12 Best Substitutes For Chocolate Chips

From chocolate chip cookies to chocolate chip pancakes, many of our favorite sweet treats feature the classic and nostalgic ingredient of chocolate chips. That said, whether you are looking for a healthier alternative or you simply need to switch up some flavors, having a solid list of substitutes for chocolate chips is a must for bakers. And while there are plenty of alternatives to try, you can't expect to substitute just anything for chocolate chips and still have your recipe come out on top.

Thankfully, there is a wide variety of ingredients that mimic or improve the taste and texture of chocolate chips. Between crunchy and savory cashew and almonds and creamy yogurt chips, there are plenty of options to explore and experiment with when learning the ins and outs of baked goods. Without further ado, here is our list of the 10 best substitutes for chocolate chips.

Earthy and unique, carob chips are a healthier substitute for chocolate that still maintains a solid level of sweetness. According to Healthline, carob has a wide range of health benefits, making it more nutritious and beneficial than classic cocoa. In addition to being caffeine-free, carob also has an ample amount of Vitamin A. When it comes to minerals, carob is rich in copper, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Though it is available in various forms including powder and syrup, carob chips are about as similar to chocolate chips in shape and size that you can get, making them the most alike alternative. Though it does have a similar taste to chocolate, carob chips are actually less bitter and more sweet. In fact, when added to cookie batter, muffins, or pancakes, you might even find that carob chips are more appetizing than chocolate chips.

Sometimes referred to as "nature's chocolate chips," cacao nibs can be used to replace chocolate chips with a crisp crunch and vibrant taste. Though both cocoa nibs and chocolate chips come from the cocoa bean, cocoa nibs are a more raw version that has earthier undertones and a rougher texture. That said, if you like a little crunch in your cookies, cacao nibs add crispness that takes texture to the next level.

However, when it comes to taste, it is important to keep in mind that cacao nibs are pure cocoa beans that haven't been ground with any added sweeteners or additives. Hence, the less sweet and more bitter taste they have. Cacao nibs also have a roasted coffee flavor, adding some depth and dimension to your recipe. If you're looking for more ways to use cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips, consider throwing them into a smoothie or smoothie bowl for a boost of more bold flavors.

Looking for something that is still sweet but slightly salty? Peanut butter chips provide the same texture and shape as chocolate chips but with a more dynamic flavor profile. Nutty and savory, peanut butter chips can be used in everything from muffins to cookies, and while they certainly can be a great substitute for chocolate chips, they can also be used in tandem to create a classic peanut butter and chocolate combo.

One of the best things about peanut butter chips is the fact that they retain the nutty and beloved taste of peanut butter, but they are easier to work with thanks to their solid shape and small size. Whether you are looking to mix them in with some sort of batter or you plan on melting them down to create a flavorful glaze or coating, peanut butter chips cure your salty craving while still adding something sweet to your baked goods.

Despite being nothing more than dried grapes, raisins create a unique texture and taste that is both sweet and refreshing. Though they still contain a decent amount of natural sugar, raisins are still a member of the fruit family, making them a cleaner alternative to chocolate chips. The sweet and fruity aftertaste makes these small and easy-to-add substitutes perfect for classic recipes like oatmeal cookies or raisin bran muffins.

One of the best parts of using raisins in substitution for chocolate chips is the texture. While some might find the wrinkly exterior of a raisin to be a bit off-putting, raisins are a bit softer than chocolate chips. This chewy and soft texture pairs nicely with fluffy muffins or fresh-baked cookies, and raisins used in trail mix even offer a salty coating that adds some savory elements. Nuts like almonds and walnuts pair well with raisins, resulting in a combination of complementary tastes and textures.

Light, refreshing, and clean, yogurt is a sweet treat that offers a greater nutritional value than chocolate. From strawberry to vanilla, yogurt is available in a variety of flavors, but there is none more protein-packed than Greek yogurt. That said, if you're looking to replace chocolate chips, yogurt chips are a great alternative that possesses a similar texture and shape but with a more refreshing and light flavor.

While yogurt chips are definitely a healthier alternative to chocolate chips when it comes to cookies and muffins, they also provide you with the opportunity to increase protein intake without sacrificing taste and flavor. When it comes to pairings, nuts such as almonds or cashews pair nicely with yogurt chips and add a crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the yogurt. Raisins are another great pairing option that adds a fruity aftertaste that complements the lighter notes found in yogurt chips.

Despite the fact that it won't provide the same structure or texture of chocolate chips, cocoa butter can be used to replace the rich taste and decadence of chocolate chips. When making cookies with cocoa butter, rather than acting as an accessory or topping, cocoa butter actually acts as the backbone of the dough itself. In addition to the taste, cocoa butter also makes the texture of cookies and cakes all the more moist and rich thanks to its creamy and thick texture.

The cocoa flavor and aroma will fill any kitchen that uses this special oil, and though it does have a natural chocolate taste, it is important to note that cocoa butter is a fat that is extracted from a cocoa bean. That said, cocoa butter plays a role in actually making chocolate — it is also used to make topical ointments and lotions that leave the skin silky smooth.

Though it may be hard to believe that anything could be more decadent than classic chocolate chips, butterscotch might take the cake. Despite the fact that it may appear and even taste somewhat similar to caramel or toffee, butterscotch is its own ballgame when it comes to flavor. The main thing that sets butterscotch apart from caramel is that it's made with brown sugar rather than granulated sugar. While butterscotch candies are a common treat, butterscotch has also been used as a popular ice cream topping, adding a rich and vibrant coating to a classic vanilla scoop.

That said, butterscotch chips bring all of the beloved flavors of butterscotch into a compact and convenient chip form, making them easy to use for cookies, brownies, or even pancakes. Though butterscotch chips do not have the same chocolatey flavor as traditional chocolate chips, they are just as sweet, if not sweeter, making them the perfect substitution for recipes that require a more decadent touch.

Despite that it's super sugary, caramel has a much more mild and subtle flavor than chocolate. That said, caramel chips are one of the best things to stand in for chocolate chips when creating a recipe that might be overpowered by the flavors of chocolate. When it comes to texture, most people think of the sticky and chewy version of classic caramel. While this form of caramel does have its own charm, it can be a pain when it comes to baking or integrating it into other recipes.

However, caramel chips provide the perfect amount of rich and indulgent caramel flavor in a smoother and easier-to-work with form. Another benefit of using caramel chips rather than classic caramel is that it's easier on your teeth. Though caramel chips are a great substitute for chocolate chips, they can also work wonderfully in tandem with chocolate, creating a tasty combo that balances each other out.

From cashews to almonds, nuts are a solid substitute for chocolate chips when you are looking to cut back on sugar while still adding flavor. In addition to a salty and nutty taste, these protein-packed treats also create a satisfying crunch in cookies, brownies, cakes, and more. That said, while most nuts provide a nice crunch, there is a wide variety to choose from, and with that comes a range of flavors and tastes.

For example, peanuts have a distinct taste that is pretty strong and overpowering, while cashews and almonds are milder. Depending on what you're baking, different nuts will work better than others. Also, one of the best things about using nuts as a substitute for chocolate chips is you can either bake them directly into your goods, or use them as a topper for texture and aesthetic.

Unsweetened baking chocolate is simply chocolate that has little to no added sugar, making it a great alternative for those seeking to stay away from the heavy amount of sugar in classic chocolate chips. As the name suggests, this form of chocolate is unsweetened. However, that does not mean it isn't delicious! In fact, those that enjoy the bitterness of dark chocolate might even find unsweetened baking chocolate enjoyable on its own. However, obviously, unsweetened baking chocolate is supposed to be used for baking — so beware, popping a piece of it into your mouth might make your face pucker!

Available in milk, dark, and white chocolate, this unsweetened substitute is a great choice when what you are baking already includes a decent amount of sugar. If you're wanting to avoid a recipe being too sweet but still want to include that rich chocolate flavor, unsweetened baking chocolate easily replaces chocolate chips. The fact that it is also healthier is an added bonus.

If you're looking to up the ante when it comes to chocolate, thick, square chocolate bars are a solid substitute for smaller chocolate chips. From white chocolate to dark chocolate, there are plenty of options to choose from when navigating the world of chocolate bars. Whether you're looking to use a big name brand like Hershey's or prefer a chocolate bar that's more small-batch and artisan, everything from chunky chocolate cookies to fluffy pancakes can benefit from this sizable enhancement.

While you can definitely bake chocolate bars into a variety of goodies, the typical square shape of most chocolate bar pieces makes this treat a great option for decor and toppings. For example, instead of baking the chocolate bar pieces into a cookie, place a square directly on top of the dough for a chocolate center that adds some depth in both flavor and texture.

When it comes to melting chocolate, cocoa powder creates a creamier and more decadent mixture — when compared to chocolate chips. The genuine and rich flavor of cocoa powder is both powerful and satisfying, and as long as you don't use too much while baking, the flavor shouldn't be too overpowering. That said, butter is a key component to successfully replacing chocolate chips with cocoa powder. Mixing the butter with cocoa powder allows for the cocoa powder to dissolve, ridding the recipe of any graininess or powdery texture.

This creamy mixture of butter and cocoa powder results in a flavorful and soft glaze, and the natural richness of butter enhances the natural flavors found in cocoa powder, showing just how incredible this combo can be. Adding a little sugar to your mixture will also take sweetness to the next level, should that be what your desired recipe calls for.