• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About

Gusto Meadow

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
×
Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes

The best substitutes for Mashed Potatoes are Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Vegan Margarine, Yogurt, and Applesauce.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from olives.

For cooking, Coconut Oil also works well - adjust the amount to taste since it may be slightly stronger or milder.

Hey there, mashed potato lovers!

Hands up if you've eyed that creamy, fluffy pile on your plate and thought, "Hmm, what else can bring this magic besides butter?"

Because I've got some killer swaps that'll keep your spuds exciting and your pantry guessing.

From the rich and nutty to the surprisingly fresh, these alternatives are about to shake up your potato game.

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes Save for Later!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Butter in Mashed Potatoes
    • 1 - Olive Oil
    • 2 - Coconut Oil
    • 3 - Vegan Margarine
    • 4 - Yogurt
    • 5 - Applesauce
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Butter in Mashed Potatoes

Some people might think that mashed potatoes are nothing without butter.

But there are actually a number of substitutes that can be used in its place.

Here are 5 of the best substitutes for butter in mashed potatoes:

1 - Olive Oil

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes Save for Later!

Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from olives.

It has a fruity, earthy flavor and a slightly peppery taste. Its texture is smooth and silky.

Olive oil is a healthy alternative to butter and other types of animal fat.

It contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Also, olive oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, D, and E.

It can be used in a variety of recipes, including mashed potatoes.

To substitute olive oil for butter in mashed potatoes, simply replace the butter with an equal amount of olive oil.

The olive oil will add flavor to the potatoes while also making them healthier.

2 - Coconut Oil

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes Save for Later!

If you haven't yet jumped on the coconut oil bandwagon,

This flexible oil has a host of benefits, both for your health and for your cooking.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature but melts quickly when heated, making it ideal for baking or sautéing.

It also has a subtle coconut flavor that can improve the flavor of many recipes.

If you're looking to cut back on butter, you can even use coconut oil as a substitute for mashed potatoes.

Simply melt the oil and stir it into your cooked potatoes in place of the butter.

You'll end up with a light and fluffy side dish that's sure to please your palate.

3 - Vegan Margarine

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes Save for Later!

Vegan margarine is a spread made from plant oils rather than milk or butter.

As a result, it is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative to butter.

While the taste and texture of vegan margarine may not be identical to butter, it can still be used in many of the same ways.

For example, it can be used as a spread on toast or used in baking.

It can also be used as a substitute for butter in mashed potatoes.

To do this, simply substitute an equal amount of vegan margarine for the butter called for in the recipe.

The result will be a delicious and healthy mashed potato dish that is suitable for vegans and non-vegans alike.

4 - Yogurt

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes Save for Later!

Yogurt is a delicious, creamy food that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in recipes.

It has a slightly tangy taste and a smooth, velvety texture.

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk using live bacteria.

This process gives yogurt its distinctive flavor and also provides numerous health benefits.

Yogurt is rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.

Yogurt can be used as a substitute for butter in mashed potatoes.

Simply swap out an equal amount of butter for yogurt.

The potatoes will still be creamy and flavorful but with fewer calories and saturated fat.

Plus, the addition of yogurt will boost the dish's nutrient content.

So next time you're making mashed potatoes, consider swapping in some yogurt for butter.

5 - Applesauce

5 Butter Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes Save for Later!

Who doesn't love applesauce? It's sweet, tart, and versatile.

You can eat it plain, as a topping for pancakes or oatmeal, or use it as a substitution for other ingredients in recipes.

For example, did you know that you can use applesauce instead of butter in mashed potatoes? It's a healthy swap that adds both flavor and nutrients.

Simply substitute an equal amount of applesauce for the butter called for in your recipe.

Give it a try next time you're making mashed potatoes - your palate will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Mashed Potatoes?

Olive Oil Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from olives. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Mashed Potatoes.

What works as a replacement in recipes?

Yes. Olive Oil and Coconut Oil work as direct replacements in most recipes.

Use the same quantity and adjust seasoning after tasting.

Does the substitute change cooking time or temperature?

Usually not, but check moisture content. Wetter substitutes may need a slightly higher temperature or longer cook time to evaporate excess liquid and achieve the right texture.

Is the substitute appropriate for all dietary restrictions?

Check labels carefully.

Many substitutes introduce allergens or ingredients that conflict with specific diets - dairy, gluten, soy, or nuts may appear in processed alternatives.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

More Substitutes

  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Chia Seeds
  • 5 BEST Marsala Wine Substitutes
  • Explore Options: 5 BEST Milk Powder Substitutes
  • Spice Up Recipes: 5 Best Substitutes for Lecithin

Primary Sidebar

Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

Our Story →

Related Posts

  • What to Serve with Cocktail Meatballs? 7 BEST Side Dishes
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Mayo in Crab Cakes
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Eggs in Muffins
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Cream of Chicken
  • 5 Substitutes for Vanilla Extract in Cookies
  • Aperitif Revival: 5 BEST Kina Lillet Substitutes

Join 5,000+ Home Cooks

Fresh Recipes Weekly

Easy dinner ideas, smart substitutes, and kitchen tips — every Thursday morning.

Subscribe Free →

Dinner Picks

  • Garlic butter baked pork chops this re xeuiota
    13 Keto-Friendly Pork Chop Recipes for Low-Carb Dinners
  • Sheet pan with garlic and qzvpq
    14 One-Pan Vegetarian Dinners with Seasonal Vegetables
  • Garlic butter baked chicken thighs thi
    15 Quick and Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes
  • Sheet pan salmon with lemon dill and a lg
    14 Easy Sheet Pan Salmon Dinners with Fresh Herbs

Browse by Topic

  • Ingredient Substitutes340
  • Side Dishes186
  • Comparisons124
  • Taste Guides89
  • Shelf Life72

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2026 GustoMeadow