We've all been there - you're halfway through a recipe when you realize you're missing a crucial ingredient. Instead of abandoning your cooking plans or making an emergency store run, these 25 tested substitutes will save the day with ingredients you likely already have.
Each substitute has been kitchen-tested and rated by urgency level. Critical substitutes work almost identically to the original, while lower-priority ones might change flavor slightly but still deliver great results. We've included exact ratios, timing, and pro tips for each swap.
Print this guide and keep it handy in your kitchen - you'll never be stuck with missing ingredients again!
The 2 Best Substitutes
1. Brown Sugar Substitute
Substitution Ratio
1 cup white sugar + 2 tbsp molasses = 1 cup brown sugar
Pros & Cons
Pro Tip
Mix thoroughly. For light brown sugar, use 1 tbsp molasses instead.
2. Buttermilk Substitute
Substitution Ratio
1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar = 1 cup buttermilk
Pros & Cons
Pro Tip
Let sit 5 minutes to curdle. Works with any milk type including non-dairy.