Spice – Using anise seed instead of star anise

In the US, to be labeled as margarine, the product must contain 80% fat per the Standard of Identity. The spread simply cannot be called margarine.

However, with a fat content of 70%, it is quite close to a standard margarine, and is likely otherwise the same thing.

Almost all recipes have enough tolerance that you could substitute regular margarine, real butter, or another vegetable oil 1:1. If you want to be more exact, you could approximate pretty closely (for easier math) by just using 3/4 the amount of a 100% fat product like shortening or vegetable oil, or 7/8 as much margarine or butter.

As a substitute for untoasted sesame oil, most light oils will work (light olive, peanut, canola, sunflower, etc). Any nut or seed oil should be pretty close.

Toasted sesame oil has a much bolder and nuttier flavor. It could perhaps be approximated with a light oil and adding toasted sesame to your dish.