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Baking and cooking shortenings are essential for achieving flaky crusts, tender baked goods, and rich flavors. The right shortening can elevate your recipes from good to exceptional, ensuring consistent results every time. Understanding the different types and their applications will help you make the best choice for your culinary needs.
One 42 Ounce Can of SCP LARD specialty baking shortening and cooking fat
SCP Lard outperforms solid vegetable shortenings in tortillas, fried chicken, pie crusts, biscuits, breads, cakes, and other pastry doughs at a fraction of the cost of butter.
Superior taste. There's a reason your Grandmother used lard in everything from pie crusts to fried eggs!
Naturally contains zero artificial trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. No artificial ingredients. Clean Label. Gluten Free
Natural and sustainable, with minimal processing and promotes nose-to-tail usability
SHELF-STABLE FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE: Ideal for emergency preparedness and food storage, this 12 oz can of shortening powder lasts 10 years under proper storage conditions; no refrigeration required
CONVENIENT AND EASY TO USE: Just add water to reconstitute; great for frying and baking, offering a light, fluffy, flaky texture to your baked goods and a time-saving solution for everyday cooking
VERSATILE FOR BAKING AND COOKING: Use in any recipe that calls for shortening; perfect for pan frying, baking pies, cookies, and more; works seamlessly in any kitchen or camping scenario
SPACE-SAVING AND COMPACT: Powdered form is easy to store and transport; take it on the go for camping, hiking, or long-term travel without worrying about bulky cans or refrigeration
MADE IN THE USA WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Crafted with partially hydrogenated soybean oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, and mono & diglycerides; a reliable, non-perishable cooking fat for any pantry
SHELF-STABLE FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE: Ideal for emergency preparedness and food storage, this 12 oz can of shortening powder lasts 10 years under proper storage conditions; no refrigeration required
CONVENIENT AND EASY TO USE: Just add water to reconstitute; great for frying and baking, offering a light, fluffy, flaky texture to your baked goods and a time-saving solution for everyday cooking
VERSATILE FOR BAKING AND COOKING: Use in any recipe that calls for shortening; perfect for pan frying, baking pies, cookies, and more; works seamlessly in any kitchen or camping scenario
SPACE-SAVING AND COMPACT: Powdered form is easy to store and transport; take it on the go for camping, hiking, or long-term travel without worrying about bulky cans or refrigeration
MADE IN THE USA WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Crafted with partially hydrogenated soybean oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, and mono & diglycerides; a reliable, non-perishable cooking fat for any pantry
Versatile All-Purpose Shortening: Ideal for a wide range of culinary applications including baking, deep frying, and general cooking, delivering consistent results every time.
Premium Palm Oil Formulation: Crafted from high-quality palm oil, this shortening in a convenient flake form ensures excellent output and texture for all your recipes.
Health-Conscious & Certified: Enjoy 0 grams of trans fat per serving, making it a healthier choice. This shortening is also OU Kosher certified, meeting specific dietary standards.
Perfect for Baked Goods: Achieve light, tender pastries, flaky pie crusts, moist cookies, and soft breads with this reliable vegetable shortening.
Professional Frying & Cooking: Excellent for achieving perfectly crispy fried foods, from doughnuts to chicken, and for everyday cooking applications, ensuring superior flavor and browning.
VERSATILE COOKING FAT: Great Value Shortening is prepared with animal and vegetable fats, suitable for both baking fluffy biscuits and cookies or frying crispy chicken and French fries
CONVENIENT 2-PACK: Includes two 42-ounce cans providing approximately 108 servings per container with 1 tablespoon serving size, offering great value for your kitchen
CLEAN INGREDIENTS: Contains no artificial flavors, colors, sodium, or sugar with BHA and BHT added to protect flavor and maintain freshness
SUPERIOR TEXTURE: Creates lighter, flakier baked goods and non-greasy fried foods that are tender inside and crispy outside, substitute equally for butter or oil
USDA INSPECTED: Each can is officially inspected and contains monoglycerides and diglycerides added for optimal performance with only 100 calories per tablespoon serving
HIGH TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE: Contains no water content allowing exceptional performance at high temperatures for consistent cooking and baking results across various recipes
ZERO TRANS FAT: Formulated with a blend of beef tallow, lard, and soybean oil to deliver zero trans fat per serving while maintaining quality and taste
Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Baking & Cooking Shortenings
Types of Shortening
All-Vegetable Shortening: This is the most common type, made from hydrogenated vegetable oils like soybean or cottonseed oil. It's versatile and provides excellent flakiness and tenderness in baked goods. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying as well.
Lard: Rendered pork fat, lard has been a traditional shortening for centuries. It imparts a distinct flavor and superior flakiness, especially in pie crusts and biscuits. However, its flavor profile may not be suitable for all recipes, and it's not vegan or vegetarian.
Butter-Flavored Shortening: These are typically all-vegetable shortenings with added flavorings and colorings to mimic the taste and appearance of butter. They offer the functional benefits of vegetable shortening while adding a buttery note, though the flavor is artificial.
Coconut Oil: While not always labeled as "shortening," solid coconut oil can function similarly. It's best for recipes where a slight coconut flavor is desirable and can create a tender crumb. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Considerations for Baking
Flakiness vs. Tenderness: For maximum flakiness in pastries and pie crusts, a solid fat like vegetable shortening or lard is ideal. For a tender cake or cookie, a slightly softer fat or a blend might be preferable.
Flavor Profile: Neutral shortenings like all-vegetable options are best when you don't want to alter the original flavor of your recipe. Lard adds a savory note, while coconut oil brings a tropical essence.
Dietary Needs: If you have dietary restrictions, opt for all-vegetable shortening for a vegan or vegetarian option. Avoid lard if you are vegetarian or vegan.
Storage and Shelf Life
Shortenings are best stored in a cool, dry place. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and absorption of odors. Properly stored, most shortenings have a long shelf life, often lasting for a year or more. Check the expiration date on the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between shortening and butter?
Shortening is typically 100% fat, while butter contains about 80-82% fat and 16-18% water and milk solids. This difference in fat content affects texture; shortening creates flakier baked goods, while butter adds flavor and a chewier texture.
Can I substitute oil for shortening?
While you can substitute oil for shortening in some recipes, the results will differ. Oil is liquid at room temperature, so it won't create the same flaky layers as solid shortening. It's best to use shortening when a specific texture is required.
Is all-vegetable shortening healthy?
All-vegetable shortening is often made with partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. However, many modern shortenings are formulated to be trans-fat-free. It's still high in fat and calories, so moderation is key.
How do I store shortening after opening?
After opening, store shortening in its original container with the lid tightly sealed. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. This helps maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
Can shortening be used for deep frying?
Yes, many types of shortening, especially all-vegetable varieties, have a high smoke point and solid structure, making them excellent for deep frying. They help achieve crispy, golden-brown results without burning easily.
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