Alternatives to Nuts

Whether you have an allergy or can’t eat nuts thanks to a diet, you’re in luck: there are alternatives to your classic walnuts and pistachios. These will also save you from missing a crunch, so you’ll have texture amid the soft. These are our favorite substitutes!

Seeds

If you crave the taste of peanuts, sunflower seeds are a great place to start for a close taste. But don’t worry— there are also flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds to replace that crunch. The best part: you don’t have to miss out on spreads, either, because there are butters of all seed types in your grocery store.

Rolled Oats

Looking for the crunch in your cookies? Add rolled oats. Roast them for a nutty flavor, or throw them into your food plain. They don’t have a strong taste, making them perfect for recipes where you simply want texture.

Dried Cranberries & Raisins

Dried cranberries are a perfect choice for muffins and cookies, because they add a sweetness that nuts don’t have… while still retaining a flavor similar to your favorites. Raisins are also great for the same reason, because they add texture and nutrition that you’re missing from your classic walnuts.

Pretzels

Do you have a pie crust you’re looking to crunch into, or a topping to cookies? Consider crushing pretzels up and using those instead. They’ve got the salt that comes from your usual nuts (especially peanuts), and they usually include wheat and/or sesame seeds. If you can’t have gluten, fear not – there are gluten-free options, too!

Chocolate Chips

You can’t argue with me when I say that chocolate chips are great replacements for nuts. Just choose the right one for you; for example, white chocolate doesn’t melt as well as other chocolates, so it can add a solid bite to your cookies. On the other hand, you can get a bitter taste from dark chocolate.

What’s your favorite alternative to nuts? Let us know in the comments!