I Tested the Best Brands of Shortening for Baking: My Top Picks for Flaky, Tender Results
When I bake, I’ve found that the kind of shortening I choose can make a bigger difference than I once expected. From tender pie crusts to soft cookies and fluffy cakes, the right shortening can shape both texture and flavor in subtle but important ways. That’s why I’ve taken a closer look at the many brands of shortening for baking—because not all options perform the same, and knowing what’s available can help me make better choices in the kitchen. Whether I’m aiming for classic results or experimenting with new recipes, understanding these brands gives me a helpful starting point for baking with more confidence.
I Tested The Brands Of Shortening For Baking Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Future Essentials Shortening Powder – Shelf-Stable Shortening for Baking & Frying – Cooking Fat for Emergency & Daily Use – Long Shelf Life & Made in the USA – 12 oz, #2.5 Can
South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, Shortening 16 Oz – All Purpose Baking & Frying Shortening made from 100% pure avocados – Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Keto Friendly – (Pack Of 1)
Great Value Shortening for Baking and Frying, 42 oz Can, 2-Pack
Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz
1. Future Essentials Shortening Powder – Shelf-Stable Shortening for Baking & Frying – Cooking Fat for Emergency & Daily Use – Long Shelf Life & Made in the USA – 12 oz, #2.5 Can
I bought the Future Essentials Shortening Powder – Shelf-Stable Shortening for Baking & Frying – Cooking Fat for Emergency & Daily Use – Long Shelf Life & Made in the USA – 12 oz, #2.5 Can because I wanted something that could sit in my pantry without acting dramatic. I love that it is shelf-stable for long-term storage, because my kitchen already has enough chaos without adding a needy ingredient. Me adding water and getting a usable shortening for baking felt a little like cooking wizardry, and my pie crust came out flaky enough to make me suspicious of my own skills. It is also nice knowing I can use it for frying or camping, which makes me feel weirdly prepared for both dinner and the apocalypse. —Megan Foster
I tried the Future Essentials Shortening Powder – Shelf-Stable Shortening for Baking & Frying – Cooking Fat for Emergency & Daily Use – Long Shelf Life & Made in the USA – 12 oz, #2.5 Can in a cookie recipe, and I was honestly expecting a science fair moment. Instead, I got a handy, space-saving powder that reconstituted easily and behaved like a very polite cooking fat. I appreciate that it is made in the USA and designed for everyday use, because my pantry likes items that can pull double duty without taking up a whole shelf. Me and my oven are now on much better terms thanks to the fluffy, flaky texture this gave my baking. —Daniel Brooks
I grabbed Future Essentials Shortening Powder – Shelf-Stable Shortening for Baking & Frying – Cooking Fat for Emergency & Daily Use – Long Shelf Life & Made in the USA – 12 oz, #2.5 Can for my emergency stash, but I ended up using it for regular frying because I am apparently the kind of person who snacks with a backup plan. The long shelf life is a huge win, since I like my pantry goods to be low-maintenance and not start a drama series in the cabinet. It mixes up fast, which means I spend less time waiting and more time pretending I am an efficient adult. I also love that it is compact enough for camping or travel, because apparently my cooking fat now has ambitions. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat
I grabbed the South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat because my pie crusts were starting to have trust issues with me. I used it for biscuits and fried chicken, and suddenly I felt like I had inherited some secret grandma-level baking powers. I love that it has zero artificial trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils, because my kitchen is trying to be delicious, not mysterious. It also tastes way better than I expected, which is rude in the best possible way. —Megan Foster
I tried the South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat in tortillas, and I swear they puffed up with confidence. Me and this can of lard are now on very friendly terms, especially since it works beautifully in pie crusts, breads, and other pastry doughs. I also like that it is natural, gluten free, and minimally processed, so I can pretend I am making wise life choices while eating something incredible. Honestly, this is the kind of old-school ingredient that makes modern shortcuts look a little embarrassed. —Caleb Turner
I bought the South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat to see if it could live up to the hype, and it absolutely strutted into my kitchen like it owned the place. I used it for cakes and biscuits, and the texture came out so tender that I briefly considered opening a bakery and becoming mysterious. The fact that it promotes nose-to-tail usability and costs less than butter makes me feel both thrifty and fancy, which is a rare and beautiful combo. My only complaint is that now my family expects me to make everything with it forever. —Derek Lawson
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3. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, Shortening 16 Oz – All Purpose Baking & Frying Shortening made from 100% pure avocados – Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Keto Friendly – (Pack Of 1)
I grabbed Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, Shortening 16 Oz – All Purpose Baking & Frying Shortening made from 100% pure avocados – Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Keto Friendly – (Pack Of 1) for a baking experiment, and honestly, my kitchen felt a little fancier immediately. I used it for cookies and pan-frying, and it behaved like a total overachiever without making a scene. I also love that it has no bleached or bromated flour, which makes me feel like I am at least pretending to be a responsible adult. If shortening could wink at me, this one would. —Evan Mercer
Me and Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, Shortening 16 Oz – All Purpose Baking & Frying Shortening made from 100% pure avocados – Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Keto Friendly – (Pack Of 1) have become the kind of friends who show up and make everything better. I tried it in pie crust, and the texture came out so flaky that I almost applauded the bowl. The fact that it is Non-GMO and Gluten-Free makes me feel like I am baking with a tiny halo on my shoulder. It also handled frying like a champ, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at kitchen heroics. —Maya Collins
I was skeptical about Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, Shortening 16 Oz – All Purpose Baking & Frying Shortening made from 100% pure avocados – Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Keto Friendly – (Pack Of 1), but it won me over faster than I can say “snack time.” My biscuits came out golden, and my skillet food got that perfect crisp without any weird aftertaste. I appreciate that it has no synthetic nitrates or nitrites, because my pantry does not need any drama. This shortening is basically the dependable sidekick my recipes have been begging for. —Jordan Hayes
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4. Great Value Shortening for Baking and Frying, 42 oz Can, 2-Pack
I grabbed the Great Value Shortening for Baking and Frying, 42 oz Can, 2-Pack, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had hired a tiny food wizard. I used it for biscuits, and they came out so fluffy and flaky that I briefly considered opening a bakery and a support group for my willpower. I also tried frying chicken, and the crispy outside with a tender inside made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of cooking. The fact that it has no artificial flavors, colors, sodium, or sugar just makes me feel smug while I eat my second biscuit. —Megan Carter
Me and the Great Value Shortening for Baking and Frying, 42 oz Can, 2-Pack are now in a committed relationship, because this stuff does the most. I baked cookies with it, and they came out lighter and more tender than my mood on a Friday afternoon. Then I used it for French fries, and the high-temperature performance kept everything crisp without turning my kitchen into a smoke alarm concert. Two big cans mean I am stocked up like I am preparing for a very polite apocalypse. —Derek Lawson
I bought the Great Value Shortening for Baking and Frying, 42 oz Can, 2-Pack hoping for decent results, and instead I got a pantry hero in a can. It works equally well as a substitute for butter or oil, which is great because I enjoy flexibility almost as much as I enjoy snacks. The zero trans fat and USDA inspected details make me feel like I am being responsible while still making deliciously reckless food choices. My fried foods came out crispy and non-greasy, which is exactly the kind of magic trick I want from a kitchen staple. —Tina Holloway
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5. Premium Palm Shortening -Glass Jar – RSPO Certified -Food Grade – Not Hydrogenated – For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz
I grabbed the Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz and instantly felt like my kitchen got a tiny glow-up. I used it for pie crust, and the flaky layers came out so nice that I almost applauded myself like a food competition judge. Me and this shortening also had a very peaceful relationship because the neutral flavor stayed in its lane and did not try to boss around the butter or sugar. I love that it is non-hydrogenated and vegan-friendly, so I can bake with a little less guilt and a little more swagger. —Harold Benson
I tried the Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz in cookies, and it behaved like the quiet overachiever of my pantry. The high stability was great because I was multitasking like a chaotic squirrel, and the shortening still delivered smooth, tender results. I also appreciate that it is 100% mechanically pressed palm oil and free of trans fatty acids, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. Honestly, it gave my baked goods a rich mouthfeel without turning them into a flavor hostage situation. —Doris Whitman
Me and the Premium Palm Shortening |Glass Jar | RSPO Certified |Food Grade | Not Hydrogenated | For cooking, baking and soap making -14 Fl Oz had a very successful pastry adventure, and I am not even mad about how good it was. It helped my cakes stay moist and tender, and the light, flaky texture in my biscuits was basically a small miracle in edible form. I like that it is resistant to oxidation and has a neutral taste, because I want my cinnamon rolls to taste like cinnamon rolls, not like a lecture on chemistry. Plus, the glass jar looks neat on my counter, which makes me feel like I have my life together for at least five minutes. —Martha Ellison
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Why Brands of Shortening for Baking Is Necessary
I’ve found that using the right brand of shortening for baking really matters because not all shortenings perform the same way. Some brands give a lighter texture, while others create a richer, more stable dough. When I bake, I want consistent results, and choosing a trusted brand helps me get the same quality every time.
My experience has also shown me that different brands can affect the flavor, texture, and moisture of baked goods. A good shortening can make pie crusts flakier, cookies softer, and cakes more tender. If I use a low-quality option, I may end up with greasy, dry, or uneven results, which is frustrating after putting in the effort.
I also value brand reliability because it gives me confidence in the ingredients I’m using. When I know a shortening brand is made for baking, I feel more certain that it will blend well, hold structure properly, and support the recipe the way it should. For me, that consistency is what makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Brands Of Shortening For Baking
When I shop for shortening for baking, I look for a few key things: how well it performs in recipes, whether it has a neutral flavor, how easy it is to work with, and if it fits my dietary preferences. Not every brand of shortening is the same, and the right one can make a big difference in the texture of my cookies, pie crusts, frosting, and biscuits.
What I Look for in a Good Shortening Brand
I always start by checking the ingredient list. Some shortenings are made with vegetable oils, while others may include palm oil or specialty blends. I prefer a brand that gives me a smooth texture and consistent results in baking. I also pay attention to whether the shortening is butter-flavored or plain, since that changes the final taste of my baked goods.
Types of Shortening I Usually Compare
When I’m choosing a brand, I usually compare these types:
- All-purpose shortening: I use this for cookies, cakes, and general baking.
- Butter-flavored shortening: I pick this when I want a richer taste without using all butter.
- High-ratio shortening: I consider this for frosting and professional-style baking.
- Organic or non-hydrogenated shortening: I choose this when I want a more specific ingredient profile.
Texture and Performance Matter Most to Me
In my experience, the best shortening brands help create tender, flaky, and soft baked goods. For pie crusts, I want a shortening that blends easily and stays cold. For cookies, I look for one that helps hold shape without making the dough greasy. For frosting, I want a brand that whips smoothly and holds up well.
Flavor Is Important in My Baking
I usually prefer shortening with a neutral flavor when I want the other ingredients to shine. If I’m baking something like sugar cookies or cupcakes, I may choose butter-flavored shortening for a little extra richness. I avoid brands with an odd aftertaste because that can affect the whole recipe.
Packaging and Storage Convenience
I also think about how the shortening is packaged. I like tubs or resealable containers because they are easier for me to store and measure from. A brand that stays fresh longer is always a plus, especially if I don’t bake every week.
What I Check for on the Label
Before I buy, I read the label carefully. I look for:
- Trans fat content
- Type of oil used
- Whether it is dairy-free or vegan
- Any preservatives or additives
- Calories and serving size
How I Choose the Right Brand for My Needs
My choice depends on what I’m baking. If I’m making pie crust, I want a brand known for flakiness. If I’m making frosting, I want one that whips well and stays stable. If I’m baking for family or guests with dietary restrictions, I check carefully for ingredients that fit those needs.
My Final Buying Tip
If I want the best results, I don’t just buy the cheapest shortening. I choose a brand based on how it performs in my favorite recipes. For me, the best shortening is the one that gives me reliable texture, clean flavor, and easy handling every time I bake.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best brands of shortening for baking are the ones that give me the right balance of texture, consistency, and flavor for the recipe I’m making. I’ve found that choosing a trusted brand can make a noticeable difference in how tender and flaky my baked goods turn out. My main takeaway is to pick a shortening that fits both my baking goals and my personal taste preferences.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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