If you have ever been cooking and realized that you don't have enough vegetable oil, you need to know that there is a substitute for vegetable oil you can use without having to go to the grocery store. There may be things you already have at home that make perfectly good substitutes for vegetable oil. The type of vegetable oil substitute you use depends on what kind of food you are cooking and how you are using vegetable oil.

A List of Substitute for Vegetable Oil

1.  Olive Oil

You can use olive oil in many ways. As a substitute, it is considered healthier for you than vegetable oil because it contains healthy antioxidants. You can cook with olive oil under most circumstances, but it isn't a good idea to use it under hot circumstances as it can be broken down.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: In salad dressings and low heat cooking

2.  Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is especially sweet so it can be used when baking things that are sweet or in dishes that call for a bit of sweetness. It comes from squeezing the meat of a coconut and should be kept at room temperature so that it doesn't solidify.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: In baking dishes and in sautéing just about anything that tastes good with a little bit of sweetness

3.  Grape Seed Oil

This is an extremely healthy substitute for vegetable oil because it is good for those people who have problems with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol. It is extremely light oil that has a clean flavor, which makes most foods taste better. It can be kept in a cool, dry cabinet for up to a year after opening.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: In frying things and sautéing foods

4.  Sesame Oil

Because this oil comes from sesame seeds, it has a characteristic nutty flavor that is often used in sauces and glazes over foods that would otherwise be too overpowering. Sesame oil should be kept in the refrigerator or in a place that will remain cool and dry at all times.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute:as a sauce used for putting over certain foods

5.  Avocado Oil

Avocadoes are fatty and make rich tastes. It tolerates being heated up to high temperatures without losing the best of its health benefits. It should be kept in a cool and dry cabinet. Like coconut oil, it will solidify if kept in a refrigerator.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in cooking that involves using high heat or as various kinds of drizzled on oils or sauces

6.  Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil can only be used for cold dishes as it does not tolerate being heated up. It has a nutty flavor and makes a great substitute for vegetable oil when used in desserts that don't require any type of heating. It needs to be used quickly and kept in the refrigerator as it goes bad fairly easily.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in salad dressings, cold dishes, and cold desserts

7.  Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is extremely environmentally friendly and is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. It can be used by vegans because it comes from an exclusively vegetable source. It does not tolerate being heated up in any way, so it can only be used in cold food items. It must be stored inside of a refrigerator and must be used within 3 months after opening up the container.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in salad dressings and in other foods that are prepared cold

8.  Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a good substitute for vegetable oil because it can be heated to almost any temperature. It has a peanut-like, oily flavor that can help increase the flavor of some dishes that might be too bland. It should be storable in a cool, dry place.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: for sauté foods or in any other kind of cooking that needs a high heat

9.  Canola Oil

Canola oil is a good substitute for vegetable oil because it doesn't have any soy or corn in it, which can be allergenic. It is high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It is overall healthy for you and can reduce your risk of having heart disease.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in baking things like breads and cakes

10.  Palm Oil

This can be used in cooking of all kinds. It is not considered particularly well for you because it raises LDL cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: for frying and baking goods and in sauces

11.  Unsweetened Applesauce and Mashed Bananas

These can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in baked dishes. They are low in calories and fat, which make them a healthy substitute.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in baking where they add a lot of moisture to muffins, breads, cookies, and cakes

12.  Plain Low Fat Yogurt

You can also use vanilla yogurt, which makes a good vegetable oil substitute in baked goods. It is healthy for you and has dairy protein, hormones and metabolism regulators. It adds water to the baked goods, so you need to reduce other liquids in the food.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in baked goods, where it gives the food a slightly tangy taste

13.  Lard or Vegetable Shortening

These can be used in fried foods and in making the crusts of pies flaky. They are high in saturated fats, so they aren't recommended as regular substitutes for vegetable oil.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: for frying things such as fried chicken, hamburgers, and French fries

14.  Butter

You can use butter in a variety of foods as a substitute for vegetable oil. It can be liquefied when heating, making it into a buttery oil.

Uses as vegetable oil substitute: in baking dishes such as bread, cookies, cornbread brownies, and cakes as well as frying things like chicken and French fries