Best avoided Butter Smoke point: ~180°C

Hard margarine / shortening

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Older hard margarines can contain trans fats; best avoided.

Pros

  • Cheap and shelf-stable

Cons

  • May contain trans or high saturated fats
  • Highly processed
  • Worse for heart health

Best uses

  • Best avoided
  • choose soft non-hydrogenated spreads if needed

Sources & references

  1. Harvard T.H. Chan — Fats and Cholesterol
  2. American Heart Association — Healthy cooking oils

Related entries

Avocado oilButterCoconut oilExtra virgin olive oilFlaxseed (linseed) oilGeneric \"vegetable oil\" blend
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