Don't have it?
Use this instead.

Quick substitutions with exact ratios. No guessing.

Substitute for

heavy cream

5 options

Half-and-half

excellent

Won't whip. Slightly thinner. Fine for sauces and soups.

Ratio1:1

Coconut cream

excellent

Dairy-free. Slight coconut flavor. Excellent in curries and soups.

Ratio1:1

Whole milk + butter

good

Good for sauces and baking. Won't whip.

Ratio3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted butter = 1 cup cream

Evaporated milk

good

Slightly sweet. Good for soups and casseroles.

Ratio1:1

Cashew cream

good

Blend soaked cashews with water. Vegan, neutral flavor.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

buttermilk

4 options

Milk + lemon juice

excellent

The classic hack. Works perfectly in baking.

Ratio1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, sit 10 min

Milk + white vinegar

excellent

Same as lemon juice method. Equally effective.

Ratio1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar, sit 10 min

Plain yogurt + milk

excellent

Thicker than buttermilk. Great in pancakes and biscuits.

Ratio3/4 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup milk

Sour cream + milk

good

Rich and tangy. Good for baking.

Ratio3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup milk
Substitute for

butter

4 options

Coconut oil

good

Solid at room temp like butter. Slight coconut flavor in baking.

Ratio1:1

Olive oil

good

For savory cooking. Not for baking where butter flavor matters.

Ratio3/4 cup oil = 1 cup butter

Ghee

excellent

Clarified butter. Higher smoke point. Technically still dairy but lactose-free.

Ratio1:1

Applesauce

acceptable

For baking only. Reduces fat. Makes things moist.

Ratio1/2 cup applesauce = 1 cup butter
Substitute for

sour cream

3 options

Plain Greek yogurt

excellent

Best substitute. Less fat, more protein. Almost identical in recipes.

Ratio1:1

Cottage cheese (blended)

good

High protein. Blend until smooth for dips and baking.

Ratio1:1 blended smooth

Cashew cream + lemon juice

good

Vegan. Blend soaked cashews, water, and lemon juice.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

parmesan cheese

3 options

Pecorino Romano

excellent

Sharper and saltier. Reduce other salt. Made from sheep's milk.

Ratio1:1

Asiago

good

Milder flavor but similar texture. Works in pasta.

Ratio1:1

Nutritional yeast

acceptable

Vegan. Nutty, cheesy flavor. Won't melt the same.

Ratio2 tbsp yeast = 1/4 cup parmesan
Substitute for

eggs

5 options

Flax egg

good

Let sit 5 min until gel forms. Best for muffins, cookies, pancakes.

Ratio1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg

Mashed banana

good

Adds banana flavor. Best for sweet baking.

Ratio1/4 cup = 1 egg

Applesauce

good

Neutral flavor. Good for cakes and muffins.

Ratio1/4 cup = 1 egg

Silken tofu

acceptable

Neutral flavor. Good for dense baking.

Ratio1/4 cup blended = 1 egg

Commercial egg replacer

excellent

Bob's Red Mill or JUST Egg work well.

RatioFollow package directions
Substitute for

ground beef

5 options

Ground turkey

excellent

Leaner. Use 93/7 for best results. Add a splash of oil for moisture.

Ratio1:1

Ground chicken

good

Very lean, mild. Season aggressively.

Ratio1:1

Ground bison

excellent

Leaner and slightly gamey. Excellent in burgers.

Ratio1:1

Impossible/Beyond meat

good

Plant-based. Cooks similarly. Works great in tacos and chili.

Ratio1:1

Lentils

good

Vegan. Different texture. Great in chili, bolognese, tacos.

Ratio1 cup cooked lentils = 1 lb ground beef
Substitute for

chicken breast

4 options

Chicken thighs

excellent

More flavor, slightly more fat. Juicier. Many chefs prefer them.

Ratio1:1 by weight

Turkey breast

good

Very similar. Slightly drier. Works in any chicken recipe.

Ratio1:1

Pork tenderloin

good

Similar lean white meat. Different flavor. Good in stir-fries.

Ratio1:1

Extra-firm tofu

acceptable

Press well, season heavily. Bake or pan-fry for best texture.

Ratio1 block = ~1 lb chicken
Substitute for

chicken broth

4 options

Vegetable broth

excellent

Makes any recipe vegetarian. Slightly different flavor.

Ratio1:1

Bouillon cube + water

good

Higher sodium. Reduce added salt. Always have these in the pantry.

Ratio1 cube + 1 cup water

Water + soy sauce

acceptable

Adds umami. Not as complex as broth but works in a pinch.

Ratio1 cup water + 1 tsp soy sauce

Bone broth

excellent

Richer, more collagen. Excellent upgrade, not just a substitute.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

soy sauce

4 options

Tamari

excellent

Gluten-free soy sauce. Nearly identical flavor.

Ratio1:1

Coconut aminos

good

Soy-free, gluten-free. Slightly sweeter, less salty.

Ratio1:1

Worcestershire sauce

acceptable

Different flavor profile but adds similar umami depth.

Ratio1:1

Fish sauce

good

Much stronger. Use half. Adds intense umami.

Ratio1/2 the amount
Substitute for

smoked paprika

3 options

Regular paprika + liquid smoke

excellent

Closest match to the smoky flavor.

RatioEqual paprika + 1 drop liquid smoke

Chipotle powder

good

Smoky AND spicy. Use less. Adds heat.

RatioHalf the amount

Ancho chili powder

good

Mild heat, slightly sweet. Good in rubs and stews.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley)

3 options

Dried version

good

1/3 the amount. Add earlier in cooking. Less vibrant.

Ratio1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh

Different fresh herb

acceptable

Parsley for cilantro, basil for parsley — not identical but works.

Ratio1:1

Frozen herbs

excellent

Frozen cubes retain more flavor than dried. Check freezer section.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

olive oil

4 options

Avocado oil

excellent

Higher smoke point. Neutral flavor. Better for high-heat cooking.

Ratio1:1

Vegetable/canola oil

good

Neutral flavor. Works for cooking, not for finishing.

Ratio1:1

Butter

good

Different flavor. Great for sautéing. Not for dressings.

Ratio1:1

Coconut oil

acceptable

Slight coconut flavor. Best for Asian dishes and baking.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

all-purpose flour

4 options

Whole wheat flour

good

Denser, nuttier. Use 3/4 amount or mix 50/50 with AP.

Ratio3/4 cup WW = 1 cup AP

Almond flour

good

Gluten-free. Denser, moister. Best in cookies and cakes, not bread.

Ratio1:1 by volume

Oat flour

good

Gluten-free (if certified). Blend oats in food processor. Slightly sweet.

Ratio1:1

1:1 GF flour blend

excellent

Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur. Designed to replace AP directly.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

white sugar

4 options

Brown sugar

excellent

Adds moisture and molasses flavor. Slightly denser result.

Ratio1:1

Honey

good

Reduce other liquids by 1/4 cup. Lower oven temp by 25°F.

Ratio3/4 cup honey = 1 cup sugar

Maple syrup

good

Same liquid adjustments as honey. Adds maple flavor.

Ratio3/4 cup syrup = 1 cup sugar

Coconut sugar

excellent

Lower glycemic. Slightly caramel flavor. Works great.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

brown sugar

5 options

White sugar + molasses

excellent

Exact DIY match. Use 2 tbsp molasses for dark brown sugar.

Ratio1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses = 1 cup light brown sugar

White sugar

good

Loses moisture and caramel depth. Works in a pinch for cookies and sauces.

Ratio1:1

Coconut sugar

excellent

Similar caramel flavor and color. Slightly less moisture than brown sugar.

Ratio1:1

Maple syrup

good

Reduce other liquids by 3 tbsp. Adds distinct maple flavor.

Ratio3/4 cup syrup = 1 cup brown sugar

Date sugar

acceptable

Made from ground dates. Does not melt or dissolve like regular sugar.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

baking powder

4 options

Baking soda + cream of tartar

excellent

The exact chemical equivalent. Mix fresh each time.

Ratio1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar = 1 tsp baking powder

Baking soda + lemon juice

good

Slight lemon flavor. Work quickly as it activates immediately.

Ratio1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp lemon juice = 1 tsp baking powder

Baking soda + vinegar

good

Use white vinegar for neutral flavor. Mix into batter fast.

Ratio1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp vinegar = 1 tsp baking powder

Self-rising flour

excellent

Already contains baking powder and salt. Adjust salt in recipe.

RatioReplace AP flour with self-rising and omit baking powder
Substitute for

cornstarch

4 options

All-purpose flour

good

Use double the amount. Makes sauces slightly cloudier than cornstarch.

Ratio2 tbsp flour = 1 tbsp cornstarch

Arrowroot powder

excellent

Gluten-free, clear finish. Great for glossy sauces. Breaks down with prolonged heat.

Ratio1:1

Tapioca starch

good

Gluten-free. Gives a slightly chewy texture. Good for pie fillings.

Ratio2 tbsp tapioca = 1 tbsp cornstarch

Potato starch

good

Gluten-free. Add at end of cooking. Loses thickening power if boiled too long.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

vegetable oil

5 options

Canola oil

excellent

Neutral flavor, similar smoke point. Closest direct swap.

Ratio1:1

Melted coconut oil

good

Slight coconut flavor in unrefined. Refined is neutral. Great for baking.

Ratio1:1

Applesauce

acceptable

For baking only. Cuts fat significantly. Makes baked goods moister and denser.

Ratio1:1

Melted butter

good

Adds richer flavor. Works well in cakes and brownies. Not for high-heat frying.

Ratio1:1

Avocado oil

excellent

Neutral flavor, very high smoke point. Works for baking and frying.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

ricotta cheese

4 options

Cottage cheese (blended)

excellent

Blend until smooth for near-identical texture. Lower fat. Great in lasagna.

Ratio1:1 blended smooth

Cream cheese

good

Richer and denser. Thin with a splash of milk for closer consistency.

Ratio1:1

Mascarpone

good

Creamier and richer. Excellent in desserts like cannoli and cheesecake.

Ratio1:1

Silken tofu (blended)

acceptable

Vegan. Blend with lemon juice and salt. Works in lasagna and stuffed shells.

Ratio1:1 blended smooth
Substitute for

cream cheese

4 options

Mascarpone

excellent

Richer, less tangy. Excellent in frostings and cheesecake.

Ratio1:1

Greek yogurt (strained)

good

Tangier and lighter. Strain through cheesecloth for thicker consistency.

Ratio1:1

Neufchatel cheese

excellent

Lower fat cream cheese. Nearly identical taste, slightly softer texture.

Ratio1:1

Cashew cream cheese

good

Vegan. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and salt. Best in spreads.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

worcestershire sauce

4 options

Soy sauce + vinegar + sugar

good

Mimics the savory-sweet-tangy balance. Quick pantry fix.

Ratio1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp vinegar + pinch of sugar = 1 tbsp Worcestershire

Coconut aminos + vinegar

good

Soy-free and gluten-free. Slightly sweeter but close.

Ratio1 tbsp coconut aminos + 1/2 tsp vinegar = 1 tbsp Worcestershire

Fish sauce

acceptable

Much more concentrated. Use sparingly. Adds deep umami.

Ratio1/2 tsp fish sauce = 1 tbsp Worcestershire

Balsamic vinegar

acceptable

Different flavor but adds similar tangy depth. Good in marinades.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

fish sauce

4 options

Soy sauce

good

Less funky, more straightforward salt. Misses the fermented depth but works.

Ratio1:1

Soy sauce + lime juice

good

Closer to the bright, salty punch of fish sauce in Thai dishes.

Ratio1 tbsp soy sauce + 1/2 tsp lime juice = 1 tbsp fish sauce

Worcestershire sauce

good

Contains anchovies so similar umami. Slightly different flavor profile.

Ratio1:1

Miso paste (thinned)

acceptable

Vegan-friendly umami bomb. Adds fermented depth without the fish.

Ratio1 tsp miso + 1 tsp water = 1 tbsp fish sauce
Substitute for

rice vinegar

4 options

Apple cider vinegar

good

Slightly stronger. Add a pinch of sugar to soften the acidity.

Ratio1:1

White wine vinegar

excellent

Similar mild acidity. Closest flavor match of any vinegar.

Ratio1:1

Champagne vinegar

excellent

Delicate and mild. Premium swap that works beautifully in dressings.

Ratio1:1

Lemon juice

acceptable

Different flavor but similar acidity level. Good for dressings and quick pickles.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

honey

5 options

Maple syrup

excellent

Closest liquid sweetener swap. Adds maple flavor instead of floral.

Ratio1:1

Agave nectar

good

Vegan. Thinner and milder than honey. Dissolves easily in cold drinks.

Ratio1:1

Corn syrup (light)

acceptable

Less sweet than honey. Neutral flavor. Works in baking and sauces.

Ratio1:1

Date syrup

good

Vegan. Rich caramel flavor. Great in marinades and dressings.

Ratio1:1

Brown sugar (dissolved)

acceptable

Simmer until dissolved. Works in marinades and glazes.

Ratio3/4 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup water = 1 cup honey
Substitute for

maple syrup

4 options

Honey

excellent

Thicker and sweeter. Closest swap. Different flavor but similar function.

Ratio1:1

Agave nectar

good

Thinner, milder. Vegan. Works in baking and drizzling.

Ratio1:1

Brown sugar syrup

good

DIY syrup. Has caramel notes similar to maple.

Ratio1/2 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup water, simmered = 1/2 cup maple syrup

Pancake syrup

acceptable

Corn syrup-based, artificial flavor. Works on pancakes but not ideal for baking.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

breadcrumbs

5 options

Crushed crackers

good

Saltines or Ritz. Adds buttery flavor. Great for casserole toppings.

Ratio1:1

Panko breadcrumbs

excellent

Lighter and crispier. Japanese-style. Superior for frying.

Ratio1:1

Crushed cornflakes

good

Gluten-free option. Extra crunchy coating for fried chicken or fish.

Ratio1:1

Almond flour

good

Gluten-free, low-carb. Denser coating. Works for baked dishes.

Ratio1:1

Rolled oats (pulsed)

acceptable

Gluten-free if certified. Good as binder in meatballs and meatloaf.

Ratio1:1 pulsed in food processor
Substitute for

half-and-half

4 options

Whole milk + heavy cream

excellent

Exact match. The literal definition of half-and-half.

Ratio1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup cream = 1 cup half-and-half

Whole milk + butter

good

Adds richness without needing cream on hand.

Ratio7/8 cup milk + 1 tbsp melted butter = 1 cup half-and-half

Evaporated milk

good

Slightly sweet, shelf-stable. Good for coffee and cooking.

Ratio1:1

Oat milk (barista blend)

acceptable

Dairy-free. Barista blends are creamier and froth well for coffee.

Ratio1:1
Substitute for

coconut milk

4 options

Heavy cream

good

For curries and soups. Adds richness without coconut flavor.

Ratio1:1

Oat milk (full fat)

good

Dairy-free, nut-free. Creamy enough for soups and smoothies.

Ratio1:1

Cashew cream

good

Blend soaked cashews with water. Rich and neutral. Great in curries.

Ratio1:1

Almond milk + coconut cream

excellent

Lighter version with some coconut flavor retained.

Ratio3/4 cup almond milk + 1/4 cup coconut cream = 1 cup coconut milk
Substitute for

tomato paste

4 options

Tomato sauce (reduced)

excellent

Cook until thick. Takes 5-10 minutes. Most common substitute.

Ratio3 tbsp tomato sauce, simmered down = 1 tbsp tomato paste

Ketchup

acceptable

Sweeter and tangier. Works in a pinch for sauces and stews. Reduce sugar elsewhere.

Ratio1:1

Canned crushed tomatoes (reduced)

good

Strain and reduce. Takes longer but gives fresh tomato flavor.

RatioSimmer 1/2 cup until thick = ~2 tbsp paste

Sun-dried tomato puree

good

Blend sun-dried tomatoes with a little oil. Intense, concentrated flavor.

Ratio1:1