can generally use 3/4 cup of olive oil for every 1 cup of butter. This works best for savory baked goods, as olive oil has a stronger flavor.

For spreading, excellent palm oil-free options include mashed avocado, hummus, nut butters (almond, cashew), and some commercial vegan buttery spreads.

Yes, several brands have launched palm oil-free products. Miyoko's Creamery offers a cultured oat milk butter, and Flora has reformulated some of its spreads to be palm-free.

You can make your own vegan butter at home by blending ingredients like refined coconut oil, a neutral oil (like avocado), plant-based milk, and seasonings. Many recipes are available online that guide you through the process.

Fruit purees add moisture and can reduce the overall fat and calories in a recipe. However, the higher water content may require you to reduce other liquids or add a bit more flour to maintain the proper texture.

For flaky pie crusts, refined coconut oil is one of the best substitutes. Its solid state at room temperature mimics the texture of butter well, though it has a lower melting point.