Ingredient substitution guide

Best substitutes for hoisin sauce

Best swap for hoisin sauce: Plum sauce, 1:1; sweeter, less complex.

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

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What can I use instead of Hoisin Sauce?

The best swap for Hoisin Sauce is Plum Sauce, 1:1; sweeter, less complex. Another option is Barbecue Sauce plus Soy Sauce, 3:1; the everyday pantry approximation. A third option is Miso Paste plus Honey, 2:1 thinned with a little water; salty-sweet and close in body. All 3 swaps are in the table below.

All 3 swaps for hoisin sauce, best first.
Swap	Ratio and notes
Plum sauce	1:1; sweeter, less complex
Barbecue sauce plus soy sauce	3:1; the everyday pantry approximation Diet and health: Contains gluten and soy.
Miso paste plus honey	2:1 thinned with a little water; salty-sweet and close in body Diet and health: Not for babies under 12 months: the CDC says honey can cause infant botulism.

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.

Buying more? Storage times for hoisin sauce