Almonds are a staple in many kitchens, ours included.
They add that perfect crunch and a hint of sweetness to a variety of dishes, from smoothies to cakes.
But, here’s a curveball—sometimes, you just run out of them or need an allergy-friendly option.
Yep, it happens to the best of us. Not to mention, almonds can be pricey.
So, what’s a food lover to do? No sweat! We’ve got your back with some genius swaps that’ll keep your meals exciting.
Diving into substitutes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, it’s your ticket to discovering new textures and tastes that can elevate your dishes in unexpected ways.
Ready to shake things up in the kitchen?
The 5 Best Substitutes for Almonds
If you have an almond allergy or simply prefer not to eat them, there are plenty of other nut and seed options that make great substitutes.
Here are the five best:
1 – Cashews
Cashews are versatile nuts with a slightly sweet but mild and salty flavor.
Commonly used in many dishes, these nuts provide a creamy texture and are widely eaten as snacks in their raw form.
If you’re looking for an almond-like substitute, then cashews could be the nut for you.
With their buttery flavor and crunchy taste, they can easily pass as almonds in many recipes.
Perfect for sweet or savory dishes and other treats, substituting almonds with cashews is a great way to get the same flavor without compromising the recipe.
2 – Pecans
Pecans are a popular and versatile nut, prized for their sweet and buttery taste and crunchy texture.
The pecan is native to North America and widely found in seasonal desserts, salads, bakery goods, ice cream, candies, and other dishes.
If you don’t have access to almonds but want the satisfying crunch of nuts, try substituting pecans instead.
Simply swap out the same volume of almonds with an equal amount of chopped or roughly crushed pecans – they come in halves or large chunks too.
Pecans provide a similarly rich flavor profile that friends and family are sure to enjoy.
3 – Walnuts
Walnuts have a unique flavor that can not be found in any other nut.
They offer a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture that makes them perfect for adding to a variety of dishes.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also great for health; walnuts contain many essential nutrients and antioxidants.
For those looking to try something different than almonds in their recipes, walnuts can be an excellent alternative.
Just keep in mind that because of the higher oil content of walnuts, it’s important to reduce other sources of oil and liquid when substituting them in baking recipes.
With the right amount of care, walnuts can make for a delicious ingredient or topping, lending their own sweet flavor profile to a variety of dishes.
4 – Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a delightful nut that adds flavor, texture, and of course, nutrition to many different recipes.
Their taste can best be described as deliciously creamy yet slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness.
The texture is hard and crunchy, great for snacking or adding the perfect crunch to your favorite dish.
If almonds are not an option, hazelnuts make for a great substitute.
When using in recipes, such as cakes and other baked goods, simply swap out the number of almonds for an equal amount of hazelnuts.
Its flavor adds an incredible depth to dishes.
5 – Pistachios
Pistachios are a deliciously salty and crunchy snack that is often enjoyed on their own or as an ingredient in favorite dishes.
The flavor of pistachios is slightly sweet, with a chewier texture compared to something like almonds.
They have a greater depth of flavor which makes them a great substitute for almonds in many recipes.
You can toast them to bring out even more of their nutty taste and use them anywhere from granola bars to noodle bowls.
Pistachios can also be incorporated into desserts such as cookies and ice cream for added sweetness and crunch.
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