Is There a Good Substitute for Fresh Cranberries? (2024)

Kelli Foster

Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor

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published Nov 24, 2015

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Q: We are a family living abroad, and want to invite local friends to celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional dinner. I can find most ingredients, but there are no fresh cranberries for the relish. Any ideas on what I can substitute for the cranberries or another relish?

Sent by Elizabeth

Editor: That’s too bad that you can’t find fresh cranberries where you live. There’s not a direct substitute for fresh cranberries, but you could make a relish or chutney using a combination of fresh cherries and pomegranates, as well as a small amount of dried cranberries or dried figs. The flavor will be more sweet than tart, but it serves the same purpose.

Chutney Recipes

Kitchn readers, any suggestions for what Elizabeth can use in place of fresh cranberries for her Thanksgiving relish?

Is There a Good Substitute for Fresh Cranberries? (2024)

FAQs

Is There a Good Substitute for Fresh Cranberries? ›

There's not a direct substitute for fresh cranberries, but you could make a relish or chutney using a combination of fresh cherries and pomegranates, as well as a small amount of dried cranberries or dried figs. The flavor will be more sweet than tart, but it serves the same purpose.

What can I use in place of fresh cranberries? ›

Whether you're making your sauce from frozen or fresh cranberries, choose an alternative that you like the taste of or are similar to cranberries' tart and bitter profile, such as red currants, cherries, or raspberries.

What is the closest berry to cranberry? ›

For most people, it's quite difficult to tell lingonberries and cranberries apart. Not only do both fruit look similar to the untrained eye, but they also share a rich tart flavor. Adding to the confusion, the evergreen shrubs that the fruit come from look very much alike—both belong to the heath family.

How do I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries? ›

You'll probably want to use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries for every 1/2 cup of dried cranberries called for in the recipe. You can also look for recipes calling for fresh blueberries and use cranberries instead. Since they're similar in size, fresh blueberries and cranberries can be substituted one-for-one.

What is the closest flavor to cranberries? ›

Currants: Both red and black currants can substitute for cranberries due to their tart flavor profile, especially in jams and syrups.

Can you use Craisins instead of fresh cranberries? ›

Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®.

Are dried cranberries the same as fresh cranberries? ›

Raw cranberries (fresh or frozen) are high in nutritional value and fiber while being low in carbohydrates and calories. Dried cranberries (often known as "Craisins," a brand name), however, can be quite different. Since cranberries are so tart, most dried versions have added sugar.

Which fruit is equal to cranberry? ›

Many foods are similar nutritionally to cranberry, including apricot, squash, nectarine and raspberries. Other similar foods include shallot, peach and tomato.

What berry is like a cranberry? ›

Baneberries look a lot like highbush cranberries so look closely. The berries are often red, but can be white, with a black dot on the end. The seeds also differ with baneberry's having a crescent-shape, while highbush cranberry seeds are a flattened oval shape.

What is cranberry similar to? ›

Cranberries are a member of the heather family and related to blueberries, bilberries, and lingonberries. The most commonly grown species is the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), but other types are found in nature.

Why are there no fresh cranberries in the stores? ›

Why can't I find fresh cranberries year round? Fresh U.S. cranberries are only harvested in the fall and are available at your local grocery store from September through January.

Can you freeze fresh cranberries? ›

Place plastic bags of cranberries directly in the freezer for up to twelve months and use without thawing—just run cold water over them to rinse before using. Because some bruised and soft berries and some stems and leaves are often in the bags, you might prefer to sort and wash the berries before freezing them.

Should you chop cranberries before baking? ›

If you're feeling a little nervous about the tartness of the cranberries, though, you could definitely chop them up to create smaller pieces throughout the cake.

Why are fresh cranberries so expensive? ›

During this period, cranberries are at their peak freshness and availability, leading to lower prices due to the abundance of supply. However, as the harvest season ends, the availability of fresh cranberries decreases, causing prices to rise.

Does Sprite cranberry taste the same? ›

The flavor isn't supposed to be strong, it's meant to be a hint of cranberry, not taste like cranberry juice. Although it tastes similar to normal sprite because of the fact that it is sprite, it's flavor is iconic and delicious.

Are fresh cranberries sweet or tart? ›

Bite into a raw cranberry and you'll feel a little snap; their flesh is firm and dry and crisp. The flavor is tart, tart, tart, but even that can be fun. Paired with something sweet, cranberries go from pucker-y to palatable.

Do dried cranberries do the same as cranberry juice? ›

All forms of cranberry (juice, sauce, and dried) provide similar health benefits. An 8oz serving of 27% cranberry juice co*cktail provides the same level of goodness as: 1/4 cup fresh cranberries. 1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries.

What can I use instead of cranberries in a drink? ›

For this viral snow globe co*cktail could certainly use an alternative to cranberries, like frozen grapes, pomegranate seeds or citrus slices (like lemon or lime). You could even use frozen pineapple or mango – make this drink your own!

Can you use dried cranberries for baking? ›

Piquant and sweet dried cranberries are a fall baking favorite. Our repetoire of recipes with dried cranberries features bread, muffins, desserts and cookies.

What kind of cranberries do you use for baking? ›

Choose. Although cranberries are almost always prepackaged, look for firm, plump berries with a deep red color. Avoid shriveled or soft berries.

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