Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for raisins
Best swap for raisins: Dried cranberries, 1:1; tangier and slightly sweeter.
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 Raisins?
The best swap for Raisins is Dried Cranberries, 1:1; tangier and slightly sweeter. Another option is Currants, 1:1; smaller, slightly tarter. A third option is Chopped Dried Apricots, chop to raisin size; sweeter and chewier. All 3 swaps are in the table below.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Dried cranberries | 1:1; tangier and slightly sweeter |
| Currants | 1:1; smaller, slightly tarter |
| Chopped dried apricots | chop to raisin size; sweeter and chewier Diet and health: Light-colored dried apricots are often treated with sulfur dioxide; check the label if you avoid sulfites. |
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)
- California OEHHA, Consumption of Sulfur Dioxide in Dried Fruits (Interpretive Guideline 2012-02) (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.