Skip to Content

Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Banana Substitutes

Do you yearn for your beloved banana smoothies and pancakes, but don’t have bananas? You’re not alone.

This article has some ingenius alternatives.

Read on to discover them.

Re-start your health routine without missing a beat.

What’s a Banana?

Do you ever ponder: “What is a banana?” To put it briefly, a banana is a type of fruit.

It grows on trees and is part of the Musaceae family.

Generally, they are either yellow or green and are soft when ripe.

Not only are bananas delicious on their own, but they can be used in plenty of recipes and baking.

For example, you can mash them to make banana bread, add them to smoothies for extra creaminess, or even use them as a natural sweetener in desserts.

Nutritionally, bananas are an amazing source of potassium and other vitamins and minerals.

They also have low calories and high fiber, making them a great snack for anyone trying to stay healthy.

In conclusion, bananas are a favorite fruit for a reason: they taste good and have many health benefits.

Since you know what a banana is, why not try some of the top substitutes if they’re not available?

The 5 Best Banana Substitutes to Consider

Running low on bananas? Don’t like them? Here are the top 5 alternatives to choose from.

They all offer great flavors and benefits.

Plus, you can use them in smoothies and baked goods.

Pick whichever one appeals to you and meets your dietary needs.

First up is applesauce, which has a texture and sweetness similar to bananas.

Perfect for pancakes or muffins, it’s simple to blend with other ingredients or whisk by hand.

1 – Applesauce

Applesauce is at the top of the 5 Best Substitutes for Banana.

It can provide the same texture and moisture to baked goods like muffins, bread, and cakes.

You can use it one-to-one for mashed bananas in recipes.

But, if you’re using unsweetened applesauce, add extra sugar or sweetener to get the desired sweetness.

Applesauce gives a slight apple flavor to the end product, which can be either a plus or a minus.

Plus, it will change the color of your baked goods due to different pigmentation.

And it works best when bananas provide moisture and binding.

Using applesauce as a banana sub is great since it’s likely already in your kitchen.

And, it requires no special cooking equipment or processes – so convenient.

However, keep in mind that applesauce has its own unique flavor.

2 – Plantain

Plantains are related to bananas and are used in various recipes.

They are native to tropical areas and have a starchy texture and mild flavor.

Consider these three points when cooking with plantains:

  • Ripeness: Unlike bananas, plantains must be cooked before consuming. For a sweeter taste, choose riper plantains with yellow or black peels. For a starchy texture, use green plantains with firm flesh.
  • Cooking: Plantains can be boiled, fried, baked or roasted. Boiling makes soft plantains that can be mashed into a puree or soups, while frying creates crunchy chips for snacking.
  • Nutrition: Plantains have higher starch levels than bananas and contain more fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They have less sugar, making them great for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

When using plantain as a banana substitute, you’ll need to adjust the recipe.

Plantain adds an earthy sweetness and dense texture that is different from bananas.

For a breakfast alternative to banana slices on toast, top your toast with smashed avocado instead.

This fruit is packed with healthy fats and has a creamy texture that pairs well with toppings such as eggs or tomatoes.

3 – Avocado

Avocado is an amazing fruit.

It has a creamy texture and mild flavor.

It’s great in sweet or savory dishes alike.

Plus, it’s high in healthy fats and fiber.

And it contains important nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and potassium.

Mashed avocado can be used in baking or smoothies.

It provides moisture and richness like mashed banana.

Some even prefer it over banana in recipes like chocolate desserts or green smoothies.

Avo is also a great option for those avoiding bananas due to allergies or dietary restrictions.

However, avo and banana taste and feel different.

So, substituting avo for banana may not always get you the same results.

But if you’re up for some experimentation in the kitchen, give it a go.

4 – Canned Pumpkin

Canned Pumpkin: an unexpected but great replacement for bananas.

It has a similar consistency, mild flavor and adds moisture and density.

Plus, it is rich in vitamins, fiber and potassium – making it a healthy choice.

Mashed Sweet Potato is also a great banana replacement for various recipes.

5 – Mashed Sweet Potato

Mashed sweet potatoes can be a great substitute for bananas.

Here are five reasons you should consider adding this tasty alternative to your kitchen:

  • Nutrient-rich – contains vitamins A, C and potassium.
  • Naturally sweet – perfect for baking and smoothie recipes.
  • Creamy texture similar to bananas – an excellent binding agent for baked goods.
  • Cost-effective compared to other substitutes.
  • Can be used as a side dish or topping for desserts.

If you’re looking for a banana alternative with similar nutrition benefits, mashed sweet potato is worth trying.

Plus, it’s handy when you least expect it.

Store it and it’ll last longer than fresh bananas.

So, if you’re looking for a substitute, give mashed sweet potatoes a go.

Conclusion

We’ve talked about five yummy alternatives to bananas.

Each one has its own unique flavor and texture.

If you’re looking for a healthy sub for bananas, try sweet potatoes, avocados, applesauce, chia seeds, or yogurt.

Remember to think about nutrition and other ingredients when selecting a replacement.

Now that you’ve read this article, you know more about banana subs.

Don’t just stick to bananas – there are plenty of other options.