Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for sweet onion
Best swap for sweet onion: Vidalia onion, 1:1; regional name for the same style of sweet onion.
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 Sweet Onion?
The best swap for Sweet Onion is Vidalia Onion, 1:1; regional name for the same style of sweet onion. Another option is Walla Walla Onion, 1:1; another sweet onion variety. The table below also lists Yellow Onion and Shallots, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Vidalia onion | 1:1; regional name for the same style of sweet onion |
| Walla Walla onion | 1:1; another sweet onion variety |
| Yellow onion | 1:1; sharper raw, but mellows equally when cooked Limits: Raw salads and sandwiches, where a mild sweet onion is the point. |
| Shallots | use same weight; milder and sweeter than yellow onion |
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)
- National Onion Association, Seasons, Colors, Flavors, and Sizes (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.