14 Nutritious Substitutes for Sweet Potato You Can Find Easily

I’ve been a vegan for about a year now and during that time, I’ve learned how to substitute for ingredients that I used to rely on.

One of my favorite substitutes is sweet potato.

It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.

But sometimes, I might not have access to it or want to try something new.

That’s where these substitutes come in.

They all have their unique flavors and textures, so I’m sure to find one that I love!

Substitutes for Sweet Potato

  1. Eggplant
  2. Tapioca
  3. Red Potato
  4. Plantains
  5. Taro
  6. Spaghetti Squash
  7. Yams
  8. Yuka
  9. Golden Beets
  10. Kabocha
  11. Parsnip
  12. Ube
  13. Carrots
  14. Pumpkin

Eggplant

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many sweet and savory dishes and offers several health benefits.

Eggplant is a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K.

It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage.

Eggplant can be used in many recipes that call for sweet potato, including casseroles, pies, and soups.

Keep in mind that eggplant may change the texture of your dish slightly, but the flavor will be similar.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or want to try something new, eggplant is a great choice.

Tapioca

Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava plant.

It is an excellent substitute for sweet potato as it has a very similar texture.

Both tapioca and sweet potato are starchy and have a slightly sweet taste.

They can both be used in many different recipes such as pies, cakes, casseroles, and bread.

The main difference between tapioca and sweet potato is that tapioca is much lower in nutrients.

Sweet potato is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, while tapioca has no vitamins or minerals.

However, tapioca is gluten-free and contains no fat, so it is a healthier choice for those with gluten sensitivities or who are looking to cut down on fat intake.

Red Potato

Red potatoes can be a great substitute for sweet potatoes in many recipes.

One benefit of using red potatoes is that they are usually less expensive than sweet potatoes.

Red potatoes also tend to be smaller and less fibrous than sweet potatoes, making them easier to cook.

When substituting red potatoes for sweet potatoes, you will need to use about twice as many red potatoes as you would sweet potatoes.

This is because red potatoes have a lower sugar content than sweet potatoes.

Red potatoes can be a great substitute for sweet potatoes in many recipes, including pies, casseroles, and soups.

When substituting red potatoes for sweet potatoes, you may need to add more sweetness to your recipe, such as honey or brown sugar.

Plantains

Plantains make an excellent substitute for sweet potatoes in many recipes.

Plantains are a type of banana that is commonly found in tropical regions.

They are larger and starchier than regular bananas, and they have a slightly neutral flavor.

When cooked, plantains can take on a variety of textures, from creamy to fluffy to mashed.

This versatility makes them ideal for use in recipes that call for sweet potatoes.

However, it is important to note that plantains are slightly sweeter than sweet potatoes, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe accordingly.

Additionally, plantains tend to break down more when cooked, so you may need to add additional thickeners such as flour or cornstarch to your recipe.

Overall, plantains are an excellent substitute for sweet potatoes and can be used in many different recipes with great results.

Taro

Taro is a starchy root vegetable that is often used in Asian cuisine.

It has a slightly sweet flavor and is frequently used in soups and stews.

Taro will cook down in a similar way to sweet potato, so it can be used in any recipe that calls for sweet potato.

However, taro does have a slightly different texture, so it may not be suitable for all dishes.

For example, taro would not work well as a mashed potato replacement, but it could be used in place of sweet potato in a stir-fry or soup.

When substituting taro for sweet potato, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to experiment.

With a little creativity, taro can be used in many different ways.

Spaghetti Squash

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutrient-rich root vegetable that can be used in many different recipes.

It is also a lower-calorie option and an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

However, they are not always easy to find, and they can be quite expensive.

Spaghetti squash has a similar sweetness and creamy texture to sweet potatoes, making it ideal for use in sweet potato pies or other desserts.

In these cases, spaghetti squash makes an excellent substitute.

Additionally, spaghetti squash is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.

You may need to add a little additional liquid to the dish when using spaghetti squash, as it tends to be drier than a sweet potato.

Yams

When it comes to sweet potato substitutes, yams are a great option.

Though they have a similar taste and texture, yams are a separate species from sweet potatoes.

As such, they offer a few distinct advantages.

First of all, yams are less likely to become mushy when cooked.

This makes them ideal for recipes that require a firm texture, such as roasted potatoes or twice-baked potatoes.

Additionally, yams tend to be somewhat sweeter than sweet potatoes.

This can be a plus or a minus, depending on your preferences.

However, it is worth noting that the sweetness of yams can be toned down by pairing them with savory ingredients such as garlic or rosemary.

Overall, yams make a delicious and versatile substitute for sweet potatoes in any recipe.

Yuka

There are several reasons why Yuka makes a suitable replacement for sweet potato in many recipes.

For one, yuka has a similar nutritional profile to sweet potato, with high levels of vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, yuka has a similar sweetness and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

One benefit of using yuka as a substitute for sweet potato is that it is less starchy than a sweet potato.

This means that it will absorb less liquid from other ingredients in the recipe, resulting in a slightly lighter dish.

Additionally, yuka has a lower glycemic index than sweet potato, making it a good choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.

In terms of flavor, yuka is slightly earthier and nuttier than a sweet potato.

This slight difference in flavor will be most noticeable in dishes where sweet potato is the star ingredient, such as roasted sweet potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.

Golden Beets

Golden beets can be used in any recipe that calls for sweet potatoes, including casseroles, pies, and soups.

Their creamy texture and sweet flavor make them a perfect replacement for sweet potatoes.

Golden beets also have many health benefits.

They are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

They also contain potassium, which is essential for healthy nerve and muscle function.

Golden beets can also be substituted for other root vegetables, such as carrots and parsnips.

However, they will slightly change the flavor and texture of the dish.

Kabocha

Kabocha is a type of Japanese winter squash that is often compared to sweet potatoes in terms of taste and texture.

When cooked properly, kabocha has a creamy, almost custard-like consistency that makes it a perfect replacement for sweet potatoes in recipes.

Moreover, kabocha is much easier to cook than sweet potatoes, making it an ideal choice for novice cooks.

Finally, kabocha squash is also a healthier choice than sweet potatoes, as it is lower in calories and fat and is also a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

Parsnip

While parsnips and sweet potatoes may look similar, they have different flavor profiles.

Parsnips are more earthy and starchy, while sweet potatoes are sweeter with a richer flavor.

However, in some cases, parsnips can be used as a substitute for sweet potatoes.

For example, if you’re making a soup or stew where the sweet potato flavor would be overwhelmed by other ingredients, parsnips can provide a similar texture without competing with the other flavors.

Keep in mind that parsnips may not provide the same sweetness as sweet potatoes, so you may need to adjust other ingredients accordingly.

Additionally, parsnips tend to be less moist than sweet potatoes, so you may need to add additional liquid to your recipe.

Ube

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to add some variety to your diet, you may want to consider ube as a substitute for sweet potato.

Ube is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it has a unique flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.

It’s important to note that it will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.

When used as a replacement for sweet potato, ube imparts a slight purple tint to the dish.

This is purely aesthetic and will not affect the flavor of the dish.

Ube can be used in a wide variety of recipes, including pies, casseroles, pancakes, and ice cream.

Carrots

Carrots can be a great substitute for sweet potatoes in many recipes.

One benefit of using carrots is that they are more versatile than sweet potatoes.

Carrots can be used in savory dishes as well as sweet ones, whereas sweet potatoes are usually only used in sweet recipes.

Another benefit of carrots is that they are lower in calories and fat than sweet potatoes.

This makes them a healthier option for those watching their weight.

Finally, carrots are typically less expensive than sweet potatoes, making them a good choice for budget-conscious cooks.

Pumpkin

Using pumpkin as a substitute for sweet potato is a great way to add some extra flavor to your dishes.

Pumpkin has a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with savory ingredients, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes.

Pumpkin can also be used in both sweet and savory dishes, so it is a great option for those who want to experiment with new flavors.

One thing to keep in mind when using pumpkin as a substitute for sweet potato is that it may make the dish sweeter than intended.

If you are concerned about this, you can always reduce the amount of sugar or other sweeteners in the recipe.

FAQs when choosing a substitute for sweet potato

What’s the best substitute for sweet potato?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

The best substitute for sweet potato will depend on the dish you’re making and your personal preferences.

What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?

While yams and sweet potatoes are often used interchangeably, they are two different vegetables.

Yams are native to Africa and Asia, while sweet potatoes are native to the Americas.

Yams tend to be drier and starchier than sweet potatoes, and they also have rougher skin.

What’s the difference between a white sweet potato and an orange sweet potato?

The main difference between white sweet potatoes and orange sweet potatoes is the color of their flesh.

As their name suggests, white sweet potatoes have pale-colored flesh, while orange sweet potatoes have orange flesh.

Orange sweet potatoes are also generally sweeter than white ones. In terms of nutrition, both types of sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamins and minerals.

What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a pumpkin?

Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are both members of the gourd family. However, they are two different types of gourds. Sweet potatoes are root vegetables, while pumpkins are fruits. Additionally, pumpkins tend to be more watery than sweet potatoes.

This means that they will not provide the same level of sweetness or richness to a dish. When substituting pumpkin for sweet potato, you may need to add additional sweeteners to the recipe. You should also be aware that the pumpkin will impart an orange tint to the dish.

Conclusion

There are many different substitutes for sweet potatoes.

The best substitute for sweet potato will depend on the dish you’re making and your personal preferences.

When choosing a substitute, it’s important to keep in mind the differences between the two vegetables.

Hence, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best substitute for sweet potato.

We hope this guide was helpful and that you find the perfect substitute for sweet potato.