Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for red onion
Best swap for red onion: Yellow onion, 1:1; less sharp raw, same when cooked.
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 Red Onion?
The best swap for Red Onion is Yellow Onion, 1:1; less sharp raw, same when cooked. Another option is Shallot, 1:1; milder, more delicate. A third option is White Onion, 1:1; crisper and sharper raw. All 3 swaps are in the table below.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Yellow onion | 1:1; less sharp raw, same when cooked |
| Shallot | 1:1; milder, more delicate |
| White onion | 1:1; crisper and sharper raw |
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.