Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for almonds
Best swap for almonds: Cashews, 1:1; creamier, less crunch; great in sauces or roasted dishes.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy

What can I use instead of Almonds?
The best swap for Almonds is Cashews, 1:1; creamier, less crunch; great in sauces or roasted dishes. Another option is Walnuts, 1:1; earthier, slightly bitter; good for baking and salads. The table below also lists Sunflower Seeds, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Cashews | 1:1; creamier, less crunch; great in sauces or roasted dishes |
| Walnuts | 1:1; earthier, slightly bitter; good for baking and salads |
| Sunflower seeds | 1:1; nut-free option; similar crunch, milder flavor |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.