Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for capers
Best swap for capers: Green olives, chop finely; brinier, use slightly less.
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 Capers?
The best swap for Capers is Green Olives, chop finely; brinier, use slightly less. Another option is Chopped Dill Pickles, 1:1; milder, adds tang. The table below also lists Caper Berries, Chopped, Pickled Nasturtium Seeds and Green Peppercorns In Brine, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Green olives | chop finely; brinier, use slightly less |
| Chopped dill pickles | 1:1; milder, adds tang |
| Caper berries, chopped | 1:1 by volume once chopped and stemmed; the same plant's fruit rather than its bud, so milder and seedier |
| Pickled nasturtium seeds | 1:1 drained; the traditional garden substitute, pickled the same way and closest of any of these in size and bite |
| Green peppercorns in brine | 1:1 drained; a similar briny pop with a peppery finish instead of the floral one |
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.