Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for pine nuts
Best swap for pine nuts: Walnuts, 1:1 chopped; toast first, slightly more bitter.
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 Pine Nuts?
The best swap for Pine Nuts is Walnuts, 1:1 chopped; toast first, slightly more bitter. Another option is Cashews, 1:1; milder, creamy texture. A third option is Sunflower Seeds, 1:1 toasted; budget-friendly, similar mild nuttiness. The table below also lists Slivered Almonds, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Walnuts | 1:1 chopped; toast first, slightly more bitter |
| Cashews | 1:1; milder, creamy texture |
| Sunflower seeds | 1:1 toasted; budget-friendly, similar mild nuttiness |
| Slivered almonds | 1:1 toasted; firmer texture |
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.
Read the full guide: Can you use walnuts instead of pine nuts in pesto?