Pantry & condiments
Vegan alternative to lard
Short answer
Vegetable shortening is the best all-round replacement for lard — pastry and pie crust. 1:1 by weight.
Why lard isn't vegan
Rendered pig fat.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Vegetable shortening | Pastry and pie crust |
| Refined coconut oil | Frying and tortillas |
| Cold vegan block butter | Shortcrust |
Conversion ratio
1:1 by weight.
Pro tip
Keep the fat and water ice cold; that's what creates flaky layers, not the fat's origin.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to lard?
- Vegetable shortening is the closest all-round swap — pastry and pie crust. 1:1 by weight.
- Why isn't lard vegan?
- Rendered pig fat.
- How much do I use instead of lard?
- 1:1 by weight.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Keep the fat and water ice cold; that's what creates flaky layers, not the fat's origin.
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