Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for baby kale
Best swap for baby kale: Mature kale, chop or tear smaller; stems tougher, massage first.
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 Baby Kale?
The best swap for Baby Kale is Mature Kale, chop or tear smaller; stems tougher, massage first. Another option is Baby Spinach, 1:1; milder flavor, wilts faster. The table below also lists Arugula and Swiss Chard Leaves, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Mature kale | chop or tear smaller; stems tougher, massage first How to use it: Use the same weight of leaves, with the tough stems stripped out. |
| Baby spinach | 1:1; milder flavor, wilts faster |
| Arugula | 1:1; more peppery bite |
| Swiss chard leaves | remove thick ribs; slightly milder How to use it: Use the same weight of leaves. |
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.