Capers substitutes
Capers substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Green olives
Same amount as the capers
Similar pickled product with different source.
The best substitutes for capers are green olives, pickled green beans, or caper berries, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- pasta
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of capers | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green olivespasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Pickled green beanspasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Caper berriespasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Pickled cucumberspasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Pickled onionspasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Pickled pepperspasta | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Green olives
different taste and texture
Similar pickled product with different source.
- Best for
- pasta, salads, sauces, garnishes
Different source, similar flavor.
Pickled green beans
different taste and texture
Similar pickled product with different source.
- Best for
- pasta, salads, sauces, garnishes
Different source, similar flavor.
Caper berries
similar taste, different texture
Same plant with different part.
- Best for
- pasta, salads, sauces, garnishes
Different part, similar flavor.
Pickled cucumbers
different taste and texture
Similar pickled product with different source.
- Best for
- pasta, salads, sauces, garnishes
Different source, similar flavor.
Pickled onions
different taste and texture
Similar pickled product with different source.
- Best for
- pasta, salads, sauces, garnishes
Different source, similar flavor.
Pickled peppers
different taste and texture
Similar pickled product with different source.
- Best for
- pasta, salads, sauces, garnishes
Different source, similar flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use green olives instead of capers?
Yes, green olives are a good substitute for capers. They have a different flavor but similar briny taste and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between capers and green olives?
Capers are pickled flower buds with tangy flavor, while green olives are pickled fruit with briny flavor. Both are pickled but have different sources and taste profiles.
Can I use pickled green beans instead of capers?
Yes, pickled green beans can work as a substitute, though they have a different flavor. They provide similar briny taste and can be used in most recipes.
Why are capers so popular in Mediterranean cooking?
Capers are popular because they add tangy, briny flavor and are a key ingredient in many traditional Mediterranean dishes like puttanesca and tartar sauce.
Tips for substituting capers
6 tips- Capers add tangy, briny flavor to dishes
- Capers can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Capers pair well with lemon, garlic, and olive oil
- Capers works well in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines
- Capers can be used to make tartar sauce and puttanesca
- Store capers in the refrigerator