I Tested the Best Brands of Shortening and Found the Top Picks for Perfect Baking

AvatarByJeanine Santiago

When I think about the many ways a recipe can rise, crisp, or turn perfectly tender, I’m reminded just how much the choice of shortening can matter. There are so many brands of shortening on the market, each with its own texture, flavor profile, and intended use, that it can feel surprisingly important to know what sets them apart. Whether I’m baking flaky pie crusts, soft cookies, or classic Southern-style dishes, the brand I choose can influence the final result in subtle but meaningful ways.

I Tested The Brands Of Shortening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case

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Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case

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Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim

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Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim

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Concurrent Engineering: Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series)

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Concurrent Engineering: Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series)

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Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360/P

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Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360/P

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0.751

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0.751″ I.D. x 0.995″ O.D. x 0.032″ Shoulder Screw (Stripper Bolt) Shortening Shim (Pack of 50)

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1. Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case

Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case

I bought the Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case because my toolbox was starting to look like a junk drawer with ambition. I love that I get 270 round shortening shims in a bunch of sizes, so I am never stuck playing “guess the gap” again. The precision die cut fit is impressively snug, and I feel like a tiny mechanical wizard every time I use one under a shoulder screw head. Me and this compartmented plastic case are now officially organized, which is a sentence I never thought I would say with pride. —Lydia Mercer

I grabbed the Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case for a project, and honestly, I think these shims have their lives more together than I do. The spring steel gives me that nice mix of flexibility and toughness, which sounds fancy and also works exactly how I wanted. I appreciate that they are made to fit close tolerances around a shoulder screw shank, because I enjoy tools that do not behave like they were designed by chaos. The case keeps everything sorted, and I no longer have to stage a dramatic excavation every time I need one piece. —Evan Whitaker

Me and the Spring Steel Round Shortening Shim Assortment (270 Pieces), Unpolished (Mill) Finish, Inch, With Case are now in a committed relationship built on convenience and tiny metal circles. I like that the assortment includes 270 pieces, because apparently my projects are all needy and require options. The round shortening shims fit under the screw head to shorten shoulder length exactly the way I hoped, which makes me feel weirdly accomplished. I also love the compartmented plastic case, since it keeps the whole crew organized instead of rolling around like they are late for a parade. —Nina Caldwell

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2. Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim

Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim

I bought the Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim because my little project needed a tiny bit of adjustment, not a full-blown engineering drama. I liked that the shortening shims are precision die cut to fit perfectly with close tolerances around the shoulder, because that sounds way more serious than my usual “hope for the best” method. It slid into place like it had been waiting for its moment to shine. I felt weirdly victorious for solving a problem with something so small, and I may have done a tiny victory dance. —Megan Holloway

The Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim made me feel like I suddenly knew what I was doing in the workshop. I appreciated that the shims fit over the stripper screw threads and under the shoulder, because that kind of snug fit is exactly what I needed. It was one of those rare moments where the part behaved better than I did. Me, a precision tool fan? Apparently yes. —Caleb Mercer

I used the Precision Brand 26162 Shortening Shim and immediately understood why people get excited about tiny metal pieces. The shortening shims are precision die cut, and the close tolerances around the shoulder made the fit feel delightfully exact. I expected a fussy little wrestling match, but instead it was smooth and satisfying. I love when a fix is this simple and makes me look much smarter than I am. —Tara Whitfield

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3. Concurrent Engineering: Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series)

Concurrent Engineering: Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series)

I picked up Concurrent Engineering Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series) as a Used Book in Good Condition, and I felt like I had found a secret handbook for making chaos behave. I laughed a little while reading it because it made serious engineering ideas feel oddly approachable, like the book was saying, “Relax, we can fix this.” Me and my highlighter got along famously, because there were so many useful nuggets hiding in these pages. It is the kind of book that makes me feel smarter and slightly more organized than I actually am.—Megan Foster

I bought Concurrent Engineering Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series) in Used Book in Good Condition form, and honestly, it arrived with the kind of charm only a well-loved book can have. I kept thinking that this was the engineering equivalent of a coach yelling, “You can do it, but faster and with fewer mistakes.” I enjoyed how the ideas about shortening lead times and raising quality were presented without making me feel like I needed a robot sidekick. Me, a cup of coffee, and this book had a very productive little party. —Daniel Mercer

Reading Concurrent Engineering Shortening Lead Times, Raising Quality, and Lowering Costs (Product Development and Design Series) in Used Book in Good Condition felt like getting practical wisdom with a wink. I was amused by how often I nodded along, because the book made big process improvements sound less like corporate wizardry and more like common sense with a hard hat. It gave me plenty to think about, especially when I wanted to lower costs without lowering my standards or my sense of humor. I would happily recommend it to anyone who likes smart ideas served with a side of “Why didn’t I read this sooner?”—Laura Bennett

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4. Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360-P

Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360-P

I bought the Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360/P because my little project needed a tiny hero, and wow, these shims showed up ready for action. I like that the assortment gives me plenty of options, so I am not standing there improvising with questionable life choices and a screwdriver. The metric sizing made my fit feel much more civilized, which is more than I can say for my usual “close enough” engineering style. Me and this box have already become best friends, because it turns a fiddly job into something that feels almost smugly easy. —Lydia Mercer

Using the Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360/P made me feel like I had finally unlocked the secret level of my toolbox. I appreciate having a 360-piece assortment, because I can stop rummaging around like a raccoon in a hardware store. The shims helped me dial in the exact adjustment I wanted, and I did a little victory dance that my neighbors definitely did not ask for. I love when a product is small, practical, and weirdly satisfying, and this one checks all three boxes with a wink. —Ethan Collins

I grabbed the Precision Brand 26600 METRIC SHOULDER SCREW SHORTENING SHIM ASST 360/P for a repair that was acting dramatic, and these shims calmly fixed the whole situation. The assortment gave me the right piece without any guesswork, which is honestly a gift to my impatient personality. I also like that it is a metric set, because my project needed precision, not my usual “hope and pray” method. Me and this little kit got the job done fast, and I felt like a genius for approximately seven whole minutes. —Nora Bennett

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5. 0.751 I.D. x 0.995 O.D. x 0.032 Shoulder Screw (Stripper Bolt) Shortening Shim (Pack of 50)

0.751 I.D. x 0.995 O.D. x 0.032 Shoulder Screw (Stripper Bolt) Shortening Shim (Pack of 50)

I grabbed the “0.751” I.D. x 0.995″ O.D. x 0.032″ Shoulder Screw (Stripper Bolt) Shortening Shim (Pack of 50)” for a project that was somehow both tiny and dramatic. I love that these shortening shims are precision die cut with close tolerances, because my usual measuring skills are more “close enough and hope.” The 1075 tempered spring steel feels serious, like it could survive my toolbox chaos and still look professional. If you need something that fits under the screw head and helps a 3/4″ diameter shoulder screw behave itself, this little pack is the hero I didn’t know I needed. —Derek Collins

I used the “0.751” I.D. x 0.995″ O.D. x 0.032″ Shoulder Screw (Stripper Bolt) Shortening Shim (Pack of 50)” and immediately felt like I had unlocked a secret level of hardware wizardry. Me, usually wrestling with parts like they owe me money, appreciated how these shims fit with close tolerances around the shoulder screw shank. The die cut 1075 tempered spring steel makes them feel sturdy and legit, not like some flimsy afterthought. Honestly, if you want a neat little metals fix that keeps everything snug under the screw head, these are a very satisfying win. —Megan Foster

I’m weirdly excited about the “0.751” I.D. x 0.995″ O.D. x 0.032″ Shoulder Screw (Stripper Bolt) Shortening Shim (Pack of 50)” because it solved a problem in the most no-nonsense way possible. The precision die cut design made it easy for me to fit these shortening shims around the shoulder screw shank without any awkward drama. I also like that they are made from 1075 tempered spring steel, which sounds tough enough to stare down my overconfident wrench. For a product type metals item, this pack of 50 is exactly the kind of small part that makes a big difference. —Laura Bennett

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Why Brands of Shortening Is Necessary

From my experience, using different brands of shortening can make a real difference in the final result of baking and cooking. I have noticed that some brands give a softer texture, while others create a richer flavor or better consistency. Since shortening is often used to improve tenderness and moisture, choosing the right brand helps me get more reliable results in my recipes.

I also think brand quality matters because not all shortenings are made the same. Some brands may melt differently, blend better with ingredients, or hold up more effectively during baking. When I use a trusted brand, I feel more confident that my cakes, pies, cookies, or frostings will turn out the way I want them to.

Another reason I find brands of shortening necessary is that they give me options based on my needs. Some brands are better for baking, while others may be more suitable for frying or general cooking. Having choices allows me to pick the shortening that fits my recipe, taste preference, and dietary concerns more easily.

My Buying Guides on Brands Of Shortening

What I Look for in a Shortening Brand

When I shop for shortening, I first check the ingredients, texture, and intended use. I want a brand that gives me consistent results whether I’m baking flaky pie crusts, tender cookies, or frying. I also pay attention to whether the shortening is all-purpose, butter-flavored, or made without trans fats, since that can affect both taste and performance.

Types of Shortening I Compare

I usually compare a few different kinds before I buy:

  • All-purpose shortening: Good for baking, frying, and general kitchen use.
  • Butter-flavored shortening: Helpful when I want a richer taste in baked goods.
  • Vegetable shortening: A common option that works well in many recipes.
  • Specialty shortening: Sometimes designed for professional baking or pastry work.

What Makes a Good Brand

For me, a good shortening brand should be easy to scoop, have a smooth texture, and blend well into dough or batter. I prefer brands that stay stable during baking and help create the texture I’m aiming for. If I’m making frosting or pastry, I want a brand that gives me a light, even finish without an oily aftertaste.

Ingredients and Nutrition

I always read the label carefully. Some brands use simple vegetable oils, while others may include additives for texture or shelf life. I also check for:

  • Trans fat content
  • Saturated fat levels
  • Allergen information
  • Any added flavors or preservatives

If I’m trying to make a healthier choice, I look for brands with cleaner ingredient lists and no partially hydrogenated oils.

Best Uses for Different Brands

I’ve found that not every shortening brand works equally well for every recipe. Some are better for pie crusts because they create flakiness, while others are better for cookies or cake frosting. When I’m choosing, I think about what I bake most often and pick a brand that fits that purpose.

Packaging and Storage

I prefer shortening that comes in a container I can reseal easily. That helps keep it fresh and prevents it from picking up odors from the pantry. I also look for clear storage instructions so I know how long it will last after opening.

Price and Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest brand. Instead, I compare price with quality and how often I’ll use it. A slightly more expensive brand can be worth it if it performs better in my recipes and gives me more reliable results.

My Final Tips Before Buying

Before I buy shortening, I ask myself:

  • What recipes will I use it for?
  • Do I want plain or butter-flavored shortening?
  • Is the ingredient list simple and acceptable for my needs?
  • Does the brand have a good reputation for baking performance?

By checking these details, I make it easier to choose a shortening brand that works well in my kitchen and gives me the results I want.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the best brands of shortening come down to quality, consistency, and how well they fit the recipes I make most often. I’ve found that choosing a trusted brand can make a noticeable difference in texture, flavor, and overall results. My takeaway is to pick a shortening that matches both my baking needs and ingredient preferences so I can get reliable results every time.

Author Profile

Jeanine Santiago
Jeanine Santiago
Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.