As substitutes for bananas, you can use applesauce, avocado, and silken tofu. If you’re making shakes or smoothies, you can choose a wide range of fruit. Mango, pineapple, or strawberry are all possible choices. You might even try Chia seeds as well as Greek yogurt.
There are a myriad of alternative banana substitutes, and which one you pick will be determined by the recipe you’re creating since the substitutes will differ in taste.
In this article, I’ll look at 10 alternatives to bananas. So, the next time you’re caught with no bananas, your recipe won’t be affected!
So, let’s get started.
What Are Banana Substitutes?
Banana substitutes are usually substituted for bananas in situations where a diet doesn’t include fruit since they are considered to be well-balanced and healthy food.
Substitutes for bananas usually have more calories and nutrients than bananas and are made from plant sources. They’re usually more nutritious than bananas.
Amazing Banana Substitutes
| Substitutes | Calories (Per 100 Gm) |
| Plantains | 122 |
| Avocado | 160 |
| Greek Yogurt | 59 |
| Quinoa | 120 |
| Silken Tofu | 55 |
| Pureed Beans | 115 |
| Egg white | 52 |
| Chia Seeds | 486 |
| Soaked Cashews | 581 |
| Applesauce | 68 |
| Sweet Potato | 86 |
| Oatmeal | 68 |
10 Substitutes For Banana
1. Plantains
Plantains are an excellent substitute for banana, I’d like to discuss them first. If you’re familiar with the plantains, you are aware that they resemble bananas.
Plantains resemble bananas and share a similar texture and flavor; however, there are a few differences. They are not as sweet as bananas and are more starchy.
Despite some variations, plantains are an excellent substitute for bananas. They have the same smooth texture when blended or mashed. This makes them an excellent alternative for smoothies and baking, particularly if you are looking to keep the same flavor similar to bananas.
If you are substituting bananas for plantains, it is crucial to be aware that they won’t add sweetness to the dish.
Finally, you’ll need to add sweeteners like sugar or honey.
2. Avocado
Avocado is often referred to as alligator pear or butter fruit. It is an emerald-colored, green fruit with the skin being greenish-brown. Fruit is also a source of vital nutrients, minerals, and good fats.
I remember when a friend surprised me with a shake made from avocados (replacing bananas, naturally). It was amazing.
Avocado is a smooth sweet taste with a soft texture and makes a wonderful alternative to bananas.
Avocado adds the most delicious and rich consistency to your shakes and smoothies. You may increase the amount of sugar since avocados don’t have the same sweetness as bananas.
3. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for bananas for baking recipes, especially for recipes that require the flavor of tang and a moist, dense texture. Greek yogurt imparts a rich texture and the flavor of tang to baked goods such as cake bread, cakes, and muffin recipes. It is also rich in protein and calcium. It might not be as sweet, and the flavor is not exactly the same as other banana flavors.
Greek yogurt is now an ingredient that is used in cooking because of its rich and smooth texture. It provides a variety of foods with delicious flavors.
Greek yogurt is squeezed numerous times to create an even more thick and smoother consistency.
It is a great substitute if you want something that is a bit more nutritious than bananas.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is a tasty and healthy grain that can be utilized as a replacement for bananas in a variety of recipes if cooked. Quinoa is similar in texture to the banana, and you can use it in a myriad of ways.
Quinoa is rich in protein and fiber sources and is, in addition, gluten-free. For substituting Quinoa for bananas in a recipe, cook it in the oven until you are able to cook Quinoa, and then smash it using a fork or blend it with the food processor.
You can use Quinoa as a substitute for bananas in muffins, pancakes, and other baked items. Quinoa can also be used as a substitute for fruit juices and other drinks.
It would be wonderful to replace them in a 1:1 ratio. However, if you are making it out for the first time, start out using it in smaller amounts, so you understand what to expect from the end result.
5. Silken Tofu
If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, choose silky tofu. The texture is identical to that of yogurt, or even canned pumpkin, which is why it’s a fantastic substitute.
Silky food items like these are non-sweet, exactly as we have mentioned before, using canned pumpkin and sweet potatoes in place. You’ll probably need to consider including some for a bit of sweetness.
There are many ways you can substitute tofu with a similar proportion to the banana measurement. There are many different alternatives available with regard to making tofu.
We recommend something gentle or perhaps a little more firm. Don’t go for something that is completely rigid in this instance because it could alter the texture at the final.
6. Pureed Beans
Pureed beans are an alternative to banana baking. While it isn’t a typical option, they can replicate the desired texture of smooth and thick extremely well. It is possible to make the perfect thick texture. Can select the puree of garbanzo beans and white beans. The use of pureed beans will give your dish a subtle taste of nutty.
Pureed beans can be a very limited preference, but if you are a fan of experiments, You must experiment with ingredients, and you can employ it in different ways.
There are several ways you can replace bananas with pureed beans. One option is to swap the banana with an equal amount of beans that have been pureed.
Another option is you can mix beans in with other fruits or vegetable purees to give some weight and texture. To improve the flavor of the beans, add a few spices.
Use the same ratio of beans that you have pureed as bananas. Additionally, you’ll need to add a sweetener such as honey or another to achieve the same sweetness.
7. Egg White Or Egg
Are you aware that egg whites can be used in place of bananas? This concept is useful in recipes that require bananas as a binder. Egg whites are an appropriate substitute for bananas if you so want.
You might have seen bananas being touted as a good alternative to eggs, and it works the opposite way too! These ingredients possess excellent binding properties, which means they can be substituted for one other.
Eggs will not taste exactly like bananas and more often absorb the taste of other eggs. So ensure that you have sugar or some other sweetener available.
You can use eggs to substitute for bananas in a 1:1 swap. One egg can substitute for one mashed banana. Bananas and eggs often get substituted depending on the recipe.
All the essential nutrients you require to be healthy are present in eggs, regardless of whether they are whole eggs or just whites. An egg is a fantastic breakfast option because it is loaded with nutrients, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
8. Chia Seeds
Did you realize that Chia seeds can stand out from the alternative bananas to bake with when baking? Chia seeds are twice the amount of fiber and protein than bananas and also have higher levels of antioxidants.
Additionally, they are easy to locate within health-food stores! They’ve been found to reduce blood pressure, boost heart health, reduce arthritis-related symptoms, etc.
Apart from the many great benefits, They are also great substitutes for bananas in cooking! You can replace one egg with a tablespoon of chia seeds that have been ground. In your recipe, add one teaspoon of water for each tablespoon of chia seeds.
If you’re looking for a replacement for bananas, you can make use of the chia seeds. We suggest this option if you are only using the fruit for bulking up recipes. Chia seeds soak up the liquid and provide the recipe with more consistency.
9. Soaked Cashews
With its distinct variety of flavors, and several health benefits, Cashew is the ideal option to replace banana. It’s not just going to give you a smooth texture but also provide healthy nutrients.
It is best to choose the cashews that have been soaked instead of normal ones because it can lessen the impact of phytic acid, and you’ll obtain a healthy form of it.
Bananas can be substituted for cashew cream cheese made by grinding cashews soaked in. You can use it as per the recipe’s requirements, but you’ll have to add some sugar.
10. Applesauce
Applesauce is an excellent replacement for baked bananas mashed, especially when you need an extra moist and smooth texture. One of the most well-liked dishes is made using cooked and pureed apples.
It has a sweet taste that is distinct from other apple varieties and yet is like apple pie.
Applesauce can be a suitable alternative to bananas in recipes like smoothies, banana bread, and cakes.
Its texture provides those dishes with moisture like bananas while offering an atypical taste; it is more distinct and flavorful than traditional mashing bananas.
It also functions as a powerful binding agent while keeping the dessert on the sweeter side because of the natural sugars in applesauce.
The Best Banana In Smoothies Substitutes
1. Butternut Squash
A vegetable that can be an excellent replacement for bananas to make smoothies is cooked butternut squash; however, any sweet pumpkin should suffice.
A part of the gourds family of squashes, the butternut squash features mild, brownish skin and bright orange flesh.
Butternut is a naturally sweet, nutty flavor, and the texture is dense, making the butternut more attractive than soft, watery pumpkins that are often found.
As bananas like bananas, butternuts are high in potassium and contain anti-oxidant carotenoids vital for the strength of the immune system.
Squashes are popular in the autumn, but fresh butternut and canned pumpkin are easily available. You can also freeze-baked butternuts.
Butternut cooked can replace bananas in smoothies, as it provides similar sweetness and softness.
The hue and taste are perfect to create a fall-inspired atmosphere. Add apples, cinnamon, and spices like pumpkin.
Alternate each banana by adding a cup of cooked pumpkin or butternut to a smoothie.
2. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a great substitute for bananas in smoothies.
Sweet potatoes are not potatoes at all; however, they are large, thick tubers that can be red, purple, or white.
This delicious vegetable is a fantastic food source. Additionally, it has anti-wrinkle and anti-inflammatory effects.
Like butternut, sweet potato also has the same texture and flavor. It is incredibly hearty, and it has a sweet dessert flavor which makes it a great substitute for bananas.
Buy frozen or canned sweet potato, bake, purée, and store a few ready for a smoothie.
Alternate bananas with sweet potatoes in smoothies to get the same taste and creamy texture. Sweet potato works well with blueberries, apples, chocolate, and Acai.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent substitute for bananas in smoothies.
Oatmeal, ground oatmeal, or Oats rolled are common breakfast foods and are often cooked into porridge. This nutritious grain is loaded with manganese, vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. It is popular for its insoluble fiber.
Oats help you feel fuller and improve digestion, and are great for losing weight.
Although they don’t possess the same sweetness as bananas, they work as a replacement due to the weight they give smoothies. Include nut butter or fruit for a zing.
There are many ways you can add rolled oats to smoothies. But, for best outcomes, soak the oats for at least one hour in water or milk to give them a more smooth texture.
4. Cashews
Cashew nuts are an excellent alternative to the bananas used in smoothies.
If you’re a big fan of nuts, you’ll love the sweet, rich taste and soft crunch of cashews.
Cashews include anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fatty acids.
The long-standing tradition of Indian food to make kormas thicker and gravies, cashews are a perfect blend of deliciousness.
Cashews give flavor and taste to smoothies and work well alongside chocolate, berries, dates, and leafy green vegetables.
Alternate every banana in your smoothie by adding a half cup of cashews in raw form.
How To Pick The Best Substitute For Bananas
When selecting a banana substitute for baking recipes, there are a few factors to consider. This is particularly important when baking amazing banana bread.
Texture
The main distinction is that of texture. Fruits are perfect for baking banana bread since they provide texture. The result is a more fluffy and less grainy bread. Any ingredient that is similar to the consistency of a frozen banana is an ideal substitute.
Flavor
The unique flavor of bananas is one of the reasons that recipes demand their use. The flavor will differ across different alternatives. So, we suggest using fruit that is similar to bananas in flavor.
Recipe
It is important to consider the whole recipe. Do you want to prepare a meal or a dessert? Be aware that different ingredients can result in different outcomes.
FAQ
What Popular Recipes Use Banana Substitutes?
A lot of recipes for bananas; however, you can substitute other ingredients. You can substitute bananas in recipes such as oatmeal cookies, pureed beans as well as breakfast drinks.
What Food Can Be Used As A Substitute for Banana In Smoothies?
You can use various foods to make a perfect banana substitute. There are many options for banana substitutes. You can use cashews, avocados, Greek yogurt, or Chia seeds to make smoothies.
Bottom line
Finally, there’s the great substitutes for bananas that can be used in cooking recipes and other ways to use them.
Avocado, Plantains, Applesauce, Quinoa, and sweet potato mashed are an excellent selection of alternatives.
You can use each ingredient’s distinctive texture to improve the flavor of the dish.
Are you ready to try one of those options?
