Clean Treat Substitutes - What To Use When You’re In A Jam

The Ultimate Guide to Ingredient Swaps for Clean Treats

Excited to make your clean treats but missing a key ingredient? Do not panic. We have put together the ultimate list of healthy, easy swaps for sweeteners, nut butters, plant milks and more so you can keep rolling (literally) even when your pantry is looking bare. These swaps are also useful if you need an alternative for dietary preferences or allergen considerations, so you can adapt your treats without compromising flavour or texture.

While we have not tested every swap ourselves, these are widely recommended alternatives that should work well in most clean treat recipes. Keep in mind you may notice slight changes in taste or texture, but your treats will still be delicious.

Quick Reference Ingredient Swap Table

Rice Malt Syrup

Also known as brown rice syrup, this low-fructose sweetener is derived from brown rice and has a mild, butterscotch-like flavour.

Swap with: Agave syrup, honey, maple syrup or date paste.

Coconut Oil

Regular coconut oil sets firm when chilled, which helps bind and structure no-bake treats. Liquid coconut oil works too, but it will not give the same firm texture.

Swap with: Cacao butter for a similar solidifying effect, or grapeseed oil if a softer set is fine.

Peanut Butter

If you ever face the truly tragic shortage of peanut butter, there is no need to put your clean treat dreams on hold.

Swap with: Cashew butter, tahini, almond butter, coconut butter or sunflower butter.

Almond Butter

Often considered one of the healthiest nut butters, almond butter is rich, creamy and nutrient-dense.

Swap with: Cashew butter, peanut butter, tahini, coconut butter or sunflower butter.

Almond Milk

A popular choice in clean treat recipes, almond milk is light, mildly nutty and plant-based.

Swap with: Coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, rice milk or dairy milk.

Tahini

Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini has a bold flavour and creamy texture similar to nut butters.

Swap with: Smooth peanut butter, cashew butter, coconut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter.

Coconut Butter

Unlike coconut oil, coconut butter contains the meat of the coconut, retaining its nutrients and fibre while delivering a strong coconut flavour.

Swap with: Solidified coconut oil, or refrigerate coconut milk or cream overnight and use the hardened top layer.

With these clean treat ingredient swaps, you will never have to pause your baking just because you are missing a staple. Keep this list handy and you will always have a backup plan for sweeteners, nut butters and plant-based milks.

Ready to put these swaps to the test? Explore our Clean Treat Mixes and create your next batch of healthy, delicious desserts today.