Kitchen Basics

Common Ingredient Substitutions That Will Bring Your Recipes to Life

Last updated on April 14, 2020 by Dragana Kovacevic

Whether you’re trying to make do with ingredients you already have at home, or aren’t able to source the right ones at the moment because they are in such high demand, here are 25 common ingredient substitutions you can rely on instead.

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Applesauce for Oil

<p>½ cup of applesauce for ½ cup of oil</p> <p>Applesauce is a great substitute for oil because its consistency keeps baked goods moist, but with less fat. It won’t outright replace the emulsifiers in oil, but naturally-occuring pectin in applesauce will help bind the ingredients. </p> <p>For another tasty way to use apple sauce, try this <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-bread-pudding-with-spicy-caramel-apple-sauce-and-vanilla-bean-creme-anglaise/17148/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pumpkin Bread Pudding With Spicy Caramel Apple Sauce and Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise</a></strong></p>
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Lemon Juice for Vinegar

<p>1 tsp of lemon juice for ½ tsp of vinegar</p> <p>If you’re short on vinegar, try lemon juice instead. The acid in the citrus fruit mimics that of vinegar. </p> <p>If you have extra lemons left over, try <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-blueberry-trifles/16924/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Lemon Blueberry Trifles</strong></a></a></p>
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Cream and Yogurt for Creme Fraiche

<p>1 tsp of yogurt and 1 cup of cream (let it sit in a clear jar for 12-24 hrs) for creme fraiche</p> <p>While this one requires some advance prep, the result is an impressive substitute for this often-hard-to-find ingredient. While you can also replace creme fraiche with sour cream and whipping cream, another popular ingredient substitution includes cream and yogurt. </p> <p>For yet another refreshing way to use yogurt, opt for this tasty <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/yogurt-berry-drink/10999/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yogurt Berry Drink</a></strong></p>
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Yogurt for Mayo

<p>1 cup yogurt for 1 cup mayo </p> <p>Yogurt does a fine job in place of mayo in many recipes. </p> <p> If you’re craving something decadent-yet-healthy, give this delicious <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whole-grain-crusted-apple-pie-with-maple-yogurt-topping/8556/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whole Grain Crusted Apple Pie with Maple Yogurt Topping</a></strong> a go.
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Bouillon Cube for Chicken Broth

<p>1 bouillon cube in 1 cup of water for 1 cup of chicken broth </p> <p>If you’re lacking the ingredients for a proper slow-simmering broth, a bouillon cube makes a great substitute. </p> <p>Give this scrumptious <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/slow-cooker-tortilla-soup-brings-fiesta-flavour-without-the-fuss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is Fiesta Flavour Without the Fuss</a></strong> a whirl. </p>
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Dairy-Free Milk for Regular Milk

<p>1 cup of dairy-free milk for 1 cup of regular milk </p> <p>We’ve come a long way since relying exclusively on dairy for our favourite beverages. Try one of the popular alternatives, including oat milk, coconut or cashew milk. </p> <p>If you’re wondering about the differences in non-dairy milk, and which is best for what, take a look at this helpful breakdown: <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/best-non-dairy-milk-for-everything/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Best Non-Dairy Milks to Meet All Your Needs</a></p>
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Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar for Baking Powder

<p>¼ tsp baking soda and ⅝ tsp cream of tartar for 1 tsp of baking powder (double acting) </p> <p>If you’re in a pinch and don’t have baking powder, you can combine baking soda and cream of tartar to complete your recipe. </p> <p>Another great way to use baking soda is <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-chip-cookies-a-la-anna-olson/2633/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chocolate Chip Cookies a la Anna Olson</a></strong></p>
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Vegetable Shortening for Butter

<p>⅞ cup vegetable shortening (or vegetable oil) for 1 cup of butter </p> <p>While the rich flavour of butter is hard to replicate completely, if you need an alternative, vegetable shortening or oil will act as emulsifiers. </p> <p>Try this recipe using vegetable shortening: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sugar-and-spice-doughnuts/19406/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sugar and Spice Doughnuts</a></strong></p>
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Sugar and Molasses for Brown Sugar

<p>1 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbsp molasses for 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar </p> <p>You are basically blending what’s already been separated; mix the granulated sugar with molasses in a food processor to replace brown sugar. </p> <p>You can also use molasses in this recipe: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-sweet-potato-wedges-with-orange-molasses-butter/16204/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges With Orange-Molasses Butter</a></strong></p>.
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Crushed Crackers for Dry Bread Crumbs

<p>¾ cup crushed crackers for 1 cup dry bread crumbs </p> <p>If you’re looking to make one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/iconic-southern-comfort-food-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iconic Southern comfort foods</a>, but are missing the key ingredient — bread crumbs — fret not. Just blend your favourite crackers and you’re set. </p> <p>No crackers? No problem! Make your own with this recipe: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheddar-jalapeno-crackers/5665/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cheddar Jalapeno Crackers</a></strong></p>
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Yogurt for Sour Cream

<p>1 cup plain yogurt for 1 cup sour cream </p> <p>These two are perfect swaps because they share very similar consistency and flavour (sour cream has a bit more tang, but not by a wide margin). </p> <p>For inspiration, try these <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crispy-pork-fingers-with-yogurt-dip/9508/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crispy Pork Fingers With Yogurt Dip</a></strong></p>
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Milk and Lemon Juice for Buttermilk

<p>1 Tbsp of lemon juice and enough milk to equal 1 cup (let sit for 5 minutes) for 1 cup buttermilk </p> <p>This mixed substitution requires some time to allow the ingredients to react, but the acidity in lemon juice will add the right tangy note to the end result. If you don’t have lemon, you can swap in white vinegar too. </p> <p>You can also use milk in this delicious roundup: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/how-to-make-alternative-coffee-shop-drinks-at-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alternative Ways to Make Coffee Shop Drinks at Home</a></strong></p>
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Cake and All-Purpose Flour for Pastry Flour

<p>1 Tbsp of cake flour and enough all-purpose flour to make 1 cup for 1 cup of pastry flour </p> <p>The proteins in pastry flour are similar to the combination of cake and all-purpose flours combined. If you don’t have cake flour, you can also use cornstarch in the same amount. </p> <p>For another way to use all-purpose flour, try this recipe that uses less than 10 pantry ingredients: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/easy-soft-rolls-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Easy Soft Rolls</a></strong></p>
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Dark Corn Syrup for Molasses

<p>1 cup of dark corn syrup for 1 cup of molasses </p> <p> While molasses can get pricey and while its flavour is hard to replicate exactly, you can swap in regular dark corn syrup, honey or even maple syrup, when needed, in these same proportions. If you have brown sugar, another option is ¾ cup of packed brown sugar for 1 cup of molasses. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vanilla-cardamom-cast-iron-skillet-french-toast-with-pan-roasted-apples-and-date-molasses/19015/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Vanilla-Cardamom Cast-Iron Skillet French Toast With Pan-Roasted Apples and Date Molasses</a></strong></p>
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White Vinegar and Lemon Juice for Cream of Tartar

<p>¼ tsp lemon juice and ¼ tsp of white vinegar for ¼ tsp cream of tartar </p> <p>Equal parts of lemon juice and white vinegar will act just like cream of tartar. Alternately, even baking powder will do in a pinch. </p> <p>For another creative way to use white vinegar, try <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/red-velvet-cake/12416/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Red Velvet Cake</a></strong></p>
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Fennel Seeds for Anise Seed

<p>½ tsp fennel seeds for ½ tsp anise </p> <p>The milder aroma of fennel seeds will replace anise’s distinctive, sweet licorice flavour, if you are all out of this spice. </p> <p>Have more fennel seeds than you know what to do with? Try these <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fennel-seed-sausage-bites-with-curried-marmalade/12888/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fennel Seed Sausage Bits With Curried Marmalade</a></strong></p>
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Tomato Paste and Water for Tomato Sauce

<p>½ cup tomato paste and ½ cup of water for 1 cup of tomato sauce </p> <p>Tomato paste is more concentrated and takes up less space in storage, so if you find yourself needing tomato sauce, but have the paste, blend it with water in equal parts and you’ll have tomato sauce. </p> <p>Try using tomato paste in this <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-curry/18952/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken Curry</a></strong></p>
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Nutmeg for Cinnamon

<p>1 tsp nutmeg for 1 tsp cinnamon </p> <p>If you’re all out of cinnamon, try nutmeg or even allspice for cardamom as substitutes. </p> <p>Nutmeg is not just for sweet treats! Try it in this delicious <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sauteed-spinach-with-nutmeg/8013/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sauteed Spinach With Nutmeg</a></strong> recipe. </p>
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Baking Soda and Lemon Juice for Yeast

<p>½ tsp baking soda and ½ tsp lemon juice for 1 tsp active dry yeast </p> <p>To activate soda, you need to add an acid and while lemon juice is a great option, other acids such as buttermilk will also do. </p> <p>Try baking soda in this Emerald Isle staple: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/traditional-irish-soda-bread/15463/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Traditional Irish Soda Bread</a></strong></p>
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Blended Raw Rolled Oats for Gluten-Free Flour

<p>Enough raw rolled oats to make 1 cup when blended for 1 cup gluten-free flour </p> <p>This is a great quick substitute when you’re out of gluten-free flour. All you need is a strong blender and oats. While technically all oats will work for this, including steel cut oats or even quick cooking rolled oats, the best for making gluten-free flour are raw rolled oats. Many recipes are formulated for gluten-free flour, but if you need to swap it in for all-purpose flour, don’t use more than 25-30 per cent of the ingredient. </p> <p>You can also combine oats into this family-friendly meal: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-kale-and-oat-meatballs-with-quick-tomato-sauce/22103/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Turkey, Kale and Oat Meatballs With Quick Tomato Sauce</a></strong></p>
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Melted Butter and Whole Milk for Half-and-Half

<p>1 ½ Tbsp melted butter and enough whole milk to equal 1 cup for 1 cup half-and-half </p> <p>If half-and-half is tricky to locate, a quick at-home replacement are melted butter and whole milk. </p> <p>Try this inexpensive-yet-still-tasty side: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooked-potatoes-with-butter-and-thyme/19484/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooked Potatoes With Butter and Thyme</a></strong></p>
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Ground Flax Seeds and Water for Eggs

<p>1 Tbsp ground flaxseed and 3 Tbsp water (let sit for 5 minutes) for 1 egg </p> <p> While this is not a perfect substitution (especially not if the recipe calls for whipped egg whites), it will help emulsify the rest of your ingredients. </p> <p>For other great vegan substitutions, take a look at <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/top-vegan-baking-substitutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s top 5 list</a></strong></p>
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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder and Butter for Unsweetened Chocolate

<p>3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa and 1 Tbsp melted butter for 1 oz (1 square) unsweetened chocolate</p> <p>If a recipe calls for unsweetened chocolate, you can make a substitute by combining unsweetened cocoa powder and butter (even shortening will do). </p> <p>If you’re craving chocolate try this <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-truffle-cheesecake/22262/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake</a></strong> recipe. </p>
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Cottage Cheese for Ricotta Cheese

<p>1 cup cottage cheese for 1 cup ricotta cheese </p> <p>If you’re in need of mild, slightly sweet ricotta cheese but have cottage cheese, you can substitute the two as they are close enough in texture and flavour. </p> <p>Try cottage cheese in this Anna Olson take on a traditional Croatian treat: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-burek/21749/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cheese Burek</a></strong></p>
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Bourbon or Rum for Vanilla Extract

<p>1 tsp of bourbon or rum for 1 tsp of vanilla extract </p> <p>While not an exact match, either bourbon or rum will deepen the flavour of your recipe. </p> <p>Try this Bourbon-infused recipe: <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bourbon-peach-and-ginger-jam/18697/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bourbon, Peach and Ginger Jam</a></strong></p>
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