Olive Oil vs Margarine
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 4.3%. Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe.
Calories per 100 g: Olive Oil 884 kcal vs Margarine 717 kcal. Difference: 167 kcal — Olive Oil is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Olive Oil | Margarine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 13.6 g | 14 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 4.5 g | 4.7 g |
| 1 cup | 216 g | 227 g |
| Density | 0.91 g/ml | 0.95 g/ml |
Measuring Tips
Use extra virgin for finishing, light olive oil for cooking — smoke points differ significantly.
Margarine is more shelf-stable than butter at room temperature. For baking that needs butter flavor (croissants, shortbread), butter wins. For everyday cooking, margarine is fine and cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Olive Oil be substituted for Margarine?▾
Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe. Density of Olive Oil is 0.91 g/ml; Margarine is 0.95 g/ml — a 4.3% difference. But flavor, moisture, and chemistry can still differ — verify suitability for the specific recipe.
How many grams in 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil vs Margarine?▾
1 tbsp Olive Oil ≈ 13.6 g. 1 tbsp Margarine ≈ 14 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Olive Oil = 0.97 tbsp Margarine.
Which has more calories, Olive Oil or Margarine?▾
Per 100 g: Olive Oil 884 kcal, Margarine 717 kcal. Olive Oil has 167 more kcal.
What is Olive Oil typically used for?▾
Olive Oil is commonly used in: salad dressing, Mediterranean cooking, bread dipping, marinades. Source: usda-fdc.
What is Margarine typically used for?▾
Margarine is commonly used in: bread spread, sautéing, baking, buttercream. Source: usda-fdc.