Top 5 Orange Extract Substitutes
If a recipe calls for orange extract but you don’t have any on hand, try any of the following substitutes. The top 5 substitutes for orange extracts are orange-based while 7 other citrus fruit alternatives offer even more successful swap options.
What is orange extract?
Orange extract is made from the oils of the orange peel and it is used to give a variety of dishes and baked goods a distinct fresh flavor.
It can be found in the baking aisle at most grocery stores but it is also easy to make at home by steeping orange zest in alcohol.
Orange extract can be used in a multitude of sweet and savory dishes, as well as in drinks such as cocktails.
Top 5 Orange Extract Substitutes
Orange Zest / Peel
Fresh orange zest or peel is the easiest best and easiest way to substitute orange extract. Simply wash an orange thoroughly, dry the fruit, and zest it with a zester.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is a great substitute for orange extract.
Orange Liqueur
Orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, can be a good substitute for orange extract.
Orange Oil
Orange essential oil is an excellent substitute for orange extract due to its intensity. It is made by cold pressing the peel of the orange creating a pure and highly concentrated oil, with a strong, citrusy aroma. A few drops is all you need!
Freeze-dried Orange Powder
Freeze-dried orange powder is made by freeze-drying fresh oranges which are then ground into a fine powder. The flavor and nutrients of the fresh oranges are preserved during this process while the moisture is removed. It makes oranges shelf-stable and it is a popular preservation method. Orange powder can be used instead of extract and doesn’t need to be reconstituted with water.
Other Citrus Substitutes
Blood Orange
Blood oranges are a type of orange and they are typically smaller and rounder than regular oranges. Their reddish juice has a unique flavor that is a blend of sweet and tart.
- Blood orange peel / zest
- Blood orange juice
- Blood orange oil
- Freeze-dried blood orange powder
Kumquat
Kumquat is a type of citrus that are typically small and round and yellow or orange in color. It features a sweet outer rind and a sour inner flesh and can be eaten whole.
- Kumquat peel / zest
- Kumquat juice
- Kumquat oil
- Freeze-dried kumquat powder
Mandarin / Clementine / Tangerine
- Mandarin / clementine / tangerine peel or zest
- Mandarin / clementine / tangerine juice
- Mandarin / clementine / tangerine oil
- Freeze-dried Mandarin / clementine / tangerine powder
Grapefruit
- Grapefruit peel / zest
- Grapefruit juice
- Grapefruit oil
- Freeze-dried grapefruit powder
Lemon
- Lemon extract
- Lemon peel / zest
- Lemon juice
- Lemon oil
- Freeze-dried lemon powder
Lime
- Lime extract
- Lime peel / zest
- Lime juice
- Lime oil
- Freeze-dried lime powder
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is made from the peel of the bergamot fruit, which is a type of orange. It has a sweet, citrusy aroma which makes it a great substitute for orange extract.
For more tips and tricks, check out my other resource articles.
