Peaches substitutes
Peaches substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Nectarines
Same amount as the peaches
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to peaches, but without the fuzzy skin.
The best substitutes for peaches are nectarines, apricots, or pears, depending on the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- desserts
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of peaches | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nectarinesdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Apricotsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Pearsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Canned peachesdesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Mangodesserts | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Plumsdesserts | Same amountWorks | Works |
Nectarines
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to peaches, but without the fuzzy skin.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Nectarines are slightly more acidic than peaches.
Apricots
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to peaches.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Apricots are slightly more tart than peaches.
Pears
similar taste and texture
Sweet, juicy fruit that can be cut into peach-sized pieces for similar texture.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, baking, sauces
Choose ripe, soft pears for best texture. Slightly less sweet than peaches.
Canned peaches
similar taste, different texture
Convenient substitute when fresh peaches aren't available. Choose peaches in light syrup or water.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, sauces, preserves
Drain well before using. May be softer than fresh peaches, so adjust cooking time.
Mango
different taste, similar texture
Tropical fruit with similar sweetness and texture to peaches.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Mango has a more tropical flavor than peaches.
Plums
similar taste and texture
Sweet stone fruit with similar texture and sweetness to peaches.
- Best for
- desserts, salads, smoothies, snacks
Remove pit before using. Plums are slightly more tart than peaches.
Questions
4 questionsHow do I know when peaches are ripe?
Ripe peaches 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 peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches work well as a substitute for fresh peaches in many applications. They're great for smoothies and as a frozen snack. Thaw them completely before using in raw preparations.
Why are my peaches not sweet?
Peaches may not be sweet if they're not fully ripe or if they were picked too early. Choose peaches that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma. Some varieties are naturally less sweet than others.
Can I eat peach skin?
Yes, peach skin is edible and contains fiber and nutrients. However, some people prefer to remove it for a smoother texture. The skin is thin and tender, so it's usually not necessary to remove it.
Tips for substituting peaches
7 tips- Choose peaches that are plump, soft, and have a sweet aroma
- Store ripe peaches in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- Freeze peaches for smoothies or as a frozen snack
- Peaches pair well with vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and herbs like mint and basil
- For salads, cut peaches into quarters for best presentation
- Peaches are best served at room temperature for maximum flavor
- Remove the pit before using peaches in recipes