Food Substitutes

Run out of Poblano Peppers and can’t find any at the store? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other peppers out there that will work instead.We’ve compiled a list of the best substitutes for Poblano peppers that still pack a punch. Keep reading to find out.What are Poblano peppers?Poblano Peppers

As food trends come and go, you’ll find recipes are including more and more obscure ingredients that can be off-putting and awkward to source.One such ingredient that we have seen added to ingredients lists more and more is chickpea flour.While chickpea flour isn’t the most obscure ingredient in the world,

So, you’re making a delicious cajun or Creole recipe that calls for a teaspoon or two of Cajun seasoning, but you’ve just checked your store cupboard and you are fresh out! That is quite the catastrophe. However, that does not mean you need to give up! There are several different things

The coarse texture of kosher salt makes it a great addition to certain recipes, however, due to its flakiness, it is not suitable for all types of cooking. There are many types of salt available, most of which vary in size, grain, and texture but share a similar saltiness. In

Here at the Kitchen Community, we love and appreciate the incredible flavor experience that is Indian cuisine. As many of our readers will already know, Ghee is one of the key ingredients in traditional Indian cooking. Ghee has many nutritional benefits, including a high vitamin and mineral content as well as fatty

It’s not unusual to be halfway through cooking a curry, only to discover one of the vital ingredients is not in your pantry. When that ingredient is Garam Masala, you may find yourself wondering what to do. While other spice jars contain only one spice, the rich blend of Garam

So, you are halfway through a delicious recipe, perhaps a casserole or stew and you realize that one of the main ingredients you need to use is missing - celery salt. Now, for many people, this is a staple condiment to have on hand. However, not everyone likes the taste of

There is truly nothing worse than when you run out of a key ingredient that you need for a recipe. Curry leaves, whilst very common in many countries around the world, can be a little more difficult to come by in Western countries such as the United States and countries

Gumbo is a dish that beats with the heart of Louisiana culture – a meaty spicy, warming melting pot where every mouthful is different, and every bite leaves you wanting more. It is both traditional and always re-inventing itself, and often, you’ll find every house on a Louisiana block has

Canola oil is the secret savior of the kitchen. It quietly does its job, with none of the fanfare that surrounds olive oil, or fancy oils like avocado and coconut. Many of us wouldn’t think of canola oil as a kitchen staple, only to be stuck for alternatives when it

You don’t have to be Italian to find the need to put parmesan cheese on top of almost every meal that you have, whether it’s pasta, chicken or even soup, we just can’t get enough of the stuff sometimes, which does mean we tend to run out quite quickly.If you

It can often be difficult to find an alternative ingredient for Dashi. In fact, many experts in Japanese food will say that it simply cannot be done, and it will be much better for the sake of your sanity if you didn’t even bother trying. This is a fact to

Sambal Oelek refers to a chili sauce or paste that is a popular addition to Malaysian and Indonesian dishes, although many other recipes now call for the use of this ingredient too. This sauce is made from ground chili peppers which have then been complemented with vinegar, garlic, salt, and

Green chili peppers are an ideal way to add a kick to any meal and can be used in a variety of cuisines to give certain recipes a new lease of life. However, green chili peppers are not only tasty but also have a handful of health benefits that makes

Agave nectar comes from the agave plant and is a natural sweetener. With a unique taste that is sweeter than sugar and has similarities to honey, agave nectar is an incredibly popular sweetener for a variety of recipes.However, if you don’t have agave nectar to hand, there are substitutes out

Seasoning can make or break a dish and the right combination of herbs and spices can really elevate a recipe.  One such seasoning that is loved for its unique flavor and powerful presence, is Old Bay seasoning.  Unfortunately, getting your hands on it can be tricky in some parts of

Mascarpone is an Italian double or triple cream cheese that plays an essential role in creating a variety of creamy dishes.This rich, silky cheese can be used in a variety of different recipes, including desserts as well as savory dishes. From pasta dishes to risotto, or tiramisu to cheesecake, the

We’ve all tried to make a new dish and skimmed the ingredients list to find something we’ve never heard of or can never find at the store.It’s super annoying and can alter the taste of an otherwise delicious dish if you don’t include it but, there are ways around simply

Whether on top of a carbonara or mixed into a hearty pie, pepper and salt are two types of seasoning that go hand in hand - so it should come as no surprise as to why they’re a common fixture on dinner tables across the globe. But, what if you

Brandy is an alcoholic beverage that is enjoyed by many but it is also added to a range of cooking and baking recipes as it improves the taste of food by enhancing the flavor. It does this by binding to the fat molecules and liquids that carry the aromas. Often

Whilst it is pretty rare to come across it, people do sometimes start a recipe and find that they need horseradish (either in its fresh, root form, or the sauce). This is not something that people tend to have lying around their homes, and even the most well-stocked store cupboard

Flax seeds are a great addition to many different meals. They can give a dish a delicious nutty flavor and add a lot of crunch. Not only that, but these tiny seeds contain vital omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins that are really good for you. Some may even

Are you out of coconut oil but need it for a recipe? Maybe you just don’t like the taste or have an allergy. Don’t let this put you off the recipe!What if we told you that there are so many substitutes available for coconut oil? Would that make you happy?

When life doesn’t give you lemons, what do you do?You’re halfway through whipping up something delicious when you turn to your pantry to retrieve the bottle of lemon extract you think you have, just to come up empty-handed. It’s only now you remember that you used the last of it

When it comes to cooking chicken and poultry, one of the most important things to remember is the seasoning. While you can cook and eat poultry without seasoning, the majority of us prefer our poultry to have a bit of flavor.One of the best ways to add flavor to poultry

When you are cooking, especially baked goods, the likelihood of you needing to use milk in your recipe is quite high.For recipes such as pancakes, cakes, brownies, and pastries, milk is a staple ingredient.There is nothing more disappointing than reaching for the milk in your refrigerator, only to realize that

When it comes to baking and cooking, you will have noticed that a lot of recipes, both sweet and savory, require butter. Butter is a great addition to the majority of recipes, as it adds a rich and creamy flavor. While it is a great addition, not everyone can consume

Spelt flour is a less-common form of flour, derived from a grain that is botanically related to wheat.  If you’re somebody who is sensitive to wheat, it’s possible that you’ve already heard of or tried spelt flour since it’s slightly lower in wheat than regular flour. It’s also a fantastic

Rich, thick, salty, and sweet, hoisin sauce is a mouth watering addition to any meal. Can’t you just imagine dipping a fluffy bao bun into a dish of hoisin, and letting the flavor explode on your tongue?Or biting into a juicy roast pork, coated in lashings of hoisin? Even from

Cake flour is a must-have staple in any eager baker’s pantry. However, when you always expect it to be there, you can be shocked to find that you’ve run out, or you don’t have enough to make your next baked good. When you’re ready to bake, with all of your materials

In my house we have a chronic shortage of chili powder. My teenager goes through the stuff like air!This means that whenever I reach for the chili powder I’m left with the dregs at best, which in turn means I’ve had to get crafty about seasoning.What is Chili PowderUnsurprisingly, chili

Sometimes, you have to substitute certain ingredients for something else. This can because you don’t have what you need at hand or because of various food allergies.On occasions, you may need to find an alternative to powdered sugar and maybe today is that day.Powdered sugar is a very versatile ingredient.

Coriander is a real love-it-or-hate-it herb. For some people, coriander is a deliciously peppery and fresh herb that adds great flavor to a dish. Whereas others think the taste is more reminiscent of soap. These are two very different opinions. If you are in the latter group and want to make

The popularity level of Sriracha has risen steadily over the years to the point that it is almost ubiquitous in the grocery store sauce aisle.If you haven’t come across it before stumbling upon a recipe, then Sriracha might seem confusingly specialized.A chili sauce with a hard to pronounce name and

Cardamom is a staple spice and flavor in many different foods. It works well in both sweet and savory recipes, bringing a slightly nutty spice and added warmth to any dish. As well as this nutty warmth, cardamom has layers of other flavors that include citrus and mint., making it

White wine is a common ingredient in many Italian and French dishes and it's primarily used to bring out the flavor of other ingredients in the recipe. The wine is cooked until it begins to simmer and reduces down which burns off the alcohol.  White wine and any other wine

Many recipes include honey as an ingredient. It is not just limited to being an addition to your favorite hot drink or drizzled atop of your oats in the morning. It can be an integral part of many sweet and savory recipes.  Honey, as delicious as it is, presents issues

Sick Of Strange Aftertastes? Cooking For Fussy Eaters? Here’s What You Need...Despite being an incredibly popular seasoning in a variety of cuisines, perhaps most notably Thai food, many of us can’t stand cilantro (or if you’re from Europe, you probably call it coriander.) This funny little plant is like Marmite -

Contrary to popular belief, allspice is not a mixture of different spices. That, my friends, is mixed spice. Allspice is a delicious spice in its own right, deriving from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, which is a member of the myrtle family. So, now that we’ve established the

Cream of chicken soup is convenient and easy to make within minutes. Simply crack open the can, heat it on the hob for a few minutes, and you’re ready to go. But does it really taste that nice? For the added calories and fat you’re adding into your body, you’d think

Rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen herb that originates from the Mediterranean region. It’s a member of the mint family ‘Lamiaceae’, along with other herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and lavender.  Rosemary is frequently used as a flavoring in culinary dishes such as stuffing and roast lamb, pork, chicken, and

Heavy cream is a staple ingredient that is added to many recipes.Made from the high-fat part of milk, it has a higher fat content than many other varieties of cream. Typically, it is used in pasta, soups, and desserts to add richness and flavor. As a versatile ingredient, it is always

If you have a pantry, there is a high likelihood that there is baking powder lurking somewhere in its shadows. Whether you use it regularly or not, it is a very common ingredient in many baking recipes. If a cake or pancake needs more volume or a lighter texture, baking

Cayenne pepper has a strong flavor profile and does bring a mild or dull recipe to life. The spicy seasoning is widely used in Mexican and Indian cuisines to bring intense heat to a dish.  Cayenne pepper ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units on the Scoville scale and

Tomato paste is a super easy way to add some flavor to a dish. Its specific consistency means that it sticks well to pasta and other foods. This makes it a staple of most people’s kitchen cupboards. But, unfortunately, tomato paste bears little resemblance to the taste of a real

Egg is an ingredient that’s so essential to the formation of foods you can end up eating it multiple times a day without ever noticing.How many of us have had a cake or a cookie and never stopped to consider the ingredients? Egg finds its way into so many dishes

Many recipes call for the use of evaporated milk particularly for desserts such as donuts and puddings. If you don’t typically stock up on evaporated milk or you’ve searched your pantry only to discover that you have run out, you may now be in search of a substitute.  You will

Whether you bake for fun, or you’ve honed your skills to be a complete professional, you’ll know that baking soda is a pretty important and basic ingredient to have in the kitchen.It’s what will turn whatever it is you’re baking from a batter, to a delicious baked goodie, as it

Everybody’s got their poison, and mine is sugar - Derrick Rose Whether we’ll admit it or not, most of us have a sweet tooth that we like to give in to every now and then. We’ll freely admit that just like Derrick Rose, we’re sugar fanatics, but our chosen vices

Ever found yourself preparing a delicious meal and then discovered that you’re missing an essential ingredient? You’re not alone. If you’ve currently begun preparing a recipe and have discovered that you’re short on the cream of tartar, don’t panic! This article will show you what to substitute it for instead. Below, you’ll

Rice vinegar is a staple in Asian cuisine: it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor which is often used in noodle dishes, sushi rice, pickled vegetables, and more. It’s made from fermented rice in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.  The strength of rice vinegar can

There’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve run out of an ingredient when you’re in the middle of baking.Buttermilk is not a common ingredient in everyone’s pantry, after all. So, what happens when you’ve run out of it or if you have dietary restrictions? Fortunately, there are multiple substitutes for buttermilk that

Dijon mustard is one of the oldest sauces still currently around and it can be traced back to medieval times.It originated in the town of Dijon in a region of France and the original recipe contained ground brown or black mustard seeds, white wine, salt, pepper, and other spices.Nowadays, it

Cumin is a versatile spice used in dishes from cuisines all around the world. From your favorite taco recipe to that family curry recipe, we would bet that cumin features in more recipes than you thought possible. First and foremost it is a spice, and it adds depth and warmth

If you have ever tasted balsamic vinegar then you will know how delicious it is. It can completely uplift and enhance a dish you have made. It is a perfect addition to so many recipes, and it is something that you always want to have at hand in your kitchen.But,

If a recipe contains corn syrup you know that it is not going to be the healthiest food option. While corn syrup is a tasty addition for the occasional treat, it should only be consumed in small quantities.Given this, many people choose to avoid using corn syrup, especially if they

Mirin is an essential pantry staple if you are someone who makes a lot of dishes from Japanese cuisine. It is a delicious wine made from rice with very high sugar content.In that sense, it is similar to popular Japanese wine, sake, which is also made from rice. The difference

When it comes to one of the most well-known foodstuffs in the world, the potato is certainly up there amongst the most popular.Not only are they easy to grow, but they are extremely versatile, making anything from the humble French fry to boiled potatoes in your Sunday dinner.However, one thing

Is there anything more versatile than that little red fruit, the tomato? A staple ingredient in cuisines all around the globe, it has earned its place in our kitchens. Of all its forms, nothing quite compares to a tin of quality crushed tomatoes for the perfect mixture of flavor and

As with lots of other different types of food ingredients, there are lots of different substitutes that can be used in place of caster sugar.As you probably already know, caster sugar is a super-fine type of sugar that is commonly used for baking, and it is able to fully dissolve

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and aromatic spices in the world. It is also a favorite of almost everyone. Cinnamon can be used in a huge variety of dishes including bakes, mulled wine, curries, and casseroles.  Cinnamon is surprisingly versatile but it is mostly used during Christmastime. The

We’ve all been there. It’s the weekend, you’ve had a lazy morning and you spontaneously decide to do some baking. However, upon looking up the recipe, it requires an ingredient that you don’t have. Vanilla extract is a solution made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a solution of ethanol

Tapioca flour is a popular alternative to normal flour, and it is even gluten-free, which is why it appeals to many more individuals that can’t have normal flour.The most common use for tapioca flour is to use it as a thickening agent for a variety of different purposes.As well as

It’s quite possible you’ve eaten fish sauce before without even knowing it; it’s a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, giving such meals as Pad Thai and Larb an incendiary synergy of sweet and salty brilliance that you’ll not soon forget.A taste sensation this dynamic and tastebud tingling should be

Triple Sec is one of the most frequently used liqueurs in cocktails such as Sangria, Margarita, Cosmopolitan, and Long Island Iced Tea.  It’s a type of strong, sweet liqueur that’s colorless and orange-flavored. It’s made from the peels of bitter and sweet oranges and has a distinctive taste. “Sec” is the French

The core tenants of bread making have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. In fact, bread is considered one of the oldest foods not found ready-made in the wild. It requires three fundamental ingredients: water, yeast, and flour...bread flour to be exact, but what are your options if you

If you’re like me, you will love the taste of custard desserts. It can be the perfect finish to a full course dinner with its varying available tastes. These delicious custard desserts will typically be made with custard powder. This is a starch that is colored and available with various

Is there anything better than a pile of food covered in delicious, crispy, golden breadcrumbs? I’m really not so sure there is.From deep-fried brie to breaded chicken nuggets to panko-coated aubergine in a katsu sauce, breadcrumbs bring our foodie dreams to life!But what happens when you can’t eat breadcrumbs or

Cream cheese is a soft, mild cheese that is made from a combination of milk and cream. As a versatile ingredient, it can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. From sauces to cheesecakes or a topping on your breakfast bagel, it's something that many of us love and

Oyster sauce is a common ingredient in stir-fries. It is made by cooking oysters in water for a long time. The cooking liquid is then drained and caramelized. This is then combined with sugar, salt, soy sauce, and cornstarch to thicken. Traditionally nothing else was indeed, however most oyster sauces

You may not believe this but milk is one of the healthiest foods in our whole diet! So many recipes will include milk and no restaurant can run without the use of it. Of course, everyone uses their preferred choice, be it whole milk or skim milk.  There are different

Oregano is a flavorful herb that can really make a dish shine. However, sometimes you might just love it too much - to the point where your stores have completely run out.It’s too late to go out to the store to pick up some more, and you’re halfway through cooking.

Molasses, or Black Treacle as it is known in Britain, is the name given to the result of refining sugar cane or sugar beets into sugar. Sugarcane molasses is the most common type used in cooking. It is used for its sweet, rich, syrupy flavors in a variety of dessert

Cheese is a scrumptious ingredient loved by many. Who can say no to a gooey grilled cheese sandwich? Or to a pizza piled high with melted cheese toppings with cheese buried in the crust? Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in so many different recipes that it

Worcestershire sauce is one of those strange condiments that you just never know exactly how to describe. Is it sweet? Perhaps it's sour? Or maybe it’s salty and savory? We think it’s a mixture of all of these. What we know for sure is that it is a very distinctive

There’s nothing better than cheese. Scratch that. There is something better than cheese, and that is melted cheese. Melted cheese can provide the perfect sauce to any meal, and it can also make an excellent dip.A lot of the cheeses that are good when they are melted are also good

Escarole is large-leafed endive (an edible Mediterranean plant) and is a popular choice for adding to soups, pasta, or side dishes. Its mildly bitter taste isn’t for everyone but with some additives, it can be a tasty addition to various meals. Also known as Batavian endive, this plant is part

Ricotta cheese is effortlessly one of the best cheeses that exist. It is incredibly versatile and a guaranteed way to improve any dish that you add it to, which is great when you take a look at all the different dishes that include ricotta cheese in their recipe.But what do

Cheesecloth is primarily used during cheese making and cooking. The material is a loose woven gauze-like cloth that is very much like cotton. While it was primarily used to wrap homemade cheese, it has since evolved into a helpful tool that can be used in other recipes.  If used during

Are you planning on making a delicious roast or stew? Maybe you’re looking to mix things up in the kitchen and want to experiment a bit more. If so, you will probably come across beef broth in some ingredients.  Homemade Beef stock, also known as beef stock or bone broth,

Fennel is a plant that originates in the Mediterranean but it can now be found all over the world. It is a flowering plant that is in the carrot family. All parts of the fennel plant can be eaten, and it is common to see recipes using the bulb base

I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food - WC Fields  Historically, we tend to think of wine as being a drink that, while being shrouded in the mists of time, originated in Italy and was spread throughout Europe by the Roman Empire, fermenting a tradition

Dry mustard is a fantastic and versatile ingredient used most prominently for delicious rub blends.Mix it with some paprika, and sage for some dynamite chicken, combine it with some dill, salt, and brown sugar for some delectable fish dishes, or pair it with thyme, rosemary, and ground black pepper for

Anchovies are one of the most extreme “love it or hate it” foods. Very few people don’t mind anchovies. They either absolutely love them or wonder how anyone could ever bring themselves to eat them.When it comes to anchovy paste, opinions are even more split. Any food that has been

We all know that parchment paper is not very environmentally friendly.It can maybe be reused twice if you’re lucky, and then into the trash it goes. If you bake regularly, this results in a lot of unnecessary waste. Not only this, but constantly having to purchase parchment paper can become expensive

Grenadine syrup is a commonly used, non-alcoholic bar syrup traditionally made of pomegranates and is often used to make a variety of cocktails, such as Sea Breeze, Tequila Sunrise, and many other delicious cocktail and mocktail recipes you want to add a splash of color to. Grenadine syrup is red

Tasso is a spiced, cured, and smoked ham that is a specialty added to many South Louisiana dishes and is often used in cajun style cuisine.Unlike many other types of meat, tasso is typically eaten when added to meals rather than eaten on its own.It also tends to be added

Thyme is one of those deliciously herby tastes that complement a huge variety of recipes. It is a common feature in the cuisines of many cultures around the world, playing a role in many savory dishes and a handful of sweet ones too.  It is renowned for its benefits on

The humble onion can be found in almost every kitchen and remains a staple in everyday cooking.As well as being incredibly juicy and acidic, onions are delicious and are great for bulking up pasta dishes or served raw in a summer salad. However, it may come as a surprise to know

Cornstarch is a pure starch powder that is extracted from corn kernels by removing their outer bran and germ, which subsequently leaves behind the starch-rich endosperm. Cornstarch is a common household ingredient that is used for a plethora of reasons in the kitchen. When starch is heated, it's very good at

Parsley is one of those herbs that has a very distinctive taste.  Parsley or garden parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a species of flowering plant native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region, however, it’s now widely found elsewhere in Europe.  The herb can be traced back to the 3rd century

Soy sauce is used in a lot of Asian recipes, and is beloved the world over. It adds a salty and umami element of flavor to any dish.It is commonly served with rice, noodles, or sushi and also is used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, gyoza, and more.It

Fenugreek is a plant that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. In this area of the world, it is more commonly referred to as methi. More than 80% of India’s entire fenugreek export is grown in Rajasthan. Fenugreek leaves are not only used to add flavor, they have also been

Many gluten-free, paleo, and keto recipes on the internet substitute almond flour for regular plain.Unless you do a lot of gluten-free baking, it is rather unlikely that you will just have almond flour lying about your house. Nut flours are tricky to work with as they absorb a different ratio of

Switching out the core ingredients in a classic recipe is always a risk. Not only will they potentially taste different, but the texture, rise, and shape can all be affected.But, whether you are looking for an egg substitute for vegan cookies, have an allergy, or just forgot to buy eggs

Fennel is a strange vegetable with a very powerful taste. When you first bite into fennel, you might be surprised by just how strongly the taste resembles licorice.Interestingly, fennel doesn’t have any association with licorice or the aniseed which gives it its flavor.This licorice-like taste can be very dividing. Licorice

Paprika is a type of ground spice that comes from the plant Capsicum annum. The sweeter red peppers are dried and ground to create this spice.These peppers are native to Central Mexico and North America and were taken to Portugal and Spain in the 16th century. Paprika is primarily used as

Dill weed is traditionally found in Scandinavian and German cuisines, but has grown in popularity the world over. The plant is native to Russia and Western Europe and is used in a wide variety of dishes. It can also be referred to as dill leaves.  The dill plant also has

Everyone has those moments where they get to prepare their meal and find that they are out of a certain essential ingredient. There are lots of different substitutes for different food ingredients, and cornmeal is no exception to this. There are many different ingredients that you can use as a

If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, but the dish that you wanted to make requires it, then it can be helpful to have a backup plan in place. Thankfully, there are lots of different things that you can use as a substitute for tomato sauce, and if you