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Best Avocado Oil Substitute in Scones

5 tested options with exact ratios, science-backed explanations, and tips for success.

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Avocado Oil in Scones is Light Olive Oil because it has a similarly mild flavor and comparable fat composition, which maintains the tender crumb and moist texture without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Top 5 Avocado Oil Substitutes for Scones

Substitute Ratio
Light Olive Oil (Best) 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Canola Oil 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Grapeseed Oil 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Sunflower Oil 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Almond Oil 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Detailed Guide: Each Avocado Oil Substitute in Scones

Light Olive Oil (Best Option)

1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Maintains moisture and tenderness with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the scone’s taste.

Light olive oil has a similar fatty acid profile and liquid state at room temperature as avocado oil, which helps maintain the scone’s tender crumb and moist texture. Its mild flavor ensures the delicate balance of flavors in scones is preserved.

When substituting, ensure the olive oil is light or refined to avoid strong olive flavors. Mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen scones.

Compared to avocado oil, light olive oil produces scones with nearly identical texture and moisture, with only a subtle difference in flavor that is usually imperceptible in baked goods.

Canola Oil

1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones tender without altering taste.

Canola oil is a neutral-flavored, liquid oil with a fatty acid composition similar to avocado oil, which helps maintain the moisture and tenderness of scones. It does not interfere with the flavor profile, making it a reliable substitute.

Use the same amount as avocado oil and avoid overmixing to prevent gluten development that can toughen scones.

Scones made with canola oil will have a texture and crumb very close to those made with avocado oil, with no noticeable flavor differences.

Grapeseed Oil

1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Light and neutral, it preserves scone tenderness but may have a slightly thinner mouthfeel.

Grapeseed oil is a light, neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point and a fatty acid profile that supports tender baked goods. It helps maintain moisture and a delicate crumb in scones.

Use in equal amounts and handle dough gently to avoid toughness. Its thinner consistency may slightly affect the mouthfeel, making it less rich than avocado oil.

Scones will be tender and moist but may lack the subtle richness avocado oil provides, resulting in a lighter texture.

Sunflower Oil

1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones moist but can sometimes produce a slightly oily mouthfeel.

Sunflower oil is a neutral, liquid oil that shares similar properties with avocado oil, helping to maintain moisture and tenderness in scones. It has a mild flavor that won’t compete with other ingredients.

Use the same quantity and avoid overmixing. Some sunflower oils have a slightly heavier texture, so watch for a minor oily sensation in the final product.

Compared to avocado oil, sunflower oil produces scones that are moist and tender but may feel a bit heavier on the palate.

Almond Oil

1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free
Quick tip: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and maintains moisture, but may alter the flavor profile of the scones.

Almond oil is a liquid oil with a mild nutty flavor and a fatty acid profile that supports tender baked goods. It helps keep scones moist and soft.

Use in equal amounts but consider the flavor impact, especially if the recipe is not intended to have nutty notes. Ensure no nut allergies are present.

Scones will be tender and moist but have a noticeable almond flavor, which can complement some recipes but may not be suitable for all.

Vegan Avocado Oil Substitutes for Scones

Full Vegan guide →
Light Olive Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Maintains moisture and tenderness with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the scone’s taste.

Canola Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones tender without altering taste.

Grapeseed Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Light and neutral, it preserves scone tenderness but may have a slightly thinner mouthfeel.

Sunflower Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones moist but can sometimes produce a slightly oily mouthfeel.

Almond Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Adds a subtle nutty flavor and maintains moisture, but may alter the flavor profile of the scones.

Gluten-Free Avocado Oil Substitutes for Scones

Full Gluten-Free guide →
Light Olive Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Maintains moisture and tenderness with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the scone’s taste.

Canola Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones tender without altering taste.

Grapeseed Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Light and neutral, it preserves scone tenderness but may have a slightly thinner mouthfeel.

Sunflower Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones moist but can sometimes produce a slightly oily mouthfeel.

Almond Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Adds a subtle nutty flavor and maintains moisture, but may alter the flavor profile of the scones.

Dairy-Free Avocado Oil Substitutes for Scones

Full Dairy-Free guide →
Light Olive Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Maintains moisture and tenderness with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the scone’s taste.

Canola Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones tender without altering taste.

Grapeseed Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Light and neutral, it preserves scone tenderness but may have a slightly thinner mouthfeel.

Sunflower Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Neutral flavor and light texture keep scones moist but can sometimes produce a slightly oily mouthfeel.

Almond Oil
Ratio: 1:1 (1 tablespoon per 1 tablespoon avocado oil)

Adds a subtle nutty flavor and maintains moisture, but may alter the flavor profile of the scones.

❌ What NOT to Use as a Avocado Oil Substitute in Scones

Butter

Butter has a solid fat state at room temperature and contains water, which changes the dough’s hydration and texture, resulting in denser, less tender scones compared to the light, neutral fat of avocado oil.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil solidifies at cooler temperatures and imparts a distinct coconut flavor, which can overwhelm the subtle taste of scones and alter the crumb structure, making it less flaky and more dense.

Vegetable Shortening

Shortening is solid and lacks the fluidity of avocado oil, which affects the dough’s mixing and final texture, often leading to a heavier, less tender scone with a waxy mouthfeel.

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