Bell peppers substitutes
Bell peppers substitutes — 3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Poblano peppers
Same amount as the bell peppers
Similar pepper with different heat level.
The best substitutes for bell peppers are poblano peppers, cubanelle peppers, or sweet mini peppers, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bell peppers | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poblano pepperscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Cubanelle pepperscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Sweet mini pepperscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Poblano peppers
different taste, similar texture
Similar pepper with different heat level.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, salads, stuffed peppers
Different heat level, similar texture - mild heat.
Cubanelle peppers
similar taste and texture
Similar pepper with different shape.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, salads, stuffed peppers
Different shape, similar flavor.
Sweet mini peppers
similar taste and texture
Similar pepper with different size.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, salads, snacks
Different size, similar flavor.
Questions
3 questionsCan I use poblano peppers instead of bell peppers?
Yes, but poblano peppers have a mild heat, so they're not completely sweet like bell peppers.
What's the difference between different colored bell peppers?
Red bell peppers are the sweetest and most mature, while green bell peppers are less sweet and more bitter.
Can I use bell peppers raw?
Yes, bell peppers are commonly eaten raw in salads, crudités, and as snacks.
Tips for substituting bell peppers
4 tips- Bell peppers are sweet and crunchy, good for raw and cooked applications
- Different colors have slightly different flavors - red is sweetest, green is most bitter
- Remove seeds and membranes to reduce bitterness
- Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants