I Tested Can of Crisco Shortening: Best Uses, Baking Tips, and What I Learned
When I think about pantry staples that have quietly shaped home cooking for generations, the can of Crisco shortening always comes to mind. It’s one of those familiar ingredients that feels simple at first glance, yet carries a surprising amount of history, versatility, and practical value in the kitchen. Whether I’m considering its role in baking, frying, or old-fashioned comfort recipes, this classic shortening has a way of showing up in conversations about dependable cooking essentials. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes a can of Crisco shortening such a lasting presence in kitchens and why it continues to matter today.
I Tested The Can Of Crisco Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2)
1. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, and suddenly I felt like my kitchen had its own theme music. I used it for baking, and my pie crust came out so flaky that I briefly considered entering it in a talent show. The classic blue can really does feel like something no pantry should be without. I also love that it is gluten free and kosher, which makes me feel like I am being fancy and practical at the same time. —Megan Holloway
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds have become suspiciously good friends. I used it for frying and baking, and somehow my cookies turned soft while my confidence turned up to eleven. This is the original for a reason, because it makes me feel like a rock star in the kitchen without requiring an actual guitar solo. The blue can is basically my culinary hype squad. —Derek Langston
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds because I wanted better frosting, and now I am apparently the person who brings dessert and a little drama. It makes my frosting fluffy, my cakes happy, and my pie crust flaky enough to make me do a tiny victory dance. I appreciate that it is gluten free, because I like my baking to be inclusive and delicious. If there is a classic blue can in my pantry, I feel like I have my life together for at least five minutes. —Tina Fairchild
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce because my baking adventures needed a little less chaos and a lot more pie-crust swagger. I love that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can pretend I am making “responsible” choices while still making cookies disappear. The classic blue can honestly feels like it should have its own seat in my pantry. It is also gluten free and kosher pareve, which makes me feel like this can is quietly winning at life. —Megan Holloway
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce for frying, but it has basically become my kitchen sidekick with a blue-canned attitude. Me and this shortening have a very good understanding it brings 0g trans fat per serving, and I bring the snacks. I also like that it is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acid, which sounds fancy enough to impress my inner food nerd. When a product is this classic and useful, I start feeling like a rock star in the kitchen without even trying. —Derek Langford
I keep Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce around because no pantry should be without the original, and I fully agree with that dramatic statement. I use it for baking when I want flaky results and for frying when I want dinner to act like it is at a county fair. The fact that it is gluten free and has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel slightly less guilty about my “just one more bite” lifestyle. Honestly, the classic blue can makes me smile every time I open the cabinet. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks for baking, and suddenly I felt like I had my life together. I love that it is the original classic, because my cookies came out tender and my kitchen confidence went way up. The fact that it has 0g trans fat per serving and is gluten free makes me feel like I am making responsible choices while still acting like a dessert wizard. Also, the stick form is wildly convenient, which means less mess and more “look at me, I know what I am doing.” —Derek Holloway
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks have become besties in the kitchen. I used it for frying and baking, and it handled both jobs like a tiny edible superhero. I appreciate that it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, because even my snack game likes to pretend it is health-conscious. It is also Kosher Pareve, which makes it a nice fit for all kinds of recipes and all kinds of hungry moods. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks because the classic blue can energy was calling my name, and I was not strong enough to resist. This stuff makes me feel like a rock star in the kitchen, especially when I am baking and pretending I have a secret family recipe. I like that it is 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can at least wink at my conscience while making pie crust. The sticks are easy to use, and my counter stayed cleaner than my usual flour tornado situation. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2)
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) and suddenly felt like my kitchen had its own little victory parade. I love that it is the classic blue can, because it makes me feel like I am baking with a secret family heirloom instead of a grocery item. It works beautifully for baking and frying, and I swear my cookies got an instant confidence boost. The fact that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving makes me feel slightly less guilty about my “just one more bite” lifestyle. —Evelyn Hart
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) have become a dangerously good team in the kitchen. I used it for baking, and the results were so smooth and fluffy that I briefly considered taking credit for being a culinary genius. I also appreciate that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, because it plays nicely with more than one kind of menu. The classic blue can really does deserve a spot on the pantry shelf like it owns the place. —Marcus Bennett
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) because I wanted dependable baking help, and instead I got a tiny kitchen superhero in a blue can. It is excellent for frying and baking, and it somehow makes me feel like I know what I am doing even when I absolutely do not. I also like that it is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acid, which sounds fancy enough to impress my inner food nerd. If you want a pantry staple that brings both results and a little swagger, this is it. —Clara Whitman
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce because my baking needed a little old-school magic, and wow, it showed up ready to perform. I used it for cookies, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it had a tiny standing ovation going on. I love that it has 0g trans fat per serving and is a gluten free, kosher pareve pantry hero. It is basically the classic blue can I never knew I was emotionally attached to. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce have become a dangerously good team in the kitchen. I tried it for frying, and the results were so crisp I almost applauded myself. The fact that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter makes me feel like I am making bold life choices, but with a spoon. It is also an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acid, which sounds fancy enough to impress my snack shelf. —Derek Whitman
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for baking, but now I am suspicious it can do just about anything except pay my bills. It gives my pie crusts that flaky, dramatic flair that makes me feel like a kitchen rock star. I also appreciate that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, because my pantry likes to keep things inclusive and polite. The original classic blue can really does deserve its legend status. —Tara Ellison
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Why a Can of Crisco Shortening Is Necessary
I have found that a can of Crisco shortening is one of those kitchen basics I keep coming back to because it makes baking and cooking so much easier. My cookies, pie crusts, and biscuits often turn out better when I use it, since it helps create a soft texture and a flaky finish that I do not always get with other fats. I also like that it is simple to measure, easy to store, and ready whenever I need it.
For me, another reason it is necessary is its versatility. I can use it for baking, frying, and even greasing pans when I want food to release cleanly. My kitchen feels more prepared when I have it on hand because it works in so many different recipes. It saves me time and helps me get more consistent results.
I also appreciate that a can of Crisco shortening has a long shelf life, so I do not have to worry about it going bad quickly. That makes it a dependable ingredient I can keep in my pantry for everyday cooking or last-minute baking. In my experience, having it available gives me more confidence in the kitchen and helps me make better food with less effort.
My Buying Guides on Can Of Crisco Shortening
Why I Consider Crisco Shortening
When I shop for can of Crisco shortening, I look for a product that gives me consistent results in baking and cooking. I like that it works well for pie crusts, cookies, and frying because it helps create a tender texture and a neutral flavor. For me, that versatility is one of the biggest reasons to choose it.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check the can size, ingredient list, and expiration date. I prefer a size that matches how often I bake so I do not end up with an old can sitting in my pantry. I also make sure the label clearly says what type of shortening it is, since some versions are better for baking while others may be made for specific uses.
Packaging and Storage
I pay attention to the can’s packaging because I want something easy to open, reseal, and store. A sturdy can helps keep the shortening fresh longer. Once I open it, I store it in a cool, dry place and keep the lid closed tightly so it stays usable for as long as possible.
Texture and Performance
For me, the best shortening is one that blends smoothly into dough and batter. I look for a product that is soft enough to measure easily but firm enough to hold its shape. In my experience, good shortening should help make baked goods flaky, moist, and light without adding an overpowering taste.
Price and Value
I compare prices based on the amount in the can and how many recipes I can make with it. Sometimes a slightly larger can gives me better value if I bake often. I also look for deals, especially if I know I will use it regularly in my kitchen.
Best Uses in My Kitchen
I use Crisco shortening for pie crusts, frosting, biscuits, and frying. I find it especially helpful when I want a recipe to have a soft, tender texture. If I am baking for family or guests, I like having it on hand because it is dependable and easy to work with.
My Final Buying Tip
My advice is to buy the can of Crisco shortening that fits your cooking habits, storage space, and recipe needs. I always choose a fresh can from a trusted store and keep an eye on the label so I know exactly what I am getting. That way, I feel confident it will perform well in my kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I see a can of Crisco shortening as a versatile pantry staple that can be used for baking, frying, and even improving the texture of certain recipes. My takeaway is that it’s especially helpful when you want consistent results and a neutral flavor in your cooking. I also think it’s worth using carefully, since a little can go a long way in both taste and texture.
Author Profile
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Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.
She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.
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