Shortening is 100% fat, where some other products like butter have water and other solids added, shortening has nothing at all. Vegetable shortening is a great alternative to butter or margarine for those who are looking to avoid animal products but is also used in gluten-free baking as it inhibits the formation of gluten.
Copha is the most popular vegetable shortening in Australia, it is made from 99% coconut oil and less than 1% soy lecithin. It is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free.
What is vegetable shortening in Australia?
Your baking guide
- by
Lottie Dalziel
Q: What is shortening in Australia?
A: Have you stumbled across a recipe that calls for shortening (or the most common brand names are Crisco or Solite) but no clue what to add to your shopping list? Vegetable shortening is solid fat or lard most commonly known in Australia as Copha which is often used in place of butter or margarine. It is traditionally made from vegetable oils (soybean, palm or cottonseed).