Best Capers Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Capers in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Briny and salty but less sharp and floral. Use in equal amounts; works for rustic dishes but lacks caper's distinctive tang.
Looking for the best Capers substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 3 reliable Capers replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store. The top pick is Chopped Green Olives — it's the closest match for most recipes. Briny and salty but less sharp and floral. Use in equal amounts; works for rustic dishes but lacks caper's distinctive tang.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Capers →All Capers Substitutes (3 options)
Briny and salty but less sharp and floral. Use in equal amounts; works for rustic dishes but lacks caper's distinctive tang.
Slightly larger and sweeter than capers. Use 75% the amount; adds herbaceous pickle flavor to remoulade or tartare.
Similar briny, sharp flavor with slight pepper bite. Equal swap; use in tapenade, fish dishes, or sauces where caper's tang is key.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Capers
For most recipes, Chopped Green Olives is the best starting point. Briny and salty but less sharp and floral. Use in equal amounts; works for rustic dishes but lacks caper's distinctive tang. Watching your grocery budget? Chopped Green Olives is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Capers substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Capers Substitutes
The best substitute for Capers is Chopped Green Olives. Use the same amount. Briny and salty but less sharp and floral. Use in equal amounts; works for rustic dishes but lacks caper's distinctive tang.
This guide lists 3 Capers alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee