Many recipes use butter or margarine, which is unfortunate for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or vegan. My husband is both lactose intolerant and allergic to milk so I either avoid recipes that call for butter or substitute it with vegetable or olive oil. Margarines sold in China contain traces of milk, not to mention, very unhealthy. Oil substitution works okay for most recipes. It’s not great, but it works. Olive oil is a better, healthier substitution than vegetable oil.

The table below shows the substitution amounts for butter or margarine.

You can also use Earth Balance buttery spread, which is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. I’ve never used Earth Balance before, but I learned from another lady here in Shanghai that City Shop sells them for 88RMB ($13 USD) per 369 grams tub or 454 grams stick. That’s 3 times the price sold in the U.S.  Since I’ve never used Earth Balance before, I will get some to at least try and see if there’s a significant difference.