Currants substitutes
Currants substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Raisins
Same amount as the currants
Dried grapes with similar sweetness and texture.
The best substitutes for currants are raisins, dried cranberries, or other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of currants | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raisinsbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Dried cranberriesbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dried cherriesbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Dried blueberriesbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dried apricotsbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Fresh berriesbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Raisins
different taste, similar texture
Dried grapes with similar sweetness and texture.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix
Similar sweetness, different flavor.
Dried cranberries
different taste, similar texture
Dried cranberries with tart flavor.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix
More tart, similar texture.
Dried cherries
different taste, similar texture
Dried cherries with sweet-tart flavor.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix
Similar sweetness, different flavor.
Dried blueberries
different taste, similar texture
Dried blueberries with sweet flavor.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix
Similar sweetness, different flavor.
Dried apricots
different taste, similar texture
Dried apricots with sweet flavor.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, trail mix
Similar sweetness, different flavor.
Fresh berries
similar taste, different texture
Fresh berries with similar tartness.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, snacking, desserts
More moisture, different texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use raisins instead of currants?
Yes, raisins are a good substitute for currants. They have similar sweetness and texture, though they have a different flavor profile.
What's the difference between fresh and dried currants?
Fresh currants are tart and juicy, while dried currants are sweet and chewy. Dried currants are more commonly used in baking and cooking.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of currants?
Yes, dried cranberries can work as a substitute, though they're more tart than currants. They have similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why are currants so popular in British baking?
Currants are popular in British baking because they're native to the region and have been used in traditional recipes for centuries. They add tartness and sweetness to scones, cakes, and other baked goods.
Tips for substituting currants
6 tips- Currants add tartness and sweetness to dishes
- Currants can be used fresh or dried
- Currants pair well with nuts, chocolate, and spices
- Currants can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Currants can be used to make jams, jellies, and preserves
- Store dried currants in an airtight container