Although you don’t see it used as often anymore, Crisco is still a pantry staple for many. With its powerful ability to make a delightful flaky pie crust and moist and fluffy cake crumb, Crisco shortening has been a successful product in cooking and baking for over 100 years. Often used as a butter replacement, is Crisco considered vegan-friendly?
Yes, Crisco is considered vegan-friendly. Its main ingredients are hydrogenated soybean oil and palm oil, both of which are plant-based. However, because Crisco is heavily processed, some vegans may wish to avoid this product. The best healthier vegan-friendly alternatives to Crisco include Nutiva Organic Shortening, Carrington Farms Plant-Based Shortening, Public Goods Coconut Oil, and Spectrum Essentials All-Vegetable Shortening.
Now that we know Crisco is free of animal products, we’ll take a deeper look at Crisco, its health effects and nutrition information and some top-rated, vegan-friendly alternatives. Let’s get started!
Contents
Is Crisco Healthy?
Shortening is made of 100% fat without any protein or carbohydrates, making it a lot higher in calories. Fat contains about 9 calories per gram whereas protein and carbohydrates only contain about 4 calories per gram. Crisco is also lacking many vitamins and minerals.
Crisco alters their vegetable oils from unsaturated fats, which are liquid at room temperature, to saturated fats, which are solid at room temperature. They are then blended with other vegetable oils to create a creamy, yet solid product. This process still requires further research on its long-term health effects for consumers. However, it is still a highly processed food product that is often added to baked goods that are high in sugar or other fats. Because of this, it is best to limit the use of Crisco in the diet to moderation.
Does Crisco have Trans Fat?
Crisco products used to contain high levels of trans fats until 2004 when Crisco products were reformulated without the use of trans fats. The change was following updated research on the negative health effects of these fats on consumers.
Trans fats are man-made dietary fats that come from partially hydrogenated oils found in many processed foods. Although small amounts are found in nature, including meat, dairy and butter, the majority is created by food manufacturers. Making trans-fats requires turning liquid oils, such as vegetables oils, into solid at room temperature, such as with shortening and margarine.
Research has shown high intakes of trans fat to be associated with increased LDL cholesterol levels, also known as the “bad” cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol can increase heart disease risk, a leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. In fact, the research is so strong, in 2015 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then banned their use in food products in 2018 [1].
Does Crisco contain Soy?
The main ingredient in Crisco shortening is soybean oil, which is often enough to cause those with a soy allergy to steer clear. Those with food allergies typically avoid any derivative of that allergen in food products. However, most soy oil does not contain soy protein, the main allergen causing component of soy.
In those with a soy allergy, the protein in soy will bind to a specific IgE antibody made by their immune system, which then triggers the allergy response. Soybean oil has this protein removed during processing and often will not evoke an allergy response. However, it’s best for those with a soy allergy to speak with their health care physician before introducing any form of soy products into their diet [2].
Does Crisco have a High Smoke Point?
Crisco and other shortening products that use refined oils typically have a high smoke point. A term used to describe the resistance of a fat to heat. Smoke point is the temperature at which the fat begins to put off smoke resulting in a burnt and unfavorable flavor to your foods. Oils such as flaxseed oil, have a very low smoke point and are often recommended for uses such as in salad dressings or dips. Oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or peanut oil, do well with deep frying foods.
Crisco has a smoke point between 440-490 degrees Fahrenheit while most other vegetable shortenings typically have a lower smoke point, closer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Crisco shortening is most often used similar to butter in foods in cooking and baking, such as pie crusts, cakes, cookies and frosting but you can also mix it with some liquid oils for frying. You should never cook foods in oils past their smoke point or you will impart a burnt flavor into your food and increase harmful free radicals.
Nutrition Facts for Crisco
Ingredients:
- Soybean oil
- Fully hydrogenated palm oil
- Palm oil
- Mono and diglycerides
- TBHQ and citric acid (antioxidants)
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-tablespoon):
- Calories 110
- Fat 12g
- Saturated fat 3.5g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Vegan-Friendly Alternatives to Crisco
Even though Crisco is considered a vegan-friendly food because it is highly processed, many health-conscious consumers may wish to find a healthier alternative. Below are some top-rated vegan-friendly alternatives to Crisco.
Nutiva Organic Shortening
A non-hydrogenated shortening made with a blend of palm fruit oil and an unrefined coconut oil blend, Nutiva organic shortening is soy-free, vegan, USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and kosher. This product works well as an alternative to butter for baking or frying. You can find this product in store or online at various retail locations, including Amazon and Nutiva.com, priced at $5.29 for a 15-ounce container.
Ingredients:
- Organic palm fruit oil
- Organic unrefined red palm oil
- Organic unrefined virgin coconut oil
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-tablespoon):
- Calories 130
- Fat 14g
- Saturated fat 8g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Carrington Farms Organic Plant-Based Shortening
Non-hydrogenated, free of soy, canola, and BPA, vegan and kosher, Carrington Farms organic plant-based shortening is similar to Nutiva and made with palm fruit oil. It is more budget-friendly than many plant-based shortenings and works well as a replacement for butter in frying and baking. You can find this product in-store or online at various retail sites, including Walmart, priced at $4.18 for a 15-ounce container.
Ingredients:
- 100% organic palm shortening
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-tablespoon):
- Calories 130
- Fat 14g
- Saturated fat 7g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Public Goods 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Another simple, vegan-friendly, and widely available alternative to Crisco is coconut oil. Because it is also solid at room temperature and melts during heating, coconut oil can be used in place of shortening at a 1:1 ratio. Cold-pressed, unrefined versions such as Public Goods 100% organic cold-pressed coconut oil has a stronger coconut flavor. For those looking to cut down on the flavor, a refined coconut oil may be a better option.
Coconut oil does have a lower smoke point than Crisco shortening, about 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and should not be used in high heat cooking. Depending on the coconut oil brand and its level of processing, it can be more expensive than many plant-based shortenings. You can find this product online at publicgoods.com priced at $7.95 for a 16-ounce jar.
Ingredients:
- Organic and unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-tablespoon):
- Calories 130
- Fat 14g
- Saturated fat 13g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Spectrum Essentials Organic All-Vegetable Shortening
USDA certified organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, non-hydrogenated, non-GMO project verified and certified Kosher, Spectrum Essentials organic all-vegetable shortening is another easy, plant-based, healthier alternative to Crisco products. You can use this product for baking and cooking up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is certified Fair Trade and sustainable.
Spectrum Essentials organic all-vegetable shortening is not as budget friendly as other brands. However, it often goes on sale on various websites. You can find this product in-store or online at various retailers, including online at swansonvitamins.com, priced at $8.69 for a 24-ounce container.
Ingredients:
- Expeller pressed organic palm fruit oil
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-tablespoon):
- Calories 110
- Fat 12g
- Saturated fat 6g
- Sodium 0mg
- Carbohydrates 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Added sugar 0g
- Fiber 0g
- Protein 0g
Related Questions
Does Crisco have Cholesterol?
No, Crisco does not contain any cholesterol because cholesterol is only found in animal products. Current research has found no evidence that intake of dietary cholesterol is directly related to increased cholesterol levels in humans. However, there is significant research that shows high intake of saturated and trans fats is impactful on these numbers. Because of this, those with elevated cholesterol should use Crisco products in moderation.
Do Crisco Products contain Gluten?
According to their website, Crisco shortening products do not contain any gluten in their ingredients. However, they are not a certified gluten-free product. Despite advertising their products as gluten-free, some facilities also process gluten-containing ingredients and therefore are at risk for cross-contamination.
Does Crisco Shortening go Bad?
When unopened, Crisco shortening can last up to two years and is listed on the can. Once opened, Crisco will only last about one year before going rancid. If you notice a color change, off odor, physical signs of mild or change in taste, your Crisco has likely gone rancid and should be replaced.