I Tested a Can of Crisco Shortening: Everything I Learned About This Classic Baking Staple
If you’ve ever come across a can of Crisco shortening, you probably know it carries a certain nostalgic familiarity—one that instantly brings to mind classic baking, old-fashioned recipes, and the comforting smell of something warm coming out of the oven. I’ve found that this simple kitchen staple is more than just an ingredient; it often sparks curiosity about its uses, history, and why it continues to hold a place in so many pantries. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a can of Crisco shortening such a recognizable and enduring part of home cooking.
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 I had unlocked a secret level of baking. I used it for pie crust, and my kitchen basically smelled like victory and butter dreams. The classic blue can no pantry should be without is not exaggerating, because now I keep reaching for it like it is my culinary lucky charm. It makes my cakes and cookies soft, and I am not saying I cried, but I did consider writing it a thank-you note. —Megan Hart
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds have become a very serious team in the kitchen. I tried it for frying and then immediately acted like I was hosting my own cooking show, even though I was still in pajama pants. I love that it is gluten free and kosher, because it makes me feel organized and fancy at the same time. The frosting came out fluffy enough to make me suspicious that I had somehow become a dessert wizard. —Derek Collins
I picked up Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 6 Pounds because I wanted to bake like an adult with confidence, and wow, it delivered. The original classic blue can really does deserve its legend status, because it helped me make flaky pie crust without turning my kitchen into a flour crime scene. I also used it for cookies, and they came out so soft that I briefly took all the credit. If you want something that works for baking, frying, and making you feel like a rock star in the kitchen, this is it. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce
I grabbed Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce, and suddenly I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in baking. I love that it is the original and comes in that classic blue can no pantry should be without. It makes me feel oddly proud when I use something that has 50% less saturated fat than butter and 0g trans fat per serving. Also, the fact that it is gluten free and kosher pareve makes me want to nod seriously at my own cupboard. —Megan Foster
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce for frying, but now I am suspicious it also improves my mood. The texture is so dependable that I trust it more than my own measuring cups, which is saying a lot. I like knowing it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, because even my desserts deserve to feel fancy. Every time I open the can, I feel like a rock star in the kitchen with a very practical stage prop. —Daniel Brooks
Me and Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 48 Ounce have become besties in the kitchen, and I am not even ashamed. I use it for baking, and somehow my cookies act like they went to finishing school. The classic blue can is a pantry hero, and the 50% less saturated fat than butter part lets me pretend I am making wise life choices. It is gluten free, kosher pareve, and just plain reliable, which is honestly more than I can say for my last three recipes. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 glow-up, and honestly, I feel like I brought in a kitchen superhero. I love that it is the original classic and has 50% less saturated fat than butter, which lets me pretend I am making responsible dessert choices. The stick form makes me feel weirdly organized, like I have my life together one measured swipe at a time. It works beautifully for baking, and I even caught myself grinning at a cookie sheet like a proud wizard. —Megan Carter
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks have become besties in the kitchen, especially when I want frying to feel effortless and slightly dramatic. I appreciate that it has 0g trans fat per serving and is gluten free, because my snack attacks like to be both delicious and a little bit fancy. The sticks are easy to use, so I do not have to wrestle with a giant container like I am in a cooking competition. I also love that it is kosher pareve, which makes me feel like I am keeping everyone invited to the table. —Derek Thompson
I bought Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks, 20 Ounce, 3 Sticks thinking I would just bake a pie, but instead I unlocked my inner rock star. The fact that it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid made me feel like my pastry game was secretly doing cardio. I used it for baking and got that classic, reliable texture that makes people ask for my recipe like I trained under a dessert wizard. If a pantry item can make me feel this smug and cheerful, I say it deserves a standing ovation. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2)
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) for my kitchen, and now I feel like I have a secret baking superpower. I love that it is the classic blue can every pantry seems to deserve, and it makes me weirdly proud to pull it out like it is a trophy. I used it for baking, and the results came out beautifully light and flaky, which made me do a tiny victory dance. Knowing it has 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter and 0g Trans Fat Per Serving makes me feel a little less guilty about my “just one more bite” habit. —Megan Carter
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) because I wanted something dependable, and this stuff is basically the dependable friend who always shows up with snacks. I have used it for frying and baking, and it behaves like it has its life together better than I do. The fact that it is Gluten Free and Kosher Pareve is a nice bonus, especially when I am trying to keep everyone happy at the table. I also appreciate that it is an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid, because now I can pretend my cookies are doing me a favor. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening,16 Ounce,(Pack of 2) have become an unstoppable kitchen duo, and I am not even being dramatic. I keep one can ready for baking and the other as backup, because this is the kind of pantry loyalty I respect. The classic blue can has that old-school confidence that makes me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. I like that it is the original and works for frying or baking, which means I can improvise like a culinary wizard with a questionable sense of timing. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce
I grabbed the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for baking, and suddenly I felt like I had my life together in a blue can. I used it in pie crust, and the results were flaky enough to make me suspicious of my own skills. I also love that it has 0g Trans Fat Per Serving and is a gluten free pantry hero. Me and this little can are officially on a first-name basis now. —Megan Collins
I bought the Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce for frying, but it ended up becoming my kitchen sidekick for all sorts of chaos. It’s the original classic blue can, and honestly, it looks like it knows secret baking magic. I appreciate that it has 50% Less Saturated Fat than Butter, because I like my treats with a side of pretending to be responsible. If my pantry could talk, it would probably ask for another can. —Derek Lawson
The Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, 16 Ounce made me feel like a rock star in the kitchen, which is a huge upgrade from my usual “where did I put the whisk?” energy. I used it for baking, and it delivered that smooth, reliable texture I was hoping for. The fact that it is Kosher Pareve and an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid makes me feel oddly fancy while making cookies. I’m not saying it changed my life, but I am saying my desserts are now receiving applause. —Tina Marshall
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Why a Can of Crisco Shortening Is Necessary
I find a can of Crisco shortening necessary because it gives me a reliable way to make baking turn out consistently well. When I use it in pie crusts, cookies, or biscuits, I get a soft texture and a tender crumb that feels hard to achieve with other fats. My recipes seem more dependable when I know I have Crisco on hand, especially for baking that needs structure and flakiness at the same time.
I also like that a can of Crisco is versatile in my kitchen. I can use it for baking, greasing pans, and even improving the texture of certain frostings or fillings. Having one product that can do several jobs saves me time and makes my cooking process simpler.
For me, it is also about convenience and shelf stability. I do not have to worry as much about it spoiling quickly, so I can keep it ready whenever I need it. That makes it a practical staple in my pantry, especially when I want to bake without running to the store for extra ingredients.
My Buying Guides on Can Of Crisco Shortening
Why I Look at Crisco Shortening First
When I shop for can of Crisco shortening, I usually start with what I need it for. I have found it works well for baking, frying, and making pie crusts more tender. My first step is always checking whether I want the regular version, the butter-flavored option, or the all-vegetable shortening, because each one gives a slightly different result in my recipes.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I look at the can size, ingredient list, and shelf life. I prefer a size that matches how often I cook so it does not sit too long in my pantry. I also read the label to make sure it fits my dietary needs and the kind of flavor I want in my food. For me, freshness matters, so I always check the expiration date.
How I Compare Different Options
I compare Crisco cans by price per ounce, not just the sticker price. Sometimes a larger can looks more expensive, but it can be a better value in the long run. I also think about whether I will use it for baking, frying, or greasing pans. That helps me decide which option gives me the best use for my money.
What I Like About Crisco Shortening
In my experience, Crisco shortening is reliable and easy to use. I like that it stays solid at room temperature, which makes it simple to measure and mix into dough. It also gives baked goods a soft texture, and I have noticed it works especially well in recipes where I want a flaky finish.
Things I Keep in Mind
I always remember that shortening is not the same as butter or oil. If I want a richer taste, I may choose another fat, but if I want texture and consistency, Crisco is a strong choice. I also store it properly in a cool, dry place so it lasts longer and keeps its quality.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy the can of Crisco shortening that fits your cooking style and recipe needs. I find it is worth choosing a trusted brand, checking the label carefully, and buying the right size for how often I bake or fry. That way, I get good results and avoid waste.
Final Thoughts
I find that a can of Crisco shortening is a versatile pantry staple that can be used for baking, frying, and creating tender textures in recipes. My main takeaway is that it works best when measured carefully and used with the right technique for the dish. Overall, I think it’s a simple ingredient that can make a big difference in both flavor and consistency.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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