Nectarines substitutes
Nectarines substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Peaches
Same amount as the nectarines
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to nectarines, but with fuzzy skin.
The best substitutes for nectarines are peaches, apricots, or plums, depending on the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- desserts
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of nectarines | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peachesdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Apricotsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Plumsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Canned nectarinesdesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Mangodesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Pearsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
Peaches
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to nectarines, but with fuzzy skin.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Peaches are slightly less acidic than nectarines.
Apricots
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to nectarines.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Apricots are slightly more tart than nectarines.
Plums
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to nectarines.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Plums are slightly more tart than nectarines.
Canned nectarines
similar taste, different texture
Convenient substitute when fresh nectarines aren't available. Choose nectarines in light syrup or water.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, sauces, preserves
Drain well before using. May be softer than fresh nectarines, so adjust cooking time.
Mango
different taste, similar texture
Tropical fruit with similar sweetness and texture to nectarines.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Mango has a more tropical flavor than nectarines.
Pears
similar taste and texture
Sweet, juicy fruit that can be cut into nectarine-sized pieces for similar texture.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, baking, sauces
Choose ripe, soft pears for best texture. Slightly less sweet than nectarines.
Questions
4 questionsHow do I know when nectarines are ripe?
Ripe nectarines should be plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure and may have small cracks in the skin. The color should be vibrant and consistent.
Can I use frozen nectarines instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen nectarines work well as a substitute for fresh nectarines in many applications. They're great for smoothies and as a frozen snack. Thaw them completely before using in raw preparations.
Why are my nectarines not sweet?
Nectarines may not be sweet if they're not fully ripe or if they were picked too early. Choose nectarines that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma. Some varieties are naturally less sweet than others.
Can I eat nectarine skin?
Yes, nectarine skin is edible and contains fiber and nutrients. The skin is smooth and tender, so it's usually not necessary to remove it unless you prefer a smoother texture.
Tips for substituting nectarines
7 tips- Choose nectarines that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma
- Store ripe nectarines in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- Freeze nectarines for smoothies or as a frozen snack
- Nectarines pair well with vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and herbs like mint and basil
- For salads, cut nectarines into quarters for best presentation
- Nectarines are best served at room temperature for maximum flavor
- Remove the pit before using nectarines in recipes