Celery substitutes
Celery substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fennel
Same amount as the celery
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
The best substitutes for celery are fennel, jicama, or other crunchy vegetables like cucumber or radishes, depending on the use.
Celery does two quiet jobs — a green, faintly bitter flavour you only notice once it is missing, and a lot of water and crunch — and most of the crunchy vegetables offered instead give you the water without the flavour.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of celery | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fennelcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Jicamacooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Cucumbercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Radishescooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Water chestnutscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Bamboo shootscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Fennel
different taste, similar texture
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Jicama
different taste, similar texture
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Cucumber
different taste, similar texture
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Radishes
different taste, similar texture
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Water chestnuts
different taste, similar texture
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Bamboo shoots
different taste, similar texture
Similar crunchy vegetable with different flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- cooking, baking, desserts, beverages
Different flavor, similar texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use fennel instead of celery?
Yes, fennel is a good substitute for celery. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes that call for celery.
What's the difference between celery and fennel?
Celery has a mild, slightly bitter flavor, while fennel has a more pronounced, anise-like flavor. Both have similar texture and can be used interchangeably.
Can I use jicama instead of celery?
Yes, jicama can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is celery so popular in cooking?
Celery is popular in cooking because it adds crunch and mild flavor that complements other ingredients and is a traditional ingredient in many cuisines.
Tips for substituting celery
6 tips- Celery adds crunch and mild flavor to dishes
- Celery can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Celery pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Celery works well in baking and desserts
- Celery can be used to make stocks and soups
- Store celery in the refrigerator