10 Best Flaxseed Substitutes You Should Have A Look At!

You cannot stop counting the health benefits of eating flaxseeds as they are full of nutrition. But did you know that there are other options to try instead of flax seeds that are equally nutritious and tasty? Let’s see the best possible flax seeds substitutes.

Some of the best flax seeds substitutes available are chia, hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. You can also use tofu or yogurt instead of flax seeds, as they have the same nutrient values.

Many people substitute flax seeds with wheat germ and even psyllium husk powder.  

Flaxseeds not only have health benefits, but when added to a dish, they give a nutty flavor to the dish. People usually sprinkle powdered flaxseed over waffles and pancakes. You can always add flax seeds to yogurt or oatmeal and enjoy a healthy yet tasty meal. 

10 Best Flaxseed Substitutes 

Let’s see what are the possible flax seed substitutes and in what ratio they should be used. Stick with me till the end, and you won’t be disappointed. 

1. Chia seeds

The number one choice for flax seeds substitute, without any doubt, is chia seeds. They both have almost the same nutrient content. Chia seeds can replace flax seeds in almost every dish and recipe. 

Like flax seeds, chia seeds also get gelatinous in moisture. If you are using flax seeds to replace eggs, you can even use chia seeds. Simply grind the chia seeds and add a few tablespoons of water.

After mixing it for a few minutes, you will easily get egg-like consistency. You can easily use chia seeds in baked goods. As chia seeds don’t have their own taste, you can easily add them to the dish. However, you might also fight the texture a little gel-like and nutty. 

When mixed with any wet ingredients, chia seeds give a black hue, so you may have to compromise on the overall dish color. Use this superfood in equal amounts as flaxseeds, and you are good to go.

2. Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds have some of the same nutrients as flax seeds and resemble the nutty flavor as well. You might not want to use hemp seeds instead of eggs as it won’t work like flax seeds.

But consider hemp seeds where you want to touch flax seeds, as they have very similar flavors and textures. The best thing about hemp seeds is that they don’t have an outer shell like flax seeds, so it is more convenient to eat them.

You will also enjoy the more noticeable nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. Regarding health benefits, hemp seeds have more points than flax seeds. 

You can use hemp seeds in cookies or brownies but remember hemp seeds cannot be used as a thickening agent in baked goods. As hemp seeds closely resemble the flavor of flax seeds, you can use them in a 1:1 ratio. 

3. Tofu

Before judging me for adding tofu as a flax seeds substitute, I request you to hear me out first. In case you are looking for a flax seed substitute for the binding process, then tofu is your guy. 

You can easily use tofu in baked goods as it will add density and moisture to the dish. Tofu goes well with savory and sweet dishes as it has a great texture that can easily come out in the recipe. 

You can easily find tofu in your pantry or nearby stores and use it simply to have a little distinction in your regular recipes. I am sure you won’t be disappointed, as tofu will add great flavors and texture to your dish.

Add density to your baked goods by substituting a one-quarter cup of silken tofu instead of a tablespoon of flaxseeds. 

4. Yogurt

Yogurt has also been proven to be a great ingredient in baking goods. Like tofu, yogurt can be a flax seeds substitute. Yogurt adds moisture and also acts as a binding agent. 

One can list so many health benefits of consuming yogurt, and using the unflavored one is best as it will try to change the dish’s overall taste.

I also love to add flavored yogurt like mango to make any sweet mango dish. That’s a great way to intensify the flavors. 

Go for dairy-free yogurt options if regular yogurt is not your thing. You can add half a cup of yogurt instead of a tablespoon of flax seeds and gradually increase the quantity as you desire. 

5. Psyllium husk powder

Another great flax seeds substitute is psyllium husk powder. Let me just say it is super healthy, and you won’t compromise on nutrients while substituting it for flax seeds. 

Psyllium husk powder will help you to bind the ingredients and makes a great egg replacer when you are out of flaxseeds. 

Like flax seeds, psyllium husk powder has an excellent chewier texture. You can use psyllium husk powder in a ratio of 1:1 instead of flax seeds. 

6. Wheat germ

Wheat germs pair well with almost every bakery item, like bread and other stuff. Wheat germ is nothing but the separated part of the wheat during the wheat refining process. Although it is removed from the final product, it carries a lot of good nutrients. 

Use it as a topping instead of flax seeds, and thank me later, as you will add great nutrients and flavors too. Wheat germ has the same texture as grounded flax seeds. You also note some sweetness which will enhance your overall dish flavors. 

After baking, wheat germ smells really good and aromatic. I prefer to use wheat germ in a ratio of 1:1 in place of flaxseeds. 

7. Almond meal

When almonds are finely grounded, they become an almond meal. It is super healthy, like flax seeds, and makes a great flax seeds substitute. The almond meal gives your dish the right texture and a nutty flavor as well.

It may be more expensive than other possible substitutes, but almond meal has its own versatility. 

Adding almond meals instead of flax seeds ensures your diet has the proper protein content. You can also use almond meals to thicken any liquid dish. 

You can use almond meals instead of flax seeds and flour as well, simply because it is a great binding agent. You can go for an equal amount of almond meal as flax seeds and adjust the quantity as per your requirement. 

8. Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds mimic almost the same quality as flax seeds. It has a nutty flavor with a crunchy texture and is filled with nutrient content. You can use sunflower seeds as it is or try toasting them on low flame to enhance their earthy flavor 

I love adding sunflower seeds to yogurt or smoothies, making them tasteful and healthy. You can simply go for the same amount of sunflower seeds as flax seeds, and I am sure you will like the flavors that come along with them. 

I love to eat sunflower seeds directly, which helps me tame my mid-day cravings while giving me the energy to function for the rest of my day. 

9. Pumpkin seeds

You can find these little green seeds at a nearby store, and I can assure you that they taste great with baked goods. 

As Many of us use it for decoration, we should add it to our regular diet as well because it is filled with health benefits. 

Like flax seeds, you will get a nutty flavor along with a crunchy texture with pumpkin seeds. Simply add them to your salads or soups. 

You can sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over brownies or cakes. Go for the same quantity of pumpkin seeds as flax seeds and enjoy the superfood with a super taste. 

10. Sesame seeds

I am sure that almost every pantry has some sesame seeds locked in an airtight container. Now is the right time to unlock and use it as a flax seeds substitute. 

Just like flax seeds or sunflower seeds, sesame seeds give a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. The seeds may seem small, but they are more than their size. 

The best thing about sesame seeds is that they have a sweet note that goes well with desserts and savory dishes. Take one tablespoon of sesame seeds for every one tablespoon of flax seeds required in the recipe. 

Sesame seeds can be your option when you are out of other possible options. I love to sprinkle sesame seeds in sweet dishes as it adds colors as well as flavors.

Short Recap Of The Best Substitutes For Flax Seeds

Below is a short recap of the best substitute options for flax seeds

Best Flax Seeds Substitutes In Terms Of Flavor – 

• Chia Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds

Best Flax Seeds Substitutes That Are Easily Available –

• Chia Seeds
• Yogurt

Flax Seeds Substitutes That Should Be Least Considered –

• Tofu 

How To Use Flax Seeds Substitutes?

10 Best Flaxseed Substitutes You Should Have A Look At!

Some of the best substitutes for flax seeds are chia, hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. You can also use tofu or yogurt instead of flax seeds.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!

Ingredients

  

• Chia Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Tofu
• Yogurt
• Psyllium Husk Powder
• Wheat Germ
• Almond Meal
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sesame Seeds

Instructions

 

• Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
• Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
• Use the substitute in the required amount and make the dish according to the recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Conclusion 

Now as we are at the end of this nutty conversation, you certainly have many possible flaxseed substitutes to try that are equally nutritious and fulfilling. Chia seeds were the closest substitute, and tofu got the entry because of its versatility.

You can choose whichever is available and suits your dish and taste preferences. I hope you found all your answers, and I will return with more useful conversations. Until then, why not make porridge and sprinkle some flaxseeds?

Frequently Asked Questions