What Is a Good Substitute for Margarine?

One cup of shortening with 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be used to replace 1 cup of margarine, as can 1 cup of salted butter. Seven-eighths cup of vegetable oil mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt also serves as a substitute, and the same proportions work for lard and salt. Unilever holds that the fats in margarine are healthy and help to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Margarine normally contains salt and cannot be used as a substitute for unsalted butter.