Easy Ingredient Substitutes & Alternatives That Add Great Flavor

Looking to make your favorite recipes plant based?  Use canned beans as a substitute protein source for chicken, pork, beef or fish. They are less expensive and lower in saturated fats.

Swap This:	For This:
Chicken  Pork  Beef  Fish	Black beans – mild flavor and smooth, velvety texture. An excellent source of folate and a great complement to salty foods.
	Pinto beans – earthy flavor and packed with fiber and protein. This bean has a smooth texture perfect for dips and stews.
	Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – nutty flavor and firm texture. Used to make hummus!
	Kidney beans – mild flavor and packed with protein. Great with rice or tacos!
	Fava beans – a sweet and nutty flavor plus a buttery texture. Makes for a great salad topping.

Tip: Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added when buying canned.  Rinsing and draining canned beans can also help to reduce sodium by up to 41%[1].

Looking for an alternative to salt? Try adding these ingredients as an alternative that can bring a burst of saltiness and umami flavoring to your dish:

-Soy sauce

-Parmesan Cheese

-Anchovy Paste

-Seaweed

-Fish sauce

-Pickles or pickles vegetables

-Bacon

-Bouillon cubes and powder

-Onion Soup Mix

Does your dish need a little sweetness? Try adding one of these sweet flavor bursts:

-Sugar

-Maple syrup

-Honey

-Ketchup

-BBQ sauce

-Balsamic or Apple Cider Vinegar

For more ideas on ingredient substitutes and alternatives, explore our Knorr Sides Pantry Pals for creative and easy ways to make meals with Knorr Sides or our Knorr Bouillon Pantry Pals for ways to add flavor to a quick dish.

 

[1] Roberta L. Duyff, John R. Mount & Joshua B. Jones (2011) Sodium Reduction in Canned Beans After Draining, Rinsing, Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, 9:2, 106-112, DOI: 10.1080/15428052.2011.582405