SaurabhSafflower oil is one of the healthiest oils available in the market. It has a lot of benefits and is even better than olive oil.
It is high in omega-6, which makes it a great option to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You can also use it for skin inflammation. Overall, it is the product of your dreams!
Even though safflower oil is easily available in your grocery stores, if you are out of it, check your pantry for at least one of the substitutes. Let’s get right into it!
Safflower Oil Substitutes
Safflower oil makes for the best cooking oil as it can withhold high smoking temperatures. If you want to fry something and still make it healthy safflower oil is the option for you.
However, do not worry if you do not have safflower oil at hand. We’ve made a list of substitutes that can almost do the same job.
1. Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is basically similar to safflower oil. It has a high smoke point, so you can use it for frying. It has a mild flavor which provides a great taste to the dish you are making.
Sunflower oil is high in omega 6 fats, similar to Safflower oil, so both are healthy for you.
It comes from the pressed seeds of the sunflower, whereas safflower oil comes from the flower safflower. Both have monounsaturated fatty acids that make the oil healthy for the body.
They can also help in reducing cardiovascular diseases. A major difference between both oils is their origin; Otherwise, sunflower oil is the best substitute for safflower oil.
2. Canola oil
Canola oil is an excellent alternative to safflower oil. It is mild in flavor and without any smell. Moreover, it is also healthy to consume, and you can include it in your daily diet.
Canola oil comes from the rapeseed plant and is native to Canada. It is available throughout the world, so you can get it from any grocery store. Also, this oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fat, the same as safflower oil.
For the same flavor profile and smell, you can use canola oil instead of safflower oil. It’s perfect for cooking and shallow frying food dishes as well.
3. Soybean oil
Soybean oil and safflower oil have a smoke point of 450℉, so you can use both the oils for frying. This oil has a mild flavor, just like safflower oil, so it can easily substitute it.
This oil contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which are healthy and necessary for the body.
You can also add it to your skin as it is the main component many of lotions, serums, and gels. It is versatile in its application, and you can use it for sauteing, baking, frying, and roasting!
4. Extra-virgin olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest fats among all the oils. It is a perfect substitute for safflower oil for its many health benefits.
Use this oil in various salads, dressings, sauces, sauteing, cooking, and almost anything to make the dish healthy. You should use extra-virgin olive oil as a substitute for safflower oil and in your daily life for its health benefits.
It is also rich in Vitamin E and K.
5. Borage seed oil
Borage seed oil is a good substitute only for skin and hair.
This oil is not used in cooking as slight heat can ruin the beneficial fatty acids it contains. If you wish to use it in cooking, put the oil just before serving to keep the fatty acids intact.
Safflower oil is also helpful in treating the skin, but borage seed oil has many health benefits. It can cure acne and help with weight management too.
6. Peanut oil
Peanut oil can only be used as a substitute for safflower oil for its high smoke point. You can use it for frying. It is not as healthy as safflower oil, plus it has a deeper flavor as well.
So if you want to use it in cooking or baking, I would advise you to use it in moderation as it can give a different flavor to this dish.
Peanut oil can boost the flavor of a dish, however, since it is not healthy as it has saturated fats, you should use it in moderation.
7. Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil has a mild and neutral flavor, and it does not affect the flavoring of any dish you put it in. Therefore, it can be used in baking, cooking, and sauteing.
You can substitute vegetable oil for safflower oil only for its flavor. Otherwise, it is unhealthy for the body. It can cause heart diseases due to high trans fat.
Consider this oil as an option for its flavoring. But I would suggest limiting the usage and go for a healthier option like olive oil or safflower oil!
8. Hazelnut oil
Hazelnut oil is another versatile oil that can be used in cooking as well as for the skin.
It is high in vitamin E, so you can apply it to your skin to decrease hyperpigmentation, increase hydration, or moisturize. Hazelnut oil has a high smoke point similar to safflower oil.
But its flavor is not mild; rather, you can use it to give a deeper and richer nutty flavor to your salad or dish. Hazelnut oil is the ideal substitute for safflower oil in terms of health benefits.
Use it to elevate the taste of your dish.
9. Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is another healthy fat that you can use in salad dressing and cooking.
It does not have a high smoke point (less than 225℉), so do not use it for frying. Otherwise, this oil will burn along with the dish you are frying in it.
It is not suitable for cooking; instead, it works in salad dressings or sauces to give a nutty flavor to your dish. Wheat germ oil is the least substitute for safflower oil, so use it only when you have run out of options.
10. Refined coconut oil
If you are using coconut oil which has a pungent smell, then it’s unrefined coconut oil.
Refined coconut oil is almost flavorless and odorless. So, it is a good substitute for safflower oil. It has a high smoke point and can be used for cooking, baking, and frying.
If you like the coconut flavor in your dishes, you can also use unrefined oil. It is not the perfect substitute but good enough to replace in the hour of need.
FAQs
What can you substitute for safflower oil in baking?
You can use sunflower oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and peanut oil in baking. Just remember that the flavor needs to be mild, so it does not overpower the baked dish.
Can I use olive oil instead of safflower oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of safflower oil.
However, refrain from using it for frying since it does not have a high smoke point. It makes the best alternative to safflower oil as it matches the health benefits provided by safflower oil.
Can I substitute vegetable oil for safflower oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil for safflower oil only for its flavor. Both the oils have a mild and neutral flavor profile, so you can use them in baking and cooking. But limit the usage of vegetable oil because it is not very healthy as it contains high trans fat.
Is canola oil the same as safflower oil?
Canola oil is not the same as safflower oil.
They have many similarities like mild and neutral flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, but their origin and the base flavor are completely different.
