Nut allergies are pretty common—there are a lot of people who can’t enjoy certain dishes because they have nuts in them. But that shouldn’t be the reason to give up on them altogether. Instead, you can use a substitute that might not result in the exact same flavor or texture, but will do a better job than you have imagined.
Here are some of the best nut substitutes you can use in cooking.
Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds have proved to be quite efficient nut substitutes in many recipes. Just make sure they are unsalted, as the salted version could mess up the flavor. Also, if the recipe requires roasted nuts, simply toast the seeds in an oven.
Granola
Granola also works well as a nut substitute due to its crunchy nature. You can use them in a one-for-one ratio.
Pretzels
Pretzels can be nut-substitutes in most recipes but are at their best in baking goods and desserts. You can crush them and sprinkle them on cakes, or ice cream, or use them for coating.
Roasted Beans
Surprisingly, roasted soybeans or roasted chickpeas can deliver great results as nut substitutes. They especially take care of the business in salads, giving you those crunchy bits while also packing protein.