10 Best Margarine Substitutes – Use These Instead

Margarine is a common household item. It’s used in cooking, as a spread on bread, and sometimes as an ingredient in recipes. Margarine is made of vegetable oils, water, milk proteins, and salt. It has a long shelf life and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

But what do you do when you run out or don’t have any on hand? You can easily swap for an alternative that tastes the same or similar!

In this article, we’ll list 10 substitutes for margarine and explain the differences and similarities between them. We’ll also provide the exact ratios to use as a replacement when substituting.

Let’s get started!

Best Margarine Substitutes:

  1. Butter
  2. Lard
  3. Cream cheese
  4. Olive oil
  5. Coconut oil
  6. Unsweetened apple sauce
  7. Cocoa butter
  8. Nut butter
  9. Avocado oil
  10. Ricotta cheese

Butter

Butter is a common margarine substitute made from churned milk or cream. It has a similar texture and can be used in most recipes that call for margarine. You can substitute one cup of margarine with one cup of butter.

However, butter is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. In addition, butter is more expensive than margarine.

The benefits of using butter include that it is made from natural ingredients and has a richer flavor than margarine. Butter also contains vitamins A, D, and E and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.

While butter does have some advantages over margarine, it is important to remember that it is made from dairy products and is high in saturated fat. As a result, butter should be used sparingly to avoid health problems such as heart disease and obesity.

Lard

Lard is a type of fat made from the fatty tissue of Pigs. It’s a popular cooking ingredient in many parts of the world, especially in Latin America, where it makes things like tamales and empanadas. You can use 1 cup of lard for 1 to 1 1/4 cup of margarine.

Lard has a higher percentage of monounsaturated fat than margarine. And it also has a light flavor that some people find preferable to the taste of margarine.

In addition, lard is a good choice for baking because it produces flakier pastries. When used as a substitute for margarine, lard can help give your food a richer flavor and texture.

Cream cheese

Margarine is made from vegetable oils, while cream cheese is made from milk cream and stabilizers. As a result, they have different textures and flavors.

However, many recipes can use cream cheese as a 1:1 substitute for margarine. When used in baking, cream cheese will result in a fluffy texture with a unique flavor.

In some cases, this may be desirable. For example, cream cheese frosting is a popular choice for cakes and cupcakes.

However, it’s important to remember that the finished dish will have a different flavor and texture than if margarine had been used.

Olive oil

When it comes to margarine substitutes, olive oil is a great option. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also rich in antioxidants. It has a strong flavor that can liven up a dish.

However, due to its strong flavor, you’ll want to use a 3 to 4 ratio when using olive oil as a margarine substitute. So for every 4 tablespoons of margarine, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

If you’re looking for an even healthier option, you can always use extra virgin olive oil. This type of olive oil is even higher in antioxidants and has a stronger flavor.

So if you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful margarine substitute, give olive oil a try.

Coconut oil

One potential substitute for margarine is coconut oil. Unlike margarine, which is creamy at room temperature, coconut oil is solid. However, it can be easily liquified by heating it on the stovetop.

Coconut oil also has a neutral flavor, so it won’t affect the taste of your dish. When substituting margarine with coconut oil, use a 1 to 1 ratio. Coconut oil is also a high-fat product, so it can help to create a rich and creamy texture.

Unsweetened apple sauce

Unsweetened applesauce is a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to margarine that can be used in many recipes. Because of its low-fat content, applesauce is often used as a healthy substitute for margarine in baking recipes. It is also a good choice for people looking for a dairy-free margarine alternative.

Applesauce can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of margarine, making it a convenient substitute. In addition to being low calorie and low fat, applesauce is also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.

When substituting applesauce for margarine, keep in mind that the finished product will be slightly sweeter due to the natural sugars in the applesauce.

Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is a healthy fat that can be used to substitute for margarine. It contains tons of antioxidants and healthy fats that are good for your body.

Cocoa butter has a chocolate flavor and can be used for sweet and savory dishes. It is a solid at room temperature, but it can be melted and used like margarine.

As it is a healthy fat, you can use it as a healthy margarine substitute. It is good for baking cakes and cookies as it gives the baked goods a unique flavor.

Usually, you can use cocoa butter with a 1-to-1 ratio.

Nut butter

One popular option is nut butter. Nut butter is made by grinding up nuts into a smooth paste. The type of nut will determine the flavor of the butter and can be used in a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, nut butter can be made at home with a food processor and a few simple ingredients.

There are several benefits to using nut butter as a margarine substitute.

First, it is a natural product made from only nuts and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. Second, nut butter can add new flavors and textures to dishes that margarine wouldn’t be able to provide. Finally, homemade nut butter can be tailored to each individual’s taste preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to margarine or just experimenting with new flavors, nut butter is a great option.

Avocado oil

While margarine may be the go-to ingredient for many home cooks, it is not the only option. Avocado oil is a delicious and healthy alternative that can be used in many ways in the same amount as margarine.

Like margarine, avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and monosaturated fats. However, it also has a high burning point, making it ideal for baking, roasting, and frying.

In addition, avocado oil can be used in the same amount as margarine, making it a convenient substitution. But perhaps the best reason to use avocado oil is its taste. The mild flavor enhances the taste of food without overwhelming it, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy simple, flavorful dishes.

Ricotta cheese

Ricotta is made from the whey of milk and has a creamy, smooth texture. It is also lower in fat than margarine, making it a healthier option.

Ricotta cheese can be used in various recipes, including as a spread on toast or mixed into sauces. When using ricotta cheese as a substitute for margarine, use it with a 1:1 ratio.

As a result, it may not work well for baked goods that require a flaky texture. However, ricotta can be a delicious and healthy alternative to margarine in many other dishes, especially for spreading.

Frequently Asked Question

What can be substituted for butter or margarine?

If you cannit find both butter and margarine, there are a few options. Substitute butter or margarine with ricotta cheese, nut butter, lard, or coconut butter.

Can you substitute oil for margarine?

Yes, oil can be substituted for margarine in most recipes. However, you will need to use a different ratio as margarine is denser than oil. For every cup of margarine, use 1 cup of oil.

What is a healthy substitute for margarine?

A healthy substitute for margarine is avocado oil. It is a delicious and healthy alternative that can be used in many ways in the same amount.

In conclusion

Margarine substitutes can be found in various products, including nut butter, avocado oil, and ricotta cheese. Each has its unique benefits and flavors that can enhance your cooking experience. Whether you are looking for a healthier option or just want to try something new, a margarine substitute is perfect for you.