Running low on peanut oil? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About peanut oil
Peanut oil is a mild, light-coloured vegetable oil pressed from peanut kernels, widely used in cooking for its high smoke point of around 230°C. It imparts a subtle, slightly nutty flavour and is particularly prized in Asian cuisine and for deep-frying, where its stability under high heat produces crisp, clean results. Refined peanut oil is generally safe for those with peanut allergies, as the allergenic proteins are removed during processing.
Best substitute
Refined sunflower oil has a similarly high smoke point (around 225°C) and a very neutral flavour, making it an excellent all-purpose swap for peanut oil in frying and sautéing. No special preparation is needed.
Alternative
Canola oil is a widely available, budget-friendly substitute with a neutral flavour and a smoke point of around 200–230°C depending on refinement. It performs well in virtually all applications that call for peanut oil.
Alternative
Standard refined vegetable oil (typically a blend including soybean or canola) offers a neutral taste and adequate heat stability for most frying and baking tasks. It is the most readily available substitute in Australian supermarkets.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | peanut oil |
| Canada | peanut oil |
| New Zealand | peanut oil |
| United Kingdom | groundnut oil |
| United States | peanut oil |
Alternative
Refined avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points of any cooking oil (up to 270°C), making it superb for high-heat frying. Its flavour is mild and slightly buttery, though it is considerably more expensive than peanut oil.
Alternative
Refined (light) sesame oil has a high smoke point and a subtle nutty character that complements Asian dishes similarly to peanut oil. Note that toasted (dark) sesame oil has a very low smoke point and is not suitable for frying — only use the refined variety as a direct substitute.