20 Cheapest Cooking Fats for Every Recipe

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor. With the right selection of cooking fats, you can enhance your dishes without breaking the bank. Here, I’ve compiled a list of 20 affordable cooking fats that you can use in various recipes to add richness and depth.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile option that fits well in both savory and sweet recipes. It’s typically a blend of oils like soybean and canola, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday cooking. Whether you’re frying up chicken or baking a cake, vegetable oil is a reliable staple.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is known for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for frying and sautéing. It’s also low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option compared to other oils. You can easily find canola oil at any grocery store, often at a very reasonable price.

Corn Oil

Corn oil is another affordable option that’s perfect for frying due to its high smoke point. It also has a mild flavor that won’t overpower your dishes. Whether you’re making popcorn or frying fish, corn oil provides a great balance of price and performance.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is light and flavorless, making it a great choice for salad dressings and baking. It’s also rich in vitamin E, which can be a nutritional bonus. Sunflower oil is often available at competitive prices, especially in larger quantities.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is popular for its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor, making it ideal for stir-frying and deep frying. Many people opt for peanut oil when preparing Asian cuisine, and its cost-effective nature makes it accessible for home cooks.

Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is one of the most commonly used cooking oils, thanks to its affordability and versatility. It’s a great option for frying, baking, and even salad dressings. Soybean oil is often included in blended vegetable oils, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Lard

Lard might sound old-fashioned, but it’s making a comeback due to its rich flavor and excellent cooking properties. It’s particularly favored for baking, where it can produce exceptionally flaky pie crusts. Best of all, lard is usually quite inexpensive compared to other fats.

Margarine

Margarine is a plant-based alternative to butter that’s often more affordable. It works well for spreading, baking, and cooking. Available in various forms, including sticks and tubs, margarine is a budget-friendly way to add flavor and moisture to your dishes.

Shortening

Shortening is a solid fat that’s perfect for baking, especially when making cookies or pie crusts. It helps create a tender, flaky texture. Shortening is generally cheaper than butter and can be stored for a longer period, making it an economical choice for bakers.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking and offers a light, neutral flavor. It’s great for sautéing or in vinaigrettes. While it can be slightly more expensive than other oils, buying in bulk can make it a cost-effective option for health-conscious cooks.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is similar to sunflower oil in its light flavor and high smoke point. It’s a great option for frying, baking, or making salad dressings. Price-wise, safflower oil is competitive, especially when purchased in larger bottles.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil offers a unique, slightly sweet flavor that can enhance both savory and sweet recipes. It’s great for baking or sautéing and provides a tropical twist. While prices vary, coconut oil can often be found on sale, making it an affordable addition to your pantry.

Olive Oil (Light)

Light olive oil is refined to have a higher smoke point and a milder flavor than extra virgin olive oil. It’s a versatile choice for cooking and baking. While extra virgin olive oil can be pricey, light olive oil tends to be more budget-friendly.

Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer layer of rice grains and is known for its high smoke point and neutral taste. It’s a great option for frying and stir-frying. The oil is often available at competitive prices, especially in Asian markets.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a staple in Asian cooking, providing a rich, nutty flavor to dishes. While it can be a bit more expensive, only a small amount is usually needed to impart its flavor, making it an economical choice in the long run.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is gaining popularity due to its health benefits and high smoke point. It’s suitable for frying, grilling, and salad dressings. Although it can be pricier than other oils, buying in bulk or on sale can make it affordable.

Butter

Butter is a classic choice for its rich taste and versatility. From baking to sautéing, butter adds a depth of flavor that is hard to match. While prices can vary, generic brands often offer a more economical option without sacrificing quality.

Tallow

Tallow is rendered beef fat that works well for deep frying and roasting. It has a high smoke point and adds a rich flavor to dishes. Often available in bulk, tallow is an affordable and long-lasting option for those who enjoy traditional cooking methods.

Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter that has been used in Indian cooking for centuries. It offers a nutty flavor and high smoke point. While it can be more expensive than butter, its concentrated flavor means you can use less, stretching your dollar further.

Palm Oil

Palm oil is often used in processed foods and for frying due to its stable properties and long shelf life. It’s an economical option, especially when purchased in large quantities. However, be mindful of sustainability when choosing palm oil.