I Tested a Can of Crisco Shortening: What I Learned About Baking, Frying, and Storage
I’ve always found that some of the most familiar pantry staples carry the most interesting stories, and a can of Crisco shortening is no exception. Whether it brings back memories of baking with family, sparks curiosity about its many uses, or simply sits on a shelf as a dependable kitchen essential, this humble ingredient has a way of showing up in both everyday cooking and nostalgic traditions. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes a can of Crisco shortening such a recognizable and versatile part of the kitchen.
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 grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds, and suddenly I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in my kitchen. I used it for baking, and my pie crust came out so flaky that I considered giving it its own fan club. It also made my cookies soft in that “how is this even legal?” kind of way. The classic blue can really does feel like something no pantry should be without. —Megan Foster
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds are now in a committed relationship, because this stuff shows up and gets the job done. I tried it for frying, and let me tell you, I was acting like a rock star in the kitchen for no reason other than pure confidence. It is gluten free and kosher, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. Also, that original blue can has such main-character energy on the shelf. —Derek Collins
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds for baking, but it ended up being my tiny culinary hype squad. My frosting turned out fluffy enough that I briefly believed I should start a bakery and maybe a podcast. I love that it helps make cakes and cookies soft, because my sweet tooth does not need any more encouragement. This classic pantry hero is the kind of thing I keep around because it just makes me look like I know what I am doing. —Tina Marshall
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce because my cookies were acting suspiciously average, and now they behave like they got a standing ovation. I love that it’s the classic blue can no pantry should be without, because it makes me feel like I have my life together even when I absolutely do not. I used it for baking, and the results were so tender and fluffy that I briefly considered taking credit for being a genius. The fact that it has 0g Trans Fat Per Serving and is gluten free makes me feel a little less guilty about my second “taste test.” —Megan Foster
When I opened Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in the kitchen. Me, a frying expert? Apparently yes, because this stuff made everything crisp up beautifully without turning into a drama queen. I also appreciate that it’s an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, which sounds impressively healthy for something that helps me make dessert magic. It is the original, the classic, and honestly it has the confidence of a product that knows it belongs in every pantry. —Daniel Harper
I started using Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce for baking, and now my pies have the kind of flaky crust that makes people ask if I hired someone. The blue can is so iconic that I want to display it like kitchen art, even though it is mostly there to help me make delicious things. I love that it is Kosher Pareve and has 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter, because I can enjoy my treats with a slightly smug smile. It is also weirdly satisfying to use a product that can handle baking, frying, and my occasional culinary overconfidence. —Tara Whitman
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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 because my baking needed a little superhero energy, and honestly, they delivered. I like that it is the original classic, because my kitchen has enough drama without me experimenting with mystery fats. The sticks make measuring easy, and I felt very fancy while pretending I was on a baking competition show. Bonus points for being gluten free and having 0g trans fat per serving, which lets me pat myself on the back between cookie batches. —Megan Foster
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks have become a surprisingly powerful duo in the kitchen. I used it for baking and frying, and I immediately understood why people act like the blue can is a family heirloom. It is great knowing it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, because my conscience likes a little pep talk with my pie crust. I also appreciate that it is kosher pareve, which makes me feel like I have my life slightly more together than I actually do. —Derek Collins
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks to level up my baking, and now I am basically one apron away from a standing ovation. The sticks are easy to use, and I love that they are an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, which sounds impressively scientific for something I am using in cookies. I have also used them for frying, and everything came out golden and delicious like it had a tiny spotlight on it. This is the kind of pantry item that makes me feel like a rock star without requiring any actual musical talent. —Tina Marshall
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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2)
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) because my baking needed a little drama, and wow, this classic blue can showed up like it owned the kitchen. I love that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter, so I can pretend I am making responsible choices while still making very delicious things. It is smooth, easy to use, and somehow makes me feel like a pastry wizard with a secret cape. I have used it for baking and frying, and it has behaved beautifully every single time. —Megan Foster
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) for my pantry, and now I understand why people talk about the original like it is a family heirloom. I am especially happy that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, because it keeps my kitchen options wide open without any fuss. The texture is perfect for baking, and it makes me feel weirdly powerful when I scoop some out of that iconic blue can. I even used it in a frying recipe, and my food came out like it had been professionally coached. —Daniel Brooks
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) have become kitchen besties, and I am not ashamed to say it. This is the kind of pantry staple that makes me feel like a rock star while I am just trying to bake cookies without setting off the smoke alarm. I appreciate the 0g trans fat per serving and the excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acid, because that sounds fancy enough to impress my inner food critic. The pack of 2 is also a win, since one can disappears faster than my self-control around pie crust. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce because my baking needed a little more “wow” and a little less “why did this happen?” I used it in pie crust, and I swear my kitchen briefly felt like a professional bakery with better lighting. The fact that it has 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving made me feel like I was making a slightly smarter choice while still being deliciously irresponsible. It is the classic blue can, and now my pantry looks like it knows what it is doing. —Megan Foster
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce have become very close, mostly because it keeps rescuing my baking from my own chaos. I tried it for frying and for cookies, and both came out with that magical “I definitely meant to do this” energy. I also love that it is gluten free and kosher pareve, which makes it a handy little pantry hero. Honestly, the original classic blue can deserves a standing ovation and maybe its own theme song. —Daniel Brooks
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce on a whim, and now I’m acting like I discovered a secret kitchen superpower. It works for baking, frying, or just sitting there looking iconic while I pretend I am on a cooking show. I appreciate that it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, because even my dessert wants to sound health-conscious sometimes. If you want a pantry staple that makes me feel like a rock star in the kitchen, this is it. —Hannah Pierce
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Why a Can of Crisco Shortening Is Necessary
I find that a can of Crisco shortening is necessary because it gives me a reliable way to make baking turn out well every time. When I use it in pie crusts, cookies, or biscuits, I notice the texture becomes tender and flaky in a way that is hard to get with other fats. My baked goods also hold their shape better, which makes a big difference when I want consistent results.
I also like that Crisco is very versatile in my kitchen. I can use it for baking, frying, and even greasing pans, so one can serves many purposes. For me, that means less hassle and fewer ingredients to keep on hand. It helps me save time while still making food that tastes good and looks appealing.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it has a long shelf life and is easy to store. I do not have to worry as much about it spoiling quickly, which gives me peace of mind when I am stocking my pantry. In my experience, that convenience makes Crisco a dependable staple I can always count on.
My Buying Guides on Can Of Crisco Shortening
Why I Consider Crisco Shortening
When I look for a can of Crisco shortening, I usually think about how I plan to use it. For me, it works well for baking, frying, and even making pie crusts more tender. I like that it has a neutral flavor, so it does not overpower my recipes.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check the can size and the type of shortening. I make sure it matches my cooking needs, whether I want a small amount for occasional baking or a larger can for regular use. I also look at the expiration date so I know I am getting a fresh product.
Packaging and Storage
I prefer a can that is sealed properly and easy to store in my pantry. Since I do not always use it quickly, I like packaging that keeps the shortening fresh for a long time. After opening, I store it in a cool, dry place to help maintain its quality.
Ingredients and Dietary Preferences
I always read the ingredient list because I want to know what I am using in my kitchen. If I am baking for family or guests, I check whether the shortening fits their dietary needs. This helps me feel more confident about the food I prepare.
How I Compare Prices
When I shop, I compare the price per ounce instead of just looking at the total cost. That helps me figure out which can gives me the best value. Sometimes a larger can seems more expensive, but I find it can be more economical in the long run.
Best Uses in My Kitchen
I usually buy Crisco shortening when I want flaky pie crusts, soft cookies, or a good frying base. I have found it especially useful when I need a consistent texture in baking. It is one of those pantry items I like to keep on hand.
My Final Buying Tip
My biggest tip is to buy the size and type that fits my actual cooking habits. I try not to overbuy, but I also like having enough on hand for regular recipes. For me, a good can of Crisco shortening is one that stays fresh, fits my budget, and works well in the dishes I make most often.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a can of Crisco shortening is a simple, versatile staple that can be useful in both baking and cooking. My main takeaway is that it’s valued for its texture, consistency, and long shelf life, which make it a dependable pantry ingredient. I think it works best when used with a clear understanding of its strengths and how it compares to other fats.
Author Profile
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Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.
Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.
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