Be it making the smoothies or adding something to morning pancakes, blueberries are widely used. Not to forget, blueberries go perfectly with oats and granola. However, the blueberries are not readily available (these are rarely-found berries). With this article, we are sharing the substitute for blueberries, so you don’t need to skip those delicious pancakes or smoothies!
Blueberries – What Are These?
The blueberries are, well, blue with a hint of purple color. It’s safe to say that blueberries are the most sought berries and have been declared the superfood. On top of everything, blueberries are extremely delicious (there is a reason everyone loves blueberry muffins). However, if blueberries aren’t in season or you have run out of blueberries, we have the best substitutes outlined in this section!
Best Substitute For Blueberries
1) Acai
To begin with, acais are the berries and are the closest substitutes of blueberries that you can find in the market. However, before you go gaga over acais, keep in mind that they are more expensive as compared to blueberries. This is mainly because acais aren’t grown everywhere and are known as the superfood. So, if you can find acais around at a reasonable price, they make a perfect replacement for blueberries.
2) Blackberry
The blackberries are the best berries after blueberries. However, the blackberries have larger seeds, so it will be an issue for you. Truth be told, the blackberry seeds can be annoying and cannot be ignored just easily. But again, you can always strain the blackberry seeds while making blackberry syrup or jam. Similarly, you can go for longan berries, elderberries, mulberries, and boysenberries.
All these berries are related to blackberries with a similar flavor profile. However, the blackberries can be very fragile since blackberries are composite fruit. So, handle them carefully!
3) Huckleberry
The huckleberries are extremely similar to acais (they are even used as a substitute for acais). The best thing about huckleberries is that they are extremely easy to find (yes, even if you don’t live in tropical areas). The huckleberries are full of flavor and can be extremely delicious. However, the huckleberries are not available in the grocery stores, so go to the farmers’ market!
4) Raspberry
If you cannot find any previously mentioned substitutes, raspberries seem to be the logical option. To begin with, raspberries are readily available and have a cheaper price tag. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be a bit different, but it’s still great. On top of everything, the raspberries look great in different recipes, such as decoration. Even more, it goes perfectly with granola and pancakes too!
5) Currants
For the most part, the currants are often known as cassis. Be it the red currants or black currants, both of them make a great substitute for blueberries. The currants have a tarty flavor profile which makes them suitable for jams, sauces, and syrups. However, you might need to add sugar for sweetening the currants, or else it will be too sour to use.
6) Grapes
Even if you cannot find anything, it’s needless to say that grapes are readily available and you can find them at any supermarket. The grapes are fine for yogurts and salads. However, grapes cannot replace blueberries in pies or muffins. In particular, we suggest that you opt for the red grapes or black grapes because the rose or white grapes don’t go well.
Keep in mind that the white grapes will be sweeter, so they can over-sweeten your recipe. All in all, if you want to add colors to the recipe, add all three types of colors.
7) Gooseberries
Believe it or not, gooseberries make the perfect substitute for blueberries. However, the users will need to sweeten and cook gooseberries as a replacement for blueberries. Keep in mind that the tart flavor is too intense, so sweeten them up. On top of everything, it works great as decoration.
8) Strawberry
We understand that the flavor profile of strawberry and blueberry is pretty different. However, strawberries can be used as the replacement of blueberries in muffins or pie fillings. Also, it works fine for jams as well.
9) Pomegranates
The pomegranate seeds can be used as raw ingredients. So, if you have use blueberries in the raw form, pomegranate seeds will do fine. That being said, pomegranates can replace blueberries in granola, yogurt, and salads.