Canola oil and butter are two kitchen staples, but they couldn’t be more different. I’m here to break down the differences between these two ingredients, including their unique qualities and flavors, to help determine which is the ultimate oil/fat. Let’s go!
Comparing canola oil vs butter
Canola oil | Butter | |
Solid or Liquid? | Liquid | Solid |
Smoke Point (Fahrenheit) | 225-445 degrees | 300-350 degrees |
Primary Fat | Monounsaturated | Saturated |
Taste | Neutral | Buttery |
Good for Cooking… | Raw, low, moderate, and high heat | Raw, low heat |
Allergens | Rapeseed, canola | Lactose, casein |
Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
Keto? | Yes | Yes |
Paleo? | No | No |
Vegan? | Yes | No |
Differences between canola oil and butter
Butter is an animal-based fat made from milk or cream, while canola oil is a plant-based oil pressed from rapeseed plants (canola oil is sometimes labelled as rapeseed oil).
Speaking of extraction methods, canola oil is a type of refined oil that is extracted using a process that involves high heat and chemicals, while butter is a more natural product made by churning cream until it turns into solid fat.
Canola oil is, well, an oil, which means it’s a liquid at room temperature. Butter, on the other hand, is a solid at room temperature due to its high fat content. This makes a big difference in cooking, as you’ll need to use different techniques depending on the type of ingredient you’re working with.
Baking and cooking with canola oil vs butter
Canola oil has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning. This makes it a great choice for frying, roasting, and grilling. Butter, on the other hand, has a lower smoke point, which means it’s better suited for low-heat cooking like sautéing, baking, and making sauces.
Canola oil has a neutral flavor, which means it won’t add much flavor to your dishes. This can be a good thing when you don’t want to impart specific flavors into your dish, such as greasing muffin tins/pans, frying foods, or even making homemade mayonnaise.
But sometimes you want that buttery flavor! Butter, of course, has a rich, creamy taste that’s perfect for baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pie crusts, as well as sauces like beurre blanc or hollandaise.
Can canola oil and butter be substituted for each other?
In general, if a recipe calls for melted butter, you can substitute an equal amount of canola oil. This will work well in recipes like cakes, muffins, and quick breads. However, if a recipe calls for softened or solid butter, it may be more difficult to substitute canola oil, as the texture and flavor of the dish may be affected.
When it comes to cooking, if a recipe calls for sautéing or frying with butter, you can usually use canola oil instead. But when substituting canola oil, it’s best to use another high smoke point or refined vegetable oil.
Nutrition: Canola oil vs butter
Canola oil is a plant-based oil that is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered “healthy” fats. These fats can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
While butter does contain some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and calcium, it’s also high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
That being said, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Both canola oil and butter are high in calories and fat and should be used sparingly. Instead, opt for healthier fats when possible.
Per tablespoon (15mL) | Canola oil | Butter |
Calories | 124 | 102 |
Polyunsaturated | 3.9 g | 0.4 |
Monounsaturated | 8.9 g | 3.0 g |
Saturated | 1.0 g | 7.3 g |
Trans | 0.1 g | 0.5 g |
Total Fat | 14 g | 14.2 g |
Cholesterol | 0 | 30.5 mg |
The primary fat source is bolded.
How to store canola oil and butter
Canola oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light. Exposure to light and heat can cause the oil to go rancid faster, so I usually keep it in a dark cabinet or pantry. Once opened, canola oil can last up to 6 months if stored properly.
Butter, on the other hand, should be stored in the fridge. Butter can spoil quickly if left out at room temperature, so it’s important to keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it. If you don’t use butter often, you can also store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Canola oil vs butter: The ultimate verdict
Canola oil has its place when working with higher temperatures or when you need a neutral vegetable oil for things like deep frying, but overall, I have to say that butter takes the cake! It may not be the healthiest, but it’s delicious! Plus, it’s a versatile cooking fat for everything from scrambled eggs to sautéed veggies and pie crusts!
FAQs
Canola oil is generally considered healthier than butter as it is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it is still important to use any type of oil or butter in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Yes, you can generally use canola oil as a substitute for butter in many recipes, especially when cooking or baking. However, keep in mind that the flavor, texture, and cooking properties may differ, so it is best to use a recipe specifically designed for canola oil or make adjustments accordingly.
Cooking with oil, particularly oils high in unsaturated fats like canola oil, is generally considered healthier than cooking with butter because it contains less saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. However, it is still important to use any type of oil or butter in moderation.
Paul Brooks
You’re crazy if you think pressed seed oils are healthier than butter. Seed oils are worse than sugar.