Crisco vs Olive Oil: Which is Better?

Crisco, a popular vegetable shortening, boasts the ability to create flaky pastries, while olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, touts its nutritional benefits and rich flavor. So, which is better? Let’s find out!

Comparing crisco vs olive oil

	Crisco/Vegetable shortening	Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)	Olive Oil (Light/Pure/Regular)	Olive Oil (Virgin oil)
Solid or Liquid?	Solid	Liquid	Liquid	Liquid
Smoke Point (Fahrenheit)	360 degrees	350 degrees	390-470 degrees	350 degrees
Primary Fat	Polyunsaturated	Monounsaturated	Monounsaturated	Monounsaturated
Taste	Buttery	Grassy	Neutral	Mildly grassy
Good for Cooking…	Raw, low heat, moderate heat	Raw, low heat	Raw, low, moderate, and high heat	Raw, light heat, moderate heat
Allergens	Soy, palm, tree nut	Olive, olive pollen	Olive, olive pollen	Olive, olive pollen
Gluten-free?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Keto?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Paleo?	No	Yes	If it is not refined	Yes
Vegan?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Differences between crisco and olive oil

Crisco and olive oil couldn’t be more different. Crisco is a solid, vegetable-based shortening, while olive oil is a liquid oil derived from olives. 

Crisco is commonly used for frying and baking. It’s known for its ability to add flakiness to pastries and produce tender, moist baked goods.

On the other hand, olive oil brings a distinct flavor to dishes and is used in dressings, marinades, sautéing, and low-heat cooking.

Extra virgin vs regular vs virgin olive oil

Now, let’s talk about the different types of olive oil. We have extra virgin, regular, and virgin olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality, obtained through the first pressing of the olives. It has a rich, fruity flavor and is best used in dishes where its taste can shine, like salad dressings or dipping sauces.

Regular olive oil, also known as pure olive oil, is a blend of extra virgin olive oil and refined olive oil. It has a milder flavor and is great for general cooking purposes.

Virgin olive oil falls in between extra virgin and regular olive oil in terms of flavor and quality.

Baking and cooking with crisco and olive oil

When it comes to baking and cooking, both Crisco and olive oil have their specialties.

Crisco, being a solid fat, is best for baking for its ability to create flaky textures in pie crusts, biscuits, and pastries. Its high melting point allows for better layering and a desirable mouthfeel.

On the other hand, olive oil, a liquid fat, can be used in baking but is more commonly associated with savory dishes. It imparts a unique flavor profile and moistness to cakes and breads. However, using olive oil in baking may result in a denser texture.

In terms of cooking, both Crisco and olive oil have their merits. Crisco’s neutral flavor and high smoke point make it suitable for frying and sautéing, providing a crispy and golden finish to foods.

Olive oil, with its rich taste and lower smoke point, is better suited for low to medium heat cooking methods like roasting, grilling, and sautéing vegetables. It adds a delightful flavor to dishes, particularly in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.

Can crisco and olive oil be substituted for each other?

Well, it depends on the recipe and the desired outcome. In baking, you can often replace Crisco with an equal amount of olive oil, but keep in mind that it may alter the taste and texture of the final product.

For example, substituting olive oil for Crisco in a pie crust will impart a slightly olive-y flavor.

However, in savory dishes, olive oil can generally be used as a substitute for Crisco without major issues. So, for quiche or chicken pot pie crust recipes, go ahead and use olive oil instead of Crisco!

Nutrition: Crisco vs olive oil

Now, let’s take a quick look at the nutritional aspect…

Crisco is primarily composed of polyunsaturated fats derived from vegetable oils, while olive oil contains a higher proportion of monounsaturated fats.

Monounsaturated fats have been associated with various health benefits, such as reducing bad cholesterol levels and promoting heart health.

In contrast, polyunsaturated fats can be beneficial but may also contribute to inflammation when consumed excessively.

Per tablespoon (15mL)	Crisco/Vegetable shortening	Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)	Olive Oil (Light/Pure/Regular)	Olive Oil (Virgin oil)
Calories	120	120	120	120
Polyunsaturated	8 g	1.5 g	1.5 g	1.5 g
Monounsaturated	3 g	10 g	10 g	10 g
Saturated	2 g	2 g	2 g	2 g
Trans	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Total Fat	14 g	14 g	14 g	14 g
Cholesterol	0	0	0	0

The primary fat source is bolded.

How to store crisco and olive oil

Crisco has a longer shelf life compared to olive oil thanks to its hydrogenated form. This comes in handy for occasional baking needs. A can of Crisco lasts around 1 year after opening, but the sticks should be used within 6 months – similar to olive oil.

Crisco, being a solid shortening, should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to prevent melting. It is best kept tightly sealed to maintain its freshness and prevent absorption of odors.

Olive oil, on the other hand, is a liquid and should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from light and heat. Exposure to light and heat can cause the oil to oxidize and spoil. It is also important to keep the olive oil tightly sealed to preserve its flavor and quality.

Crisco vs olive oil: Which is better

In a nutshell, olive oil takes the crown when it comes to the Crisco vs olive oil showdown. Why? Well, olive oil is packed with those good-for-you monounsaturated fats that do wonders for your heart health., but it’s also more versatile. You can use it for everything from sautéing veggies to drizzling it over pasta or baking savory pie crusts.

Now, Crisco isn’t totally out of the game. It’s got its moment to shine in baking, especially for those flaky pie crusts, and its longer shelf life is a plus. Plus, if you’re into frying, its slightly higher smoke point comes in handy.

But overall, when it comes to nutrition, versatility, and a pure and natural choice, olive oil is the clear winner.

FAQs

Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same