We’ve all been there—you start making a recipe, reach into the fridge or pantry, and suddenly realize you’re out of something you were sure you had. Before changing dinner plans or heading back to the store, take a breath. Many ingredients have easy, budget-friendly substitutes that work just as well. Below are some simple swaps using canned, frozen, and pantry staples to help you keep dinner on track and make the most of what you already have on hand.

Fresh Out? Frozen and Canned to the Rescue
When fresh produce isn’t available, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be a healthy, budget-friendly option. They’re picked and packed at peak freshness and ready whenever you need them. Just look for vegetables labeled low sodium or no salt added, and fruits that say no added sugar or are packed in their own juices.  

• Add frozen mixed veggies to soups, stews, or casseroles. 
• Sauté frozen stir-fry mixes with garlic and soy sauce for a quick side dish.
• Use canned fruit for baked goods. Just drain, chop, and mix into muffin, cake, or quick bread batter.
• Use canned tomatoes for chili, pasta sauce, or shakshuka.

Try one of these swaps with: 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Soup

Meatless Mix-Ins and Swaps
Plant proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu are great alternatives to meat. They mix easily into many recipes or can replace meat altogether, helping you stretch ingredients you already have on hand.

• Tacos or burritos– Swap in black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans for ground beef or shredded chicken. 
• Pasta dishes– Cannellini beans or chickpeas work well in place of chicken or sausage. 
• Sloppy Joes– Cooked brown or green lentils mimic the texture of ground beef. 
• Shepherd’s pie– Lentils make a hearty base instead of ground beef or lamb. 
• Stir fries and rice bowls- Use cubed and marinated tofu in place of chicken or pork. 
• Scrambles– Crumbled tofu is a flexible swap for eggs. 

Try one of these swaps with: 5-Ingredient Stuffed Peppers

Pantry-Friendly Protein Picks
Canned meat and fish are quiet pantry heroes, easy to store, quick to use, and versatile. Tuna, chicken, and salmon can be substituted into many recipes when fresh options aren’t available, helping you create a satisfying meal without missing a beat. 

• Swap canned tuna or chicken for deli meat in sandwiches or wraps. 
• Top salads or rice bowls with canned smoked salmon. 
• Add canned chicken or tuna to noodle casseroles. 
• Make tuna or salmon patties by mixing with an egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings and pan or air frying. 

Try one of these swaps with: Pear Waldorf and Chicken Stuffed Pitas

Dairy and Baking Switch Ups
Missing a dairy or baking ingredient doesn’t have to slow you down. Sometimes the right substitute for milk, eggs, or butter is already in your pantry or fridge.

• Swap plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in dips, dressings, baked potatoes, tacos, casseroles, and baking. 
• Plain yogurt can also be used in place of mayo in tuna or chicken salad, salad dressings, or spreads. 
• Evaporated milk is a great replacement for milk in soups, sauces, casseroles, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or baking. 
• Dry milk powder and water is an easy baking swap when fresh milk is not available. 
• Most baked goods work with oil in place of butter, just use about ¾ the amount of oil.
• Shelf-stable plant-based milks (like soy and oat) work well in most baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies, and sauces. 
• Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to replace up to half of the butter or oil in a baking recipe. 
• Save the liquid from canned chickpeas (called aquafaba) to use in place of eggs in baking recipes. 3 tablespoons is the equivalent of one egg. 

Try one of these swaps with: Any Kind of Fruit Muffins

Cooking is a lot easier when you know you’ve got options. Keep these swaps in mind next time you’re in the kitchen, and explore Mitten Eats’ full collection of recipes for more ideas that work with everyday ingredients.