In this article, I’ll list all the different substitutes for pineapple juice and explain their differences and similarities. With this information, you’ll never be at a loss for what to drink or use when the craving strikes!
Substitutes for Pineapple Juice
- Homemade pineapple juice
- Orange Juice
- Papaya juice
- Lime juice
- Apple juice
- Passion fruit juice
- Coconut Water
- Grapefruit juice
- Lemon juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Guava juice
- White grape juice
- Pineapple extract
- Nectarine juice
- Cherry juice
- Honey
- Mango juice
- Apple cider vinegar with sugar
- Citric acid
- Honey and Lemon Juice
- Yogurt
- Vinegar and sugar
Substitutes for Pineapple Juice
Homemade pineapple juice
What better substitute is there for pineapple juice than the homemade version? Surely, it is better than the store-bought version. Not only does it taste fresher, but it’s also more economical.
To make homemade pineapple juice, simply remove the tough outer skin and slice the pineapple into chunks. Then, add the chunks to a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove any pulp, and enjoy your delicious Homemade pineapple juice!
Homemade pineapple juice is also great for making smoothies and cocktails. One thing you must take into consideration is that it will go bad after 24 hours if it isn’t stored properly.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is a popular citrus fruit, and it shares many similarities in taste with pineapple juice. They are alike in sweetness and tanginess.
Not only does orange juice have a similar taste, but it also looks visually appealing in mixed drinks. Another thing, it is packed with vitamin C, which is an added bonus!
To use orange juice in the place of pineapple juice, simply use the same amount of orange juice as you would pineapple juice. For example, if your recipe calls for one cup of pineapple juice, use one cup of orange juice instead.
Orange juice is best as a substitute in cocktails and smoothies
Papaya juice
While the two juices are not identical, they do have some similarities. Papaya juice made this list because of what it has in common with pineapple juice – sweetness and tanginess.
Both are very sweet and have a distinct tropical flavor. But papaya has a slightly bitter taste that you’ll hardly notice.
Papaya juice is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthy alternative.
Now, it is not as juicy as pineapple juice, so it works best as a replacement in marinades or baked dishes that call for a puree or blend. You could also use it in cocktails, fruit salad marinades, smoothies, and so on.
Overall, I was very pleased with the results and will definitely use papaya juice as a substitute in future recipes.
Lime juice
Lime juice is a great substitute for pineapple juice, especially when you’re looking for something acidic to tenderize protein.
It is less sweet than pineapple juice, so it won’t overpower the flavor of your dish. Plus, the acidity in lime juice can help to break down tough proteins, making them more tender and flavorful.
Lime juice isn’t only used to tenderize protein. It can also be used for making marinades or sauces.
You may want to add a bit of sugar or honey to balance out its bitter taste.
Finally, lime juice is a great way to add a bit of tartness and acidity to a dish, and it can be used in many different recipes.
Apple juice
While apple juice is not as sweet as pineapple juice, it can be used as a replacement in many recipes.
Its distinct taste can be domineering, so it’s best to use it in moderation. I would recommend using apple juice as a replacement in cocktails, smoothies, or mixed drinks. You could also use it in baked goods or marinades.
Although the sugar content in pineapple juice and apple juice is comparable, apple juice has only 9.6g of sugar per 100 grams, whereas pineapple juice contains 10g per 100 grams.
So, if you have a sweet tooth, you can add a tiny bit of sugar or honey to balance out its tart taste. And if your preference is more on the sour side, just add a squeeze of lemon.
Passion fruit juice
Passion fruit juice is a great substitute for pineapple juice because it is very sweet and has a similar tropical flavor. Honestly, it is the closest in taste to pineapple juice you can get.
It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthy alternative. It is also high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Experts say it boosts the immune system and helps fight off colds and flu.
Passion fruit juice is available all year, making it a convenient choice for those who can’t get their hands on fresh pineapple juice.
To use passion fruit juice as a replacement for pineapple juice, mix equal parts passion fruit juice and water.
Coconut water
While coconut water is not as sweet as pineapple juice, it can be used as a replacement in many recipes.
It has a distinct taste that can be dominating, so it’s best to use it in moderation. I would recommend using coconut water as a replacement in cocktails, smoothies, or mixed drinks. You could also use it in baked goods or marinades.
Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes and is often used as a natural sports drink. It is low in calories and fat and is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice is a great substitute for pineapple juice because it has a similar sweetness and sourness.
It is also full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can be used as a replacement in smoothies, sauces, marinades, and cocktails.
The benefits of using grapefruit juice as a substitute for pineapple juice include getting more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice and pineapple juice are similar in taste and color, and you could use lemon juice in the same way you would use lime juice.
Citrus fruits are so high in acidity, but lemon juice can help to add brightness and balance to a dish.
What is fabulous is how it brings sweet and sour together. If your tastebuds tend to tilt towards sweet things, consider adding some apple juice to it. You’ll love it.
In addition, it is a good source of vitamin C, which can help to boost your immune system.
I’d advise you to use this substitute if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to pineapple juice.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is a great substitute for pineapple juice because it has a similar taste and texture.
It has many health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. It is also lower in calories and has no added sugar.
Healthwise, it is a perfect substitute because it has many of the same health benefits, including the antioxidant properties that can help boost your immune system. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, vitamins C and K, which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
Pomegranate juice is also less acidic than pineapple juice, so it’s less likely to cause stomach upset. It is also widely available in stores.
Guava juice
Guava juice is a great alternative to pineapple juice because it has a similar taste and sweetness.
It also has a lot of health benefits, such as being high in fiber, vitamins C and A, potassium, and folate. Guava juice is also low in calories and has no added sugar.
When substituting guava juice for pineapple juice, I would recommend using a ratio of two parts guava juice to one part water. This will help to thin out the guava juice so it is not too overpowering.
You can also use guava juice in smoothies, cocktails, or mixed drinks. It is a fantastic choice for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to pineapple juice.
White grape juice
When you want a juice that is less sweet than pineapple juice but still has a similar taste, white grape juice is a great choice.
This substitute is low in calories and has no added sugar, making it a really healthy choice. It also contains antioxidants and is high in vitamins C and K. At the same time, it is devoid of carbohydrates.
It is perfect for salad dressings, cocktails, or even as a base for smoothies. You can also use it to make sorbet or popsicles.
To substitute white grape juice for pineapple juice, I would recommend using a one-to-one ratio. This will help to maintain the sweetness and flavor of the dish while reducing the overall sugar content.
Pineapple extract
When looking for a pineapple juice substitute, you can also use pineapple extract.
This is a great choice if you want to add pineapple flavor to a dish without adding any sweetness. It is also a good way to add acidity without using citrus fruits.
Pineapple extract is also vegan and gluten-free, so it is a great choice for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Nectarine juice
This special juice is made from nectarines, which are a type of stone fruit. Nectarine juice has a sweetness and flavor similar to pineapple juice.
It also contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Nectarine juice is also low in calories and has no added sugar.
I like to use a two-to-one ratio of nectarine juice to the water when substituting it for pineapple juice. This makes sure that the nectarine juice doesn’t overpower the dish.
Finally, you can use nectarine juice in smoothies, cocktails, or as a base for other juices.
Cherry juice
There is nothing that says you cannot use cherry juice as a pineapple juice substitute.
Cherry juice is a great way to add sweetness and acidity to a dish. It is also high in vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and magnesium.
When substituting cherry juice for pineapple juice, I like to use a one-to-one ratio. This helps to maintain the sweetness and flavor of the dish while reducing the overall sugar content.
You can also use cherry juice in marinades, sauces, smoothies, cocktails, or mixed drinks. It is simply a fantastic and healthy choice.
Honey
How can I forget this super amazing liquid that is brown and sweet, and is made by bees. It is mother earth’s gift to humanity and a natural sweetener.
Among other things, honey provides high mineral content, proteolytic benefits, digestive benefits, and can help with weight management.
You can use it as a substitute for smoothies, cocktails, or baking recipes. It is simply a delicious and healthy choice.
Mango juice
If you love mangoes, then you will love mango juice. This juice is made from the flesh of ripe mangos and has a sweet and juicy taste.
Mango juice is a great source of vitamins A and C, iron, as well as potassium. It may not have that sour taste of pineapple juice but it is still a delicious and healthy choice.
However, you must know that the more ripe the mango, the sweeter the juice will be. So, if you are looking for a sour taste, then you should use unripe mangoes.
Substitute mango juice in a one-to-one ratio when using it as a pineapple juice replacement. This way, you will still get that sweetness without having to worry about adding more sugar.
Apple cider vinegar with sugar
This might be tricky, but those who like alcohol will not only find out that this combination works perfectly, they’ll love it.
The acidity of the vinegar is well-balanced by the sugar and it gives a fantastic flavor to any dish.
You can use this combination in baking recipes, cocktails, or even as a base for other juices. I absolutely love using it as a substitute in marinades and sauces – especially in sweet and sour sauce.
To get the perfect ratio for you, you may have to try different combinations to see what you like best. But, I generally use a two-to-one ratio of apple cider vinegar to sugar.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a leavening agent, but you would never guess it’s potential as a substitute for pineapple juice because it’s so sour.
But, because it is so sour, it can be used to add acidity without changing the flavor of the dish. It is also a great way to add sweetness without using sugar.
Citric acid works well to enhance the flavor of your dish, while also providing a sour taste that could even increase the pH level of the meal. It is simply a fantastic and healthy choice.
Honey and Lemon Juice
This is a wonderful combination that can be used as a replacement for pineapple juice.
The sweetness of the honey is well-balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice. This combination also provides a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium and magnesium.
Also, it’s great for sauces and marinades. I wouldn’t recommend it for baking though, because it tends to change the consistency of the dish.
Yogurt
Why would you not want to use yogurt as a pineapple juice replacement? It’s delicious, healthy, and packed with nutrients.
Not to mention, it’s a great source of protein, calcium, and bromelain. The dividends of substituting yogurt for pineapple juice is definitely improved bone health, immunity and digestion.
Plus, it’s super easy – simply use a one-to-one ratio.
Vinegar and sugar
As a replacement for pineapple juice, vinegar and sugar is a great combination.
The acidity of the vinegar is well-balanced by the sugar and it gives a fantastic flavor to any dish. You can use this combination in baking recipes, cocktails, or even as a base for other juices.
You may have to experiment with different proportions to discover what works best for you. However, I generally employ a two-to-one ratio of vinegar to sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can you use instead of pineapple juice in sweet and sour?
The answer you are looking for is vinegar and sugar. The acidity of the vinegar is well-balanced by the sugar and it gives a wonderful flavor to any dish, without changing the consistency.
What is a substitute for pineapple juice in humba?
Humba is a Filipino dish that traditionally uses pineapple juice, but apple cider vinegar with sugar makes for a delicious and healthy replacement. The acidity of the vinegar is well-balanced by the sugar and it gives a fantastic flavor to the dish.
What is a substitute for pineapple juice in Hawaiian Rolls?
Yogurt is a delicious and healthy replacement for pineapple juice in Hawaiian Rolls. It’s a great source of protein, calcium, and bromelain. Substituting yogurt for pineapple juice will improve bone health, immunity, and digestion of the dish.
Signing Out
Pineapple juice is a staple in many recipes. But, if you’re out or don’t have any on hand, never fear! These substitutes will do the trick.
Just make sure to use the right proportions for each one. The key to remember is that you may have to adjust the proportions of the ingredients to get the desired flavor. But, other than that, substitution is easy!