Best Water Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Water in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Looking for the best Water substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 8 reliable Water 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 keep things plant-based or avoid dairy. The top pick is Chicken Broth — it's the closest match for most recipes. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Water →All Water Substitutes (8 options)
Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Almond milk adds subtle nuttiness and richness. Use 1:1 in most recipes, but avoid in recipes requiring precise hydration like bread dough.
Apple juice adds subtle sweetness and body; use 1:1 by volume. Best in glazes, sauces, and baking where the extra sweetness complements the recipe. May intensify browning.
Beef broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 but reduce added salt since broth contains sodium.
Use 1:1 to boost flavor in soups, grains, and sauces. Adds sodium and richness; reduce added salt to compensate.
Coconut milk adds richness and flavor; use full-fat versions for creaminess. Reduces the need for added fat in the recipe.
Vegetable broth adds flavor and body to dishes where water would be used. Use 1:1 replacement, though the dish will be noticeably more flavorful.
White wine adds acidity and subtle flavor; use equal amounts. Alcohol cooks off in most applications; ideal for deglazing pans and cooking vegetables.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Water
For most recipes, Chicken Broth is the best starting point. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes. Going plant-based? Vegetable Broth, White Wine are both vegan-friendly options that work well in most recipes. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Vegetable Broth fits the bill without the gluten. If you're unsure which Water 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 Water Substitutes
The best substitute for Water is Chicken Broth. Use the same amount. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Chicken Broth is the closest substitute for Water — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Chicken Broth is the closest substitute for Water — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Chicken Broth is the closest substitute for Water — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
Chicken Broth is the closest substitute for Water — use it at a 1:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Chicken broth adds savory depth to soups, stews, and grains. Use 1:1 replacement for water, but reduce added salt in the recipe and be mindful of flavor changes in delicate dishes.
This guide lists 8 Water 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.
Vegetable Broth is a great plant-based alternative to Water. Vegetable broth adds flavor and body to dishes where water would be used. Use 1:1 replacement, though the dish will be noticeably more flavorful.
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