Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for yellow onion
Best swap for yellow onion: White onion, 1:1; sharper raw, similarly mild 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 Yellow Onion?
The best swap for Yellow Onion is White Onion, 1:1; sharper raw, similarly mild when cooked. Another option is Shallot, 1:1; sweeter and more delicate. A third option is Red Onion, 1:1; slightly more pungent raw, fine when cooked. All 3 swaps are in the table below.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| White onion | 1:1; sharper raw, similarly mild when cooked |
| Shallot | 1:1; sweeter and more delicate |
| Red onion | 1:1; slightly more pungent raw, fine when cooked |
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.