What can I substitute for truffle oil?

Recommended substitutions for truffle oil include truffle salt or a fresh and flavorful extra virgin olive oil. However, many believe that there is no perfect substitute for truffle oil.

Despite a popular belief that truffle oil is made from truffles, the flavoring is actually concocted in a laboratory. The chemical compound 2,4-dithiapentane is added to an oil base to create a simulation of the rare and expensive fungus. Substitutions include truffle salt, which is made with the same flavoring compound, and extra virgin olive oil, which is often used as the base for truffle oil. Used together or separately, these ingredients will bring the essential elements of truffle oil to your dish.