Grapefruits are a staple for many, rocking breakfast tables and detox plans with their zesty punch.
Yet, not everyone’s on board with that bold, bittersweet vibe.
Maybe you’re out or just not feeling the grapefruit game today.
No sweat – we’ve got you covered with some top-notch swaps that keep your dishes and drinks interesting.
Gear up for a sneak peek into these kitchen lifesavers that promise to shake things up, minus the grapefruit.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Grapefruits
If you’re looking for a substitute for grapefruit, there are plenty of options out there.
Here are some of the top five substitutes you may want to try:
1 – Oranges
Oranges are an incredibly versatile citrus fruit that has a zesty, strong flavor and a pleasant aroma.
They are most often found in a round shape with an orange peel that is slightly tough but easy to peel away.
The juicy insides contain small segments of tart sweetness and can add a burst of flavor to any dish.
The taste and texture of oranges can vary from sweet to tangy, depending on the variety, time of year, and area in which it was harvested.
Although these fruits have an intense flavor profile, they make for a great substitute for their tart cousin: the grapefruit.
For recipes that require grapefruit’s sharpness, simply use oranges cut into wedges or slices instead — this will still provide the recipe with tartness while adding more variation.
2 – Mangoes
Nothing says summer quite like juicy, ripe mangoes.
With their vibrant yellow-orange color and velvety texture, these tropical fruits far surpass the usual grocery store apples and oranges in terms of flavor.
Mangoes are extremely sweet with an earthy undertone and a luscious creaminess that comes from their fleshy center.
Although not related botanically, mangoes can often be substituted in recipes that call for grapefruit due to their similar tartness.
It is easy to swap the two ingredients in salads or summer desserts, allowing you to enjoy all that mango goodness even when grapefruits aren’t in season.
3 – Peaches
Peaches are a delectable summer fruit with a luscious soft texture and sweet flavor.
They come in yellow and white varieties, both of which possess the same unique sweetness and delicate aroma.
Peaches taste best when they are juicy and just barely ripe, so they hardly ever taste sour or bitter.
Suppose you don’t like grapefruit but want to experience something similar, substitute peaches into your dish instead.
The sweet acidity of peaches can be used as an alternative to the tartness of grapefruits in dishes like salads or desserts without sacrificing that “zing” you get from citrus fruits.
Enjoy the flavors of summer by tasting sweet, succulent peaches today.
4 – Pomelos
Pomelos are one of the most popular fruits across Southeast Asia and have been enjoyed for centuries.
They are citrus fruit and have a rough, thick skin similar to a grapefruit, but with the ability to be peeled away more easily.
The edible part is segmented like oranges, and they come in various sizes, ranging from grapefruit-sized to an average of almost a foot wide.
Pomelos typically have a mild taste compared to other citrus fruits, with a sweet and slightly tart flavor accompanied by an underlying musky taste.
The texture mostly resembles grapefruit and can be used as an appropriate substitute for it in many recipes.
To enjoy pomelo on its own, simply peel away the outer skin, then break it apart into sections for easy eating – no spoon needed.
5 – Tangerines
Tangerines are a variety of Mandarin oranges and have a distinct sweet and tangy taste that is unlike any other citrus fruit.
They are small in size and have a deep orange exterior with a slightly bumpy finish.
Tangerines can be peeled easily, making them the perfect pick-me-up snack throughout the day.
The segments make for an easy eating experience that’s both juicy and full of flavor.
Unlike grapefruit, which has a more sour taste, tangerines offer a unique flavor profile that can be used as an excellent substitution for traditional recipes that call for grapefruit.
These delightful oranges can also be added to smoothies or salads for extra texture and flavor, making them both versatile and tasty.
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