Poppy seeds substitutes
Poppy seeds substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sesame seeds
Same amount as the poppy seeds
Similar small, nutty seeds with mild flavor and crunchy texture.
The best substitutes for poppy seeds are sesame seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of poppy seeds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sesame seedsbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Chia seedsbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Flax seedsbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Sunflower seedsbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Pumpkin seedsbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Sesame seeds
similar taste and texture
Similar small, nutty seeds with mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, snacks, cooking
Very similar to poppy seeds in flavor and texture.
Chia seeds
similar taste and texture
Similar small, nutty seeds with mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, snacks, cooking
Very similar to poppy seeds in flavor and texture.
Flax seeds
similar taste and texture
Similar small, nutty seeds with mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, snacks, cooking
Very similar to poppy seeds in flavor and texture.
Sunflower seeds
similar taste and texture
Similar small, nutty seeds with mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, snacks, cooking
Very similar to poppy seeds in flavor and texture.
Pumpkin seeds
similar taste and texture
Similar small, nutty seeds with mild flavor and crunchy texture.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, snacks, cooking
Very similar to poppy seeds in flavor and texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds?
Yes, sesame seeds are an excellent substitute for poppy seeds. They have a very similar mild, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them good for the same applications.
What's the difference between poppy seeds and chia seeds?
Poppy seeds are small, nutty seeds with a mild flavor and crunchy texture, while chia seeds are similar small, nutty seeds with a similar mild flavor. Both work well in similar applications but have different cultural origins.
Can I make poppy seeds at home?
Yes, you can make poppy seeds at home by properly growing and preparing the poppy plants. However, this process requires careful attention to growing times and can be time-consuming.
How long do poppy seeds last?
Poppy seeds can last for 6 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place. However, it's best to use them within 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips for substituting poppy seeds
7 tips- Poppy seeds are best when used in baking and desserts for their mild, nutty flavor
- Store poppy seeds in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months
- Poppy seeds pair well with lemon, vanilla, and other ingredients
- For baking, poppy seeds add depth and richness to dishes
- Poppy seeds can be used in both sweet and savory applications
- Add poppy seeds gradually to avoid overpowering other flavors
- Poppy seeds work well in marinades, dressings, and sauces