Bananas are great for adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to baked goods, smoothies, and other recipes. However, if you’re out of bananas or simply don’t have time to run to the store for more, there are plenty of substitutes that you can use instead.
I’ve tested a variety of banana substitutes and have found that the best options are applesauce, ripe plantains, and mashed avocado.
Each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor profile and texture, which means you’ll need to know which one to reach for depending on what you’re making.
So if you’re out of bananas, or maybe just want to try something different, here are 10 great alternatives you should consider. I’ll also give you some use cases for each of these substitutes to help you make the best decision for your recipe.
Best Banana Substitutes
- Plantains
- Avocado
- Apple sauce
- Sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Mango
- Chia seeds
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin
- Coconut cream
Plantains
Plantains are a type of fruit that is often used to replace bananas. Moreover, they are a go-to for a variety of different recipes, from breakfast dishes to desserts.
There are several reasons for this.
First, plantains are less sweet than bananas, making them good for recipes that call for a more savory flavor.
Second, plantains are firmer than bananas, making them easier to cook.
Finally, plantains have a higher starch content than bananas, making them a good choice for recipes that call for a thicker texture.
Plantains can be found in most supermarkets year-round, making them a convenient substitute for bananas. When shopping for plantains, look for ones that are dark green in color and fairly firm to the touch.
So next time you’re looking for a banana substitute, give plantains a try.
Avocado
Avocados are a popular fruit that can be used in place of bananas in many recipes. They are a good choice for smoothies, salads, and baked goods.
Avocados have a creamy texture that makes them ideal as a base for smoothies or dips. Because they are high in fiber and healthy fats, they can also act as a tasty addition to breakfast foods like oatmeal or homemade granola bars.
Additionally, avocados also happen to be rich in nutrients like potassium and Vitamin B6, which help support overall health and well-being.
If you’re looking for a new breakfast idea, or want to add some extra nutrients to your smoothie, avocados are a great choice.
Apple sauce
Apple sauce can be used as a substitute for bananas in a variety of different applications. For example, it can be used in baked goods such as bread and muffins, or in smoothies and other beverages. Apple sauce is also a versatile ingredient since it can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Apple sauce is full of healthy vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their nutrient intake. It also has a mild flavor that allows it to seamlessly blend with other ingredients, making it a great option for both sweet and savory dishes.
Overall, using apple sauce as a substitute for banana is an easy way to boost the nutritional value of your favorite dishes while minimizing calories and costs.
Whether you’re looking to make healthier versions of your favorite recipes or simply looking for new food ideas, apple sauce offers a fun and convenient alternative to bananas.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great substitute for bananas. They can be used in lots of recipes, like savory dishes or sweet desserts. That means they’re a good choice for people who want to eat fewer banana-based products.
One of the biggest benefits of using sweet potatoes as a substitute is that they are affordable and easy to find. Sweet potatoes can be grown locally or purchased at any grocery store or farmer’s market.
They are also a nutrient-rich food, making them a healthy option for anyone looking to improve their diet.
There are many different options when it comes to using sweet potatoes as a replacement for bananas.
Sweet potato puree can be used in place of banana purée in baked goods like muffins, pancakes, and cakes, while slices of sweet potato make a tasty addition to fruit smoothies or yogurt parfaits.
Sweet potatoes can also be roasted or steamed and then mashed into the perfect topping for waffles or toast.
Whether you enjoy sweet or savory foods, there is no shortage of ways to incorporate this nutritious and delicious substitute into your diet!
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be used as a substitute for bananas. It’s commonly used in various recipes, including pancakes, smoothies, and baked goods.
Oats are a good source of fiber and protein, and they can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is also naturally gluten-free, making it a good option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
When substituting oatmeal for banana, adding extra moisture to the recipe is important, as oats tend to absorb liquid. You can do this by adding additional milk or yogurt or by using soaked oats.
Oats can also be blended into a smooth paste before adding them to the batter or dough, which will help to bind the ingredients together.
Mango
Mango is a popular substitute for bananas and has many benefits for cooking or baking. For example, its sweetness and smooth texture make it an ideal ingredient for smoothies, sauces, puddings, and creams.
Mangos are also packed full of nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and beta-carotene.
Because of these properties, mango can be used in almost any dish as a way to add flavor and nutrition.
Whether you are looking to cook up something sweet or savory, mango is sure to deliver great results every time!
So the next time you need a quick replacement for a banana in your dish, reach for a ripe mango instead – you won’t regret it!
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a great substitute for bananas in many different applications. Because they are high in fiber and nutrients, chia seeds can be used to make delicious smoothies, healthy energy bars, or even baked goods like muffins or pancakes.
Chia seeds are also versatile in other ways, as they can easily be mixed into yogurt, sautéed with vegetables, or mixed with water to create a healthy pudding-like snack.
Benefits of using chia seeds instead of bananas include increased intake of dietary fiber, which is important for proper digestion and may also help lower cholesterol levels.
Chia seeds are also packed with antioxidants that support overall health and wellbeing, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their diet.
Whether you need a go-to breakfast option or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, chia seeds are definitely worth adding to your list of substitutes for bananas!
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for bananas, as it offers many of the same nutritional benefits.
For example, Greek yogurt is high in protein, making it an ideal source of energy and muscle recovery after a workout or other strenuous activity.
Additionally, Greek yogurt contains probiotics and unsaturated fats, both of which can help support healthy gut function and promote heart health.
Because Greek yogurt is also low in sugar compared to regular bananas, it may be a better option for individuals trying to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.
Greek yogurt is quickly becoming one of the most popular substitutes for bananas in various foods and recipes with all of these benefits.
Pumpkin
There are many different substitutes for bananas that you have seen by now. One of the most popular substitutes is pumpkin. Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient used in baked goods, smoothies, confections, and other recipes.
One of the main benefits of using pumpkin as a banana substitute is that it has a similar texture to bananas but often results in more satisfying and flavorful recipes.
Pumpkin also gives a dish a more vibrant color, making it more visually appealing.
Another advantage of using pumpkin as a substitute is that it is cheaper than bananas and can be easily incorporated into many types of dishes.
Whether you want to try out an exotic new recipe or simply want to get more out of your pantry staples, pumpkins are an ideal replacement to consider.
Coconut cream
Coconut cream is an excellent replacement for bananas. It has a similar texture and can be used in sweet and savory dishes.
Coconut cream is also a good source of healthy fats and provides a unique flavor that can enhance the dish’s overall taste.
In addition, coconut cream can help to thicken and stabilize recipes, making it an ideal ingredient for cakes, pies, and other desserts.
When substituting coconut cream for banana, it is important to remember that the final product will be slightly sweeter.
As a result, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
Overall, coconut cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a stand-in for bananas in many different dishes.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using substitutes?
There are many benefits to using bananas as a staple in your diet, but there are also several benefits to using substitutes.
When you switch to a substitute, you may find that you enjoy the taste of the new ingredient more and are more likely to stick with it.
Additionally, substitutes can offer more nutrients and health benefits than bananas.
For example, chia seeds are a great source of fiber, while pumpkin is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
How do you use substitutes in recipes?
There are a few ways to substitute bananas in recipes. The most common way is to simply replace one banana with the same amount of another substitute. However, some recipes may call for different quantities.
Are there any specific substitutes that work better in certain dishes?
You can use many substitutes for bananas, but some work better in certain dishes than others.
For example, chia seeds are a great replacement for bananas in smoothies and oatmeal, while pumpkin can be used in baked goods like muffins and pancakes.
Conclusion
Replacing Bananas with other substitutes is an easy way to add variety and nutrients to your diet. Whether you prefer chia seeds, Greek yogurt, pumpkin, or coconut cream, there are many options that can be used as a substitute for bananas.
Each of these alternatives provides unique health benefits and comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing a substitute for bananas.
With lots of experimentation and creativity, you can discover the perfect banana alternative that will help you achieve your health goals while still enjoying delicious and satisfying foods.