Lards and shortenings are fundamental pantry staples, valued for their ability to impart distinct textures and flavors to a wide array of dishes. They are commonly employed in creating exceptionally flaky pie crusts, tender baked goods, and crispy fried foods, offering unique culinary advantages. Products were evaluated based on versatility, ingredient quality, packaging, user reviews, and feature analysis.
South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat
$24.99
This traditional lard offers superior performance in a wide range of baking and frying applications, living up to its heritage claims.
View on AmazonProviding professional-grade quality in a convenient, smaller size, this lard is an accessible option for diverse cooking needs.
Search on AmazonAs a 100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} organic vegetable shortening with 0 grams trans fat, it caters to specific dietary preferences and offers a neutral flavor profile.
Search on Amazon
- 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
- The original. The classic blue can no pantry should be without. Use it for baking, frying, or just to feel like a rock star in the kitchen. Crisco is Baking
- Use it for baking, frying, or just to feel like a rock star in the kitchen
- It makes your pie crust flaky, your cakes and cookies soft, and your frosting fluffy
- Gluten Free
- The original. The classic blue can no pantry should be without. Use it for baking, frying, or just to feel like a rock star in the kitchen. Crisco is Baking
- 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter
- 0g Trans Fat Per Serving
- Excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid
- The information below is per-pack only
- The original. The classic blue can no pantry should be without. Use it for baking, frying, or just to feel like a rock star in the kitchen. Crisco is Baking
- 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter
- 0g Trans Fat Per Serving
- Made from palm oil
- Organic Shortening has no hydrogenated fats
- 0 g trans fats per serving
- Now you can enjoy crispy fries, flaky pie crusts, and rich, creamy frostings without the guilt
- The information below is per-pack only
- The original. The classic blue can no pantry should be without. Use it for baking, frying, or just to feel like a rock star in the kitchen. Crisco is Baking
- 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter
- 0g Trans Fat Per Serving
- For those cooks and bakers who know how amazing shortening is, but also want a rich, buttery flavor in their food. Crisco is Baking
- 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter
- 0g Trans Fat Per Serving
- Excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid
- Crisco is Baking
- The original. The classic blue can no pantry should be without. Use it for baking, frying, or just to feel like a rock star in the kitchen. Crisco is Baking
- 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter
- 0g Trans Fat Per Serving
- The original shredded suet
- Made to the highest standards
- Contains only the finest ingredients for consistent results
- Atora Shredded Beef Suet 200g - Pack of 2
- Use Instead of butter or Margarine for Baking
- 50% less saturated fat than butter
- 0 grams trans fat per serving
This article is part of our complete guide Grocery & Gourmet — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Lards Shortenings
Understanding Fat Type and Composition
The primary distinction when selecting lards and shortenings lies in their fat source. Traditional lards, such as the SCP South Chicago Packing Traditional LARD or StarBlass Professional Baking and Cooking Lard, are animal fats known for imparting a rich flavor and creating exceptionally flaky textures in baked goods. In practice, users report that lard contributes a unique mouthfeel to items like pie crusts and fried chicken. Conversely, vegetable shortenings, exemplified by Spectrum Shortening, 100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} Vegetable, Organic, offer a neutral flavor and are suitable for those avoiding animal products. Products like Inca Manteca Vegetal, despite their naming, are typically vegetable-based, providing a solid fat without animal components.
Considering Quantity and Packaging
The quantity and packaging format significantly influence convenience and value. For frequent bakers or those preparing large batches, a bulk option like the SCP South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening in a 42-ounce can is often more practical. Its larger size means fewer purchases and a better per-ounce value. For occasional use or smaller households, the 10.58-ounce container of StarBlass Professional Baking and Cooking Lard Shortening or the 17.6-ounce Inca Manteca Vegetal offers a more manageable quantity that is easier to store. The main difference is the initial investment versus long-term storage and freshness for less frequent users.
Application Versatility and Performance
Different lards and shortenings excel in specific culinary applications. The SCP LARD explicitly touts its superior performance in tortillas, fried chicken, pie crusts, and cakes, suggesting a broad range of optimal uses where traditional flavor and texture are desired. Similarly, StarBlass Professional Baking and Cooking Lard is highlighted for creating exceptionally flaky pie crusts and tender, moist baked goods. Vegetable shortenings, such as Spectrum Shortening, are typically chosen for applications where a neutral flavor is preferred, allowing other ingredients to shine, or for deep-frying without imparting an animal fat taste. The choice often depends on the desired end result and flavor profile.
Dietary Needs and Ingredient Purity
For consumers with specific dietary requirements, ingredient purity is a critical factor. The Spectrum Shortening, 100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} Vegetable, Organic stands out as a 100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} organic, expeller-pressed palm oil product with 0 grams trans fat, making it an excellent choice for vegan, vegetarian, or health-conscious users. In contrast, traditional lards from brands like SCP South Chicago Packing are animal-derived. While products like Inca Manteca Vegetal are vegetable-based, checking the specific ingredients for organic certifications or other dietary labels is always prudent to ensure alignment with personal health or ethical considerations.
Pros & Cons
South Chicago Packing Traditonal LARD Shortening, 42 Ounces, Specialty Baking Shortening and Cooking Fat
Pros
- Delivers authentic, traditional lard flavor for classic recipes.
- Highly versatile, excelling in both baking (pie crusts, biscuits) and frying (fried chicken).
- Large 42-ounce quantity is economical for frequent use and bulk cooking.
- Known for producing superior flaky textures in baked goods and crispy fried foods.
Cons
- As an animal product, it is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
- The large can size may be excessive for infrequent users or those with limited storage.
B0FRZBQHYN
Pros
- Professional-grade quality ensures reliable performance in baking and cooking.
- Convenient 10.58-ounce container is suitable for moderate use and easy storage.
- Consistently creates exceptionally flaky pie crusts and tender, moist baked goods.
- Versatile for various culinary applications, from baking to general cooking needs.
Cons
- Smaller quantity may be less cost-effective per ounce for heavy or commercial users.
- May require more frequent repurchasing compared to larger bulk options.
B000A40OVQ
Pros
- 100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} organic and vegetable-based, suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Contains 0 grams trans fat, aligning with health-conscious dietary choices.
- Neutral flavor profile, allowing other ingredients to dominate the taste.
- Expeller-pressed palm oil offers a stable and reliable cooking medium.
Cons
- Lacks the distinct rich flavor and unique texture imparted by traditional animal lard.
- May not achieve the same level of flakiness or richness in certain traditional recipes as lard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing Lard with Vegetable Shortening
A common oversight is assuming all products labeled 'shortening' are interchangeable. For instance, SCP South Chicago Packing Traditional LARD Shortening is derived from animal fat, offering a distinct flavor and texture profile, particularly beneficial for flaky pie crusts and fried chicken. In contrast, Spectrum Shortening, 100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} Vegetable, Organic is made from expeller-pressed palm oil. Using a vegetable shortening when a recipe specifically calls for lard means missing out on the unique richness and traditional texture that animal fat provides, and vice versa.
Ignoring Quantity for Specific Culinary Needs
Users often neglect to consider the volume needed for their typical cooking habits. Purchasing the 42-ounce can of SCP South Chicago Packing Traditional LARD might be excessive for someone who bakes only a few times a year, potentially leading to spoilage or storage issues. Conversely, relying on the 10.58-ounce StarBlass Professional Baking and Cooking Lard Shortening for large-scale production or frequent deep-frying will result in constant repurchasing and potentially higher costs per ounce. Matching the product quantity to your usage frequency is key.
Overlooking Dietary Specifications
Another frequent mistake is failing to check the ingredient list for dietary compatibility. While products like Spectrum Shortening clearly state '100{197367d936ed14eff7cf0eb41b41cd832d190099049a7c72347f83800033cb7f} Vegetable, Organic,' and '0 grams trans fat,' traditional lards are animal-derived. Assuming 'Inca Manteca Vegetal' is animal lard due to its name, without verifying its 'vegetal' (vegetable) nature, could lead to issues for individuals adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets. Always confirm the fat source and any organic or trans fat claims based on personal dietary requirements.
Misinterpreting Product Form
Some listings, like the Sara Lee Chef Pierre Unbaked Lard Shortening Pie Shell, are not raw shortening for general use but rather a pre-prepared product. Mistaking these for a bulk shortening product means acquiring an entirely different item than intended. These pre-made shells are designed for convenience in specific applications, not for general baking or frying where raw shortening is required.
