Ingredient substitution guide

Best substitutes for curly kale

Best swap for curly kale: Lacinato kale, also called dinosaur or tuscan kale; more tender, same use.

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

Recipe grid with a badge on each recipe showing how many items are missing, and Can make now where nothing is — When you allow a swap, recipes count it toward what you can make now. Free

What can I use instead of Curly Kale?

The best swap for Curly Kale is Lacinato Kale, also called dinosaur or tuscan kale; more tender, same use. Another option is Swiss Chard, 1:1; more tender - reduce cook time slightly. The table below also lists Spinach, 3 swaps in all.

All 3 swaps for curly kale, best first.
Swap	Ratio and notes
Lacinato kale	also called dinosaur or tuscan kale; more tender, same use How to use it: Use it 1:1 by weight, with the thick stems stripped.
Swiss chard	1:1; more tender - reduce cook time slightly
Spinach	1:1; wilts much faster - add at the very end of cooking

Source and limits

These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated November 3, 2026. 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:

Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.