Smart ingredient swaps across your whole kitchen
This guide is your go-to reference for flavor-forward ingredient swaps. It’s perfect for when you’re out of something. You can also use it for adapting recipes for allergies, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry. From canned goods to fresh aromatics, we’ve got you covered.
How to Use This Guide
Use the chart below to quickly find trusted, chef-tested swaps for common ingredients. Each category lists easy replacements with helpful pairing notes where needed.
Canned & Jarred Swaps
| Ingredient | Use Instead |
| Calabrian chili | Aleppo pepper, Harissa, Red Pepper Flakes |
| Chili Crisp | Gochujang + Crispy Garlic Oil |
Coconut Milk | Cashew cream, Whole milk + coconut extract |
| Jarred Jalapenos | Fresh jalapenos, pickled serranos |
| Roasted Red Peppers | Fresh red bell peppers (charred), pimento |
| Chipotle in Adobo | Smoked paprika + tomato paste |
Dairy & Egg Swaps
| Ingredient | Substitute With |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | Coconut cream, Sour cream + Milk, Greek yogurt |
| Milk | Unsweetened plant-based milk (flavor-dependent) |
| Butter | Olive oil, Ghee, Avocado oil |
| Buttermilk | Milk + vinegar or buttermilk powder |
| Egg (for baking) | Flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water), Applesauce, Mashed banana |
Protein & Broth Swaps
| Ingredient | Substitute With |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, mushrooms, or lentils |
| Ground Chicken | Ground turkey or pork |
| Ground Pork | Ground beef or plant-based sausage |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable broth, miso paste + water |
| Pancetta / Bacon | Hempers bacon ends, Smoked tempeh, Mushrooms + smoked paprika |
Aromatics & Spices Swaps
Flavor-forward swaps for seasoning, sautéing, and layering depth.
Garlic → Granulated garlic, garlic powder, shallots, or roasted garlic paste
Onion → Onion powder, scallions, leeks, or shallots
Fresh Herbs → Dried herbs (use 1/3 the amount), or herb pastes
Paprika → Smoked paprika, chili powder, Aleppo pepper
Ginger → Ground ginger (1:1), candied or frozen
Cilantro → Parsley or parsley + mint
Basil → Oregano, sage, or thyme
Cumin → Coriander or caraway
Cinnamon → Nutmeg, allspice, or mace
Sumac → Lemon zest or za’atar
Pantry Essentials
| Ingredient | Substitute With |
| Crushed Tomatoes | Fresh blended tomatoes, Tomato puree |
| Tomato Paste | Tomato purre reduced by half |
Brown Sugar | White sugar + molasses, Maple syrup |
| All-Purpose Flour | Whole wheat flour, Gluten-free flour blend |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers, oats, ground dry sourdough bread |
| Soy Sauce | Tamari (gluten-free), Liquid Aminos |
| Baking Powder | 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar + 1/4 tsp starch |
| Cream of Tartar | 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar (for every 1 tsp used) |
| Cornstarch | Arrowroot powder (1:1 ratio) |
General Substitution Ratios
Fresh → Dried Herbs: Use 1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried
Onion (1 cup chopped) → 1 tablespoon onion powder
Garlic (1 clove) → ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Whole → Ground Spices: Use slightly less ground (start small)
Want More?
Explore the full Spices & Flavors Guide for pairing tips, chili heat levels, and regional breakdowns.
Or download our Ingredient Substitution Cheat Sheet (PDF) to keep in your kitchen!
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