Which oil can replace coconut oil? A comprehensive guide

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, coconut oil is 82% saturated fat, making many consumers seek out healthier alternatives. This article answers the question, "Which oil can replace coconut oil?" by detailing the best options for cooking, baking, and beauty routines.

Quick Summary

This guide provides suitable coconut oil alternatives for different applications like cooking, baking, skincare, and hair care. It covers various replacements, considering factors like flavor profile, smoke point, and health benefits.

Key Points

Avocado Oil: Use avocado oil for high-heat cooking like frying and roasting, as it has a very high smoke point.
Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil for coconut oil in savory dishes and salad dressings for a rich, peppery flavor.
Butter: In baking, use butter (dairy or vegan) as a 1:1 replacement for coconut oil when a solid fat is needed.
Canola Oil: Opt for canola oil in general cooking and baking for a neutral-flavored, all-purpose liquid fat.
Shea Butter: For deep skin moisturization and DIY beauty products, shea butter is an excellent solid-at-room-temperature substitute.
Jojoba Oil: Choose jojoba oil for skin and hair care, as it closely resembles natural sebum and works well for balancing oil production.

Why Find a Coconut Oil Replacement?

While coconut oil has long been hailed as a healthy fat, research has brought its high saturated fat content into question. For those concerned about cholesterol or seeking a different flavor, there are several excellent reasons to explore substitutes. Allergies, a dislike of the distinct coconut flavor, and a desire for different nutritional properties are also common motives. The best substitute depends on the application, whether it's for high-heat cooking, baking delicate pastries, or moisturizing skin and hair.

Cooking Substitutes for Coconut Oil

When substituting coconut oil in savory dishes, the primary considerations are the oil's smoke point and flavor profile. A neutral-tasting oil will work in almost any recipe, while a flavored oil can enhance specific cuisines.

Avocado Oil: With one of the highest smoke points (around 520°F or 270°C), avocado oil is perfect for high-heat cooking like frying and roasting. It has a mild, buttery flavor that won't interfere with your ingredients.
Vegetable Oil: A classic all-purpose replacement, vegetable oil is inexpensive and has a neutral flavor, making it a reliable 1:1 substitute for general cooking and baking.
Canola Oil: Another neutral oil, canola oil has a moderate to high smoke point (400°F or 204°C) and a light texture, making it suitable for sautéing, frying, and baking.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point (around 375°F or 190°C) and a robust flavor, so it's best for lower-heat cooking, salad dressings, and savory dishes where its taste is welcome. Light olive oil is milder and has a higher smoke point.

Baking Replacements for Coconut Oil

In baking, coconut oil often serves a dual purpose: providing moisture and acting as a solid fat at room temperature. The best substitutes mimic these properties for a similar outcome.

Butter or Vegan Butter: For a rich, buttery flavor and a solid texture, butter is an excellent 1:1 substitute. For a plant-based option, vegan butter performs similarly and is widely available.
Applesauce: For a healthier, lower-fat option in baked goods like muffins and cakes, unsweetened applesauce can replace some or all of the oil. Note that this alters the texture and flavor, resulting in a denser, sweeter product.
Vegan Shortening: This is a great choice when you need a solid, flavorless fat to achieve a flaky crust or tender crumb in pastries.

Skincare and Hair Care Substitutes for Coconut Oil

For beauty and personal care, the right replacement oil depends on your specific skin or hair type and desired benefits.

Jojoba Oil: This lightweight oil closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Shea Butter: A rich, deeply moisturizing fat derived from the shea nut, it's perfect for soothing dry or irritated skin. It can also be used as a solid base for DIY beauty products.
Argan Oil: Known for its high vitamin E and antioxidant content, argan oil hydrates the skin and adds shine to hair without leaving a greasy residue.
Sweet Almond Oil: A gentle and versatile oil that is rich in vitamins and excellent for calming sensitive or dry skin, and works well as a carrier oil.

Comparison Table: Coconut Oil Alternatives


Alternative	Primary Use	Key Benefit	Flavor Profile	Smoke Point
Avocado Oil	High-heat cooking, dressings	High smoke point	Mild, buttery	520°F / 270°C
Olive Oil	Low-heat cooking, dressings	Rich flavor, antioxidants	Peppery, robust	375°F / 190°C
Canola Oil	General cooking, baking	Neutral flavor, affordability	Neutral	400°F / 204°C
Butter	Baking, sautéing	Rich, savory flavor	Buttery	302°F / 150°C
Shea Butter	Skincare, moisturizing	Deeply moisturizing	Neutral	N/A
Jojoba Oil	Skincare, hair care	Mimics natural sebum	Neutral	N/A

Choosing the Right Substitute for Your Needs

The best way to choose a substitute is to consider the primary function of the coconut oil in your recipe or routine. For high-heat cooking, avocado or canola oil are the safest bets due to their high smoke points. When baking, butter or vegan butter will provide the structure and richness that coconut oil offers when solid. For personal care, focusing on your specific skin or hair needs is key. Jojoba oil is great for balance, while shea butter provides intense moisture. Always consider potential nut allergies, especially when choosing alternatives like almond oil.

Conclusion

Finding a suitable replacement for coconut oil is straightforward once you understand the function it serves in your specific application. Whether driven by health concerns, dietary needs, or flavor preferences, a wide range of alternatives exist for cooking, baking, and personal care. By carefully considering factors like smoke point, flavor, and texture, you can confidently swap out coconut oil for a substitute that is just as effective and potentially better suited to your needs.

Recipes and Places: 9 Best Coconut Oil Substitutes

Frequently Asked Questions

While extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point and is not ideal for high-heat frying, a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil is a much better choice. You can use light olive oil for lower-temperature sautéing.

Canola oil and vegetable oil are excellent neutral-flavored replacements for coconut oil, working well in a variety of cooking and baking applications.

For baking recipes that rely on coconut oil's solid state, the best substitutes are butter, vegan butter, or solid vegan shortening. These options will provide similar richness and texture.

Yes, sweet almond oil is a gentle, vitamin-rich oil that is great for softening and calming sensitive or dry skin, making it a good alternative for moisturizing.

Vegan butter is an excellent vegan and dairy-free replacement for coconut oil in baking, as it behaves similarly and adds richness to baked goods.

Yes, many plant-based oils and butters like olive oil, avocado oil, and shea butter are safe alternatives for those with a coconut allergy. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure no coconut derivatives are included.

You can use unsweetened applesauce as a partial or full replacement for oil in some baked goods. This will reduce fat content but may result in a denser texture.