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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.