A parting composition for facilitating the release of foodstuffs from cooking utensils contains an edible oil, lecithin and water and, optionally, a humectant such as glycerol. The water is present in an amount sufficient to partially, but not fully, hydrate the lecithin so as to render the parially hydrated lecithin insoluble in the edible oil. The composition, which may further include a suitable normally gaseous propellant to discharge the composition from a conventional aerosol spray can, provides a substantially clear and smooth spray coating on cooking utensils at ambient temperatures, without the need for ethyl alcohol in the composition. The composition may optionally include conventional modifying agents such as suspending agents, antioxidants, preservatives, flavorants, etc.