Peanut Oil Substitutes- (#1’S HEALTHY OPTIONS)

Peanut oil is often used as a deep-frying agent. This oil is ideal for frying because of its high smoke point (450°F), light nutty flavor, and ability to absorb flavors of other foods.

So, what do you do if you are preparing a meal and realize you don’t have enough peanut oil in stock?

Well, you could run to the store and hope to find some sitting on the shelf. Or you can try one of the great substitutes listed below:

12 of the Best Peanut Oil Substitute For Any Recipes!

Peanut oil is a vital ingredient in the culinary world. It offers many benefits to a wide range of recipes. Unfortunately, this product is also costly and can be challenging to find. 

When you don’t have access to peanut oil or prefer not to use it, here are a few great substitutes:

1. Almond Oil is A Healthy Alternative 

• Smoke Point: 430°F

Almond oil is a healthier option than many of the others we will discuss. Unfortunately, it is also one of the more expensive. 

This oil has a similar taste to peanut oil with a nutty flavor that is easy to notice in the dishes it appears in.

There are two types of almond oil, refined and cold-pressed. Both options will work well as a peanut oil substitute.

• Use cold-pressed oil in sauces or as a dressing or drizzle (it has a bolder taste)
• Use refined oil when cooking or frying (The taste is less subtle)

2. Vegetable Oil is the Most Affordable Option

• Smoke Point: 400-450°F

Vegetable oil is one of the more common options when looking for a peanut oil alternative. This is especially true when you want a large volume of oil for single use, such as frying.

Vegetable oil is one of the most affordable substitutes available. But it is not as healthy as many items on our list. While most of the oils we discussed are “vegetables.” This specific one is usually a mix of oils high in saturated fats.

This oil has little to no flavor, meaning it won’t play much of a role in the taste of your dish. 

3. Canola Oil is Readily Available and Easy to Use

• Smoke Point: 400°F

Canola oil is another substitute for peanut oil that offers little in the way of flavor. Lack of taste is a great attribute when using it to deep-fry foods or as a non-stick coating for your baking pans.

Canola oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. These factors make it one of the healthier alternatives to use. (*)

Learn more: The Ultimate Canola Oil Substitute List You Need

4. Avocado Oil a Similar Nutty Taste

• Smoke Point: 520°F

With a smoke point of 520°F, it is no surprise that avocado oil is the perfect alternative to peanut oil. This is especially true when it comes to deep-frying foods.

It also has a similar nutty flavor with a mild buttery undertone. With the decadent taste and all-purpose nature, you can use this substitute in a wide variety of meals.

Learn more: 12 Great Avocado Oil Substitute for All Types of Dishes

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adds a Sweet Flavor

• Smoke Point: 400°F

Extra virgin olive oil has an intense fruity taste. This flavor makes it a fantastic ingredient to add to a salad dressing or drizzle.

This option also has a similar smoke point as peanut oil. This characteristic provides a flexible ingredient for cooking, baking, and frying.

If you want to avoid the bold flavor of olives in your dish, you could always choose refined olive oil. (Smoke Point: 425°F)

6. Grapeseed Oil is Very Versatile

• Smoke Point: 420°F

Most grapeseed oils will have a mild flavor that is light and clean. If you choose a virgin option, you will get a bit more flavor but nothing that will ruin the recipe’s desired taste.

This versatile alternative is ideal for cooking, frying, or baking. It is also great for drizzles on top of salads or mixed into a dressing or marinade.

We should also warn you that this option has a heftier price tag than other options, so use it on recipes that really count. 

7. Soybean Oil is one of the Most Versatile Options Out There

• Smoke Point: 450°F

Soybean oil is another option that works as an alternative to peanut oil. Albeit this ingredient is not ideal for your health. 

Soybean has a high amount of Mega-6 fatty acids. This factor comes with a variety of side effects in high quantities.

That said, soybean oil is a fantastic substitute for peanut oil in a pinch. This oil mimics its counterpart’s smoke point, flavor, and measurements. And can replace almost all the same recipes.

8. Corn Oil Has Neutral Flavor

• Smoke Point: 450°F

Okay, so this oil is not the best option if you are looking for something on the healthier side. It is high in calories and fat, and according to Healthline, it can cause inflammation. (*)

Aside from the negative, corn oil has its benefits. You can use this product instead of peanut oil on occasion without risking your health.  Plus, it has a neutral taste that will not affect your recipe. 

Learn more: Corn Oil Substitute (Easy To Replace By These OIL Alternatives)

9. Walnut Oil Has a Delicious Distinct Flavor

• Smoke Point: 320°F

Walnut oil offers up a distinct, strong, and unique flavor. This alternative to peanut oil will give your dish a delicate, nutty, and subtle sweet taste. This oil is incredible in sweet or savory dishes if they don’t need high amounts of heat.

While walnut oil can fill in for peanut oil as far as taste goes, it doesn’t have much of a smoke point. Too much heat can ruin an entire dish if it makes the oil burn.

It is best to only use this option for drizzles, sauces, glazes, or dressings. 

10. Safflower Oil Share Many of the Same Properties as Peanut Oil

• Smoke Point: 510°F

Safflower oil doesn’t offer much of a taste making it the perfect swap for peanut oil in almost any recipe. With its impressive high smoke point, it can be an excellent option for frying and baking. Yet, it will work just as well in dressings and marinades.

This oil is also easy to store, with a shelf life of two years. It also has a more affordable price tag than many of the other substitutes listed.

11. Sesame Oil is Ideal for Lower Temperature Recipes

• Smoke Point 410°F

Sesame oil is most notable in Asian cuisine but can stand in for peanut oil in most dishes. 

Choosing sesame oil from raw seeds and not toasted is the best way to substitute it for peanut oil. 

We prefer the non-toasted variety. We like this option because of the delicate, neutral flavor it offers your dish.

Toasted sesame oil can offer a strong, rich, nutty taste that might overpower your recipe. 

Remember that sesame oil can’t withstand as much heat as peanut oil. So, anything requiring temps higher than 410°F will need a different product. 

12. Sunflower Seed Oil is an Exceptional Healthy Option

• Smoke Point: 450°F

Sunflower seed oil is an excellent alternative to peanut oil when you need to swap it out. But, if you need an option that isn’t nut-based, this is not the one for you. 

Since it is nut-based, sunflower seed oil has a taste and consistency similar to peanut oil. And it has the same smoke point, making it one of the best options for an alternative. 

Keep in mind that sunflower oil is one of the most expensive oils in the world. So, we recommend only using it on special occasions.

FAQs

What Other Oils Can You Use Instead of Peanut Oil?

There is a long list of oils on the market today that can take the place of peanut oil in most recipes. 

A few oils not on our list above that can work as a peanut oil replacement include:

• Hempseed Oil
• Coconut Oil 
• Hazelnut Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Butter

Is Peanut Oil Vegetable Oil?

Peanuts are legumes, which means peanut oil is a form of vegetable oil. But the vegetable oil you buy from the grocery store comes from cheaper options. These products can also often be a mixture of many oils. 

What Does Peanut Oil Taste Like?

Peanut oil provides dishes with a mild, nutty flavor and is neutral, fresh, and versatile.  It also offers dishes a pleasant nutty aroma, like sesame oil.

What is Peanut Oil Used For?

Peanut oil is a versatile product that can work well in many recipes. This oil is often used for sauteing and deep frying many types of foods. It is also popular in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades.

In Conclusion

Many options are available if you are on the hunt for a great peanut oil alternative such as

Almond Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Soybean Oil, Corn Oil, Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil, Walnut Oil, Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Sunflower Oil  and Avocado Oil.

These products will provide you with the same great flavor and cooking experience. Give one of the 12 products above a try and see what these oils can do for your dish.

Happy time!

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