The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Butter Substitutes for Every Recipe

Butter adds richness and flavor to many dishes, but for those following a vegan lifestyle or avoiding dairy, finding the right substitute can be tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options that work well in cooking, baking, and spreading. This guide explores the best vegan butter substitutes, how to use them, and tips for matching the right option to your recipe.

Creamy vegan butter substitute in bowl

Why Choose Vegan Butter Substitutes?

Many people switch to vegan butter substitutes for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. Traditional butter contains animal fats and cholesterol, while vegan alternatives come from plants and often have less saturated fat. Some substitutes also offer unique flavors or nutritional benefits, such as omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E.

Choosing the right substitute depends on what you want to make. Some work better for baking, others for sautéing or spreading. Understanding the properties of each option helps you get the best results.

Common Vegan Butter Substitutes and Their Uses

1. Margarine Made from Plant Oils

Plant-based margarine is the most direct swap for butter. It usually contains oils like sunflower, canola, or olive oil and is designed to mimic butter’s texture and flavor.

• Best for: Baking cookies, cakes, frosting, vegan meats, and spreading on toast.

• Tip: Choose margarine labeled vegan to avoid hidden dairy ingredients. If it is labeled certified vegan, this is the best way to determine.

• Flavor: Mild, buttery taste.

  
  

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts quickly, similar to butter. It adds a slight coconut flavor, which can enhance some recipes. There are neutral coconut oils available which do not add additional flavor. This can be used instead of butter in many baking recipes or can be used to create vegan butters at home.

• Best for: Baking, roasting vegetables, coating the pan, and sautéing.

• Tip: Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor; unrefined for coconut taste.

• Flavor: Slightly sweet if there is a flavor to it.

  
  

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil remains liquid at room temperature and possesses a unique fruity taste. It complements savory dishes and certain baked goods effectively. Occasionally, when I'm baking a cake and lack butter, I opt for olive oil as a substitute.

• Best for: Cooking, salad dressings, vegan butter, roasting vegetables, and baking.

• Tip: Use extra virgin olive oil for flavor; light olive oil for milder taste.

• Flavor: Fruity and mild.

  
  

4. Avocado Oil

Like olive oil, avocado oil can be used to substitute butter in baking and cooking. It is a mild, neutral oil with very little flavor, if any. Occasionally, when I'm baking a cake or flavored bread and lack butter, I opt for avocado oil as a substitute.

• Best for: Baking, roasting vegetables, coating the pan, vegan butters, salad dressings, and sautéing.

• Tip: Use for little to no flavor.

• Flavor: Mild and neutral.

  
  

5. Avocado

Mashed avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats. It works well in baking and as a spread. This can also be used as a substitute for eggs because it can work as a binder.

• Best for: Muffins, cakes, brownies, and toast topping.

• Tip: Use ripe avocado for smooth texture.

• Flavor: Rich and buttery.

6. Other Neutral Oils

Like avocado and olive oils, other oils can be used to substitute butter in baking and cooking. Most on this list are neutral with very little flavor, if any. Occasionally, when I'm baking a cake or flavored bread and lack butter, I opt for avocado oil as a substitute.

• Best for: Baking, roasting vegetables, coating the pan, vegan butters, vegan mayo, salad dressings, and sautéing.

• Tip: Use for little to no flavor.

• Flavor: Mild and neutral, virtually none.

Other oils may include:

• Canola

• Sunflower

• Safflower

• Vegetable

7. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil contains a strong nutty flavor great for stirfrys and sauces. This is most commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Best for: Stirfrys, sautéing, and sauces.

• Tip: Use to enhance the flavor of a dish.

• Flavor: Nutty and strong.

How to Choose the Right Substitute for Your Recipe

Baking

For baking, texture and moisture matter most. Margarine and coconut oil are the closest to butter’s behavior. Coconut oil’s solid state helps create flaky pastries, while margarine offers a neutral taste.

Olive or avocado oils and avocado work well in moist cakes and brownies but may change the flavor and texture.

Cooking and Sautéing

Olive oil and coconut oil are excellent for cooking. Olive oil adds flavor to vegetables and sauces, while coconut oil withstands high heat for frying.

Margarine can also be used but check the smoke point to avoid burning.

Spreading and Topping

For spreading on bread or topping dishes, margarine and avocado are popular. Avocado adds nutrients and creaminess, while margarine mimics butter’s mouthfeel.

Selection of vegan butter substitutes in bowls on wooden board

Tips for Using Vegan Butter Substitutes

• Measure carefully: Some substitutes have different moisture content, so adjust liquids in recipes if needed.

• Chill when needed: Coconut oil and margarine work best when cold for baking flaky pastries.

• Flavor match: Consider the flavor profile of the substitute and how it complements your dish.

• Experiment: Try small batches to see how each substitute affects texture and taste.

• Check labels: Ensure substitutes are truly vegan and free from dairy or animal-derived additives.

  
  

Where to Buy Vegan Butter Substitutes

Most grocery stores carry plant-based margarines and coconut oil. Health food stores and online shops offer a wider variety, including specialty nut butters and avocado spreads. Look for organic and minimally processed options for the best quality.

Kitchen counter with vegan butter substitutes and baking ingredients

Here are some available vegan butter brands:

• Earth Balance

  • Excellent for baking needs that require stick butter. The spreadable version is also very good.

• Miyoko's Creamery

  • This was excellent for a long time, but the product has changed in the past 2-3 years and isn't the same anymore. My feedback for the product is for the company to revisit and update it.

• Melt

  • A great product that is comparable to Earth Balance.

• Trader Joe's Vegan Spread

  • One of the most affordable and good spreadable vegan butters. They also offer a solid block butter similar to Earth Balance, making it the cheapest option on this list.

• Grand Heavenly Organic

  • One of the best spreadable butters I've tried. Highly recommended.

• Earth's Own

  • One of the best spreadable butters I've tried. Highly recommended and very similar to Grand Heavenly Organic. It's also among the most affordable here.

• Country Crock Plant Butter

  • I haven't tried this one, so I can't comment on it.

Final Thoughts on Vegan Butter Substitutes

Switching to vegan butter substitutes opens up many possibilities in the kitchen. Whether you bake sweet treats, cook savory meals, or just want a spread for your toast, there is a plant-based option that fits your needs. Understanding the characteristics of each substitute helps you choose the best one for your recipe and taste preferences.