FOOD SUBSTITUTES GUIDE

Out of an ingredient? Find the best swaps for 172+ common cooking ingredients, with exact ratios and tips for every situation.

Also see our Spice Substitutes Guide for 200+ spice swaps.

Milks & Cream

8

Liquid dairy and plant-based alternatives for cooking, baking, and drinking.

Cultured Dairy

8

Fermented and cultured dairy products used in cooking, baking, and dips.

Cheese

10

Hard, soft, and specialty cheeses used in cooking, melting, and finishing dishes.

Butter & Solid Fats

5

Solid cooking fats used for sautéing, baking, and enriching dishes.

Eggs

3

Whole eggs, whites, and yolks used for binding, leavening, and emulsifying.

Flours

10

Wheat and alternative flours for baking, thickening, and coating.

Leaveners & Thickeners

9

Baking agents and starches that provide rise, structure, and body.

Sweeteners & Sugars

10

Sugar, syrups, and alternative sweeteners for baking and cooking.

Chocolate & Baking Extras

7

Chocolate, cocoa, and flavor extracts essential to baking and desserts.

Cooking Oils

7

Liquid fats for sautéing, roasting, frying, and dressing.

Grains, Rice & Pasta

12

Staple carbohydrates including rice, pasta, oats, and other grains.

Meat Proteins

10

Common meats used as the protein base for a wide range of dishes.

Seafood

9

Fish and shellfish used across a wide range of cuisines.

Plant Proteins & Legumes

10

Beans, lentils, soy-based proteins, and other plant-based protein sources.

Vegetables

15

Common vegetables and how to substitute them in any recipe.

Condiments & Sauces

15

Pantry sauces, pastes, and condiments that anchor flavor in countless recipes.

Vinegars

6

Acidic condiments used for seasoning, preserving, and balancing flavors.

Fresh Herbs & Aromatics

10

Fresh herbs and aromatic roots that define the flavor of a dish.

Nuts, Seeds & Nut Butters

8

Nuts, seeds, and their butters used for texture, fat, and flavor.