Calories in Shortening: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 cup (218g)
Per 100g
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, March 2026.
A tablespoon of shortening (14g) contains about 120 calories, all from fat. Per 100g, shortening provides 884 calories with 100g of fat and 0g of protein or carbs. Shortening is a semi-solid fat made from vegetable oils that have been partially or fully hydrogenated. The fat composition is dominated by saturated fat at 65.5g per 100g, with 29.6g of monounsaturated fat and only 0.5g of polyunsaturated fat. Unlike butter, shortening contains no cholesterol. It also provides a notable 19mg of vitamin E per 100g, which is about 127% of the daily recommended intake. Shortening is primarily used in baking to create flaky textures in pastries, pie crusts, and biscuits. It is rarely consumed on its own. For anyone tracking macros, shortening is calorie-dense with high saturated fat, and its use should be measured carefully in baked goods.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (218g) | 1927.1 | 0g | 0g | 218g | 0g |
| 1 tbsp (14g) | 120.2 | 0g | 0g | 13.6g | 0g |
| 100g | 884 | 0g | 0g | 100g | 0g |
Track Shortening in CaloBurner
Snap a photo to log calories and macros instantly.
Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 884 | 44% |
| Protein | 0g | |
| Total Fat | 100g | 128% |
| Saturated Fat | 65.5g | 328% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | |
| Sugars | 0g | |
| Sodium | 0mg |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 65.5g | 22% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Shortening
Shortening has minimal direct health benefits compared to other fats. Its high saturated fat content (65.5g per 100g) exceeds even butter (50g saturated fat per 100g), which is a concern for cardiovascular health at high intakes. Modern shortening products have reduced trans fat compared to older hydrogenated versions, with this USDA entry showing 0g of trans fat.
The 19mg of vitamin E per 100g is the one standout nutritional feature. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. However, you would need to consume an unrealistic amount of shortening to rely on it as a meaningful vitamin E source.
Shortening is most relevant as a baking ingredient where its functional properties (creating flaky, tender textures) are unique. It has a higher smoke point than butter, making it more stable for high-heat baking. For general cooking, healthier fats like olive oil or avocado oil are better choices. For anyone tracking macros, shortening should be measured by weight since even small excess amounts add significant calories.
Dietary Considerations
Shortening is naturally gluten-free and vegan (made from vegetable oils, no animal products). It is keto-compatible with 0g of carbs, but the high saturated fat content (65.5g per 100g) may be a concern on health-focused keto diets. Shortening is not suitable for weight loss as a cooking fat due to its extreme calorie density. It is best treated as a specialty baking ingredient used in measured amounts. Some people with palm oil sensitivities should check labels as many shortenings contain palm oil.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of shortening provides 44% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
Track Your Intake
See how shortening fits your personal calorie and macro targets.
Related Foods
Restaurant Meals with Shortening
See how shortening shows up in popular restaurant dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in shortening?
One tablespoon of shortening (14g) has about 120 calories. Per 100g, shortening contains 884 calories. All calories come from fat, as shortening has no protein or carbohydrates.
Is shortening the same as butter?
No, shortening and butter are different. Shortening is made from vegetable oils and contains 0mg of cholesterol, while butter is made from dairy cream and contains about 215mg of cholesterol per 100g. Shortening has a higher saturated fat content (65.5g vs 50g per 100g for butter).
How much protein in shortening?
Shortening contains 0g of protein per 100g. It is pure fat and provides no protein. If you are using shortening in baking, the protein in your recipe will come from eggs, flour, or dairy.
Is shortening bad for you?
Shortening is high in saturated fat at 65.5g per 100g. High saturated fat intake is associated with increased LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Modern shortening has reduced trans fats compared to older hydrogenated versions. Use it sparingly in baking.
Can you substitute butter for shortening?
Yes, butter and shortening can often be substituted 1:1 in baking recipes. Butter adds more flavor and moisture, while shortening creates flakier, more tender textures. The calorie counts are similar at 120 calories per tablespoon for both.
Track Shortening in Your Diet
Snap a photo of your meal and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros. No food weighing required.