Chives, like oregano and rosemary, are members of the onion family and are used as a herb. These herbs are eaten fresh and feature a long green stem that is hollow on the interior. Chives have an oniony flavor but are softer than scallions and not as fragrant as typical onions. If you require the taste and texture of chives but don’t have any on hand, one of these chive substitutions will give you precisely what you need to perfect your dish without the actual thing.
Contents
- What are chives?
- How healthy (or unhealthy) is it?
- What recipes use chives?
- Why do we need chive substitutes?
- The Bottom Line
- FAQs
- What herb can you use instead of chives?
- Can I use spring onions instead of chives?
- Can I use onion powder instead of chives?
- What can I substitute for green chives?
- What can I use instead of parsley and chives?
- What onions are chives similar to?
- Do green onions and chives taste the same?
- What is the flavor difference between chives and green onions?
- Are chives just dried green onions?
- How much onion powder to replace chives?
What are chives?
How healthy (or unhealthy) is it?
Chives include a variety of useful elements, and they are also incredibly low in calories. However, since most individuals eat chives in little amounts, the nutritional advantages may be modest. As the nutritional breakdown shows, these herbs have minimal fat or carbs but a lot of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Chives also include choline, which aids memory, mood, muscular control, and other brain and nervous system functions.
Nutritional Breakdown
|
Chives |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
|
Calories |
30 kcal |
1% |
|
Total fat |
0.7 g |
1% |
|
Saturated fat |
0.2 g |
2% |
|
Carbohydrates |
4 g |
1% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
3 mg |
0.2% |
|
Protein |
3 g |
6% |
|
Calcium |
92 mg |
9% |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
296 mg |
7% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
What recipes use chives?
Chives are quite versatile and may be used in a variety of dishes. The whole plant is edible, and it may be eaten fresh, frozen, or dried. Because of their mild taste, they are often used in mashed potatoes, seafood meals, soups, omelets, baked potatoes, and dips. To guarantee you receive the maximum taste impact, cut, snip, or slice them before using them in a dish. They may be kept in the refrigerator in a bag or container for approximately a week for subsequent use.
Why do we need chive substitutes?
While herbs such as chives may often be found in the vegetable area of your local grocery store, this does not guarantee that you will never run out. If you need a fast and easy alternative for chives, you may already have one in your kitchen. There may also be times when you just want to change things up and are interested about which chive substitution might be ideal for a certain dish. Fortunately, there are several that have similar texture and taste qualities to chives and may be used to simulate the effect without using the genuine thing.
Note:
= vegan
1. Scallions🌱
Soups, noodles, dumplings, baked items, and dips work well.
Overview
Scallions are a form of onion that is younger than regular onions. They are also known as spring onions or green onions. These veggies feature a white base that isn’t a whole bulb, as well as stems that resemble chives. The green and white sections of scallions may be eaten fresh or cooked. Scallions are clumping plants with dark green foliage. They are most abundant in the spring and summer, when they are often marketed in grocery bundles.
Advantages
Some consider scallions to be the perfect chive alternative since they have the same oniony but mild taste. They are also green, similar to chives, and may have the same aesthetic appeal when used as a garnish. Scallions keep heat better than chives, which means you may add them to a meal early and get the cooking process started. When substituting them for chives, half the quantity is recommended to create a more comparable taste.
Disadvantages
While scallions are mild, they may have a strong onion taste that not everyone like. In most situations, they must also be prepared before being added to a dish. While entire scallions may be used as a garnish, this is not typical. However, all it takes is a little cutting to elevate your food to a whole new level.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Scallions |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
|
Calories |
32 kcal |
2% |
|
Total fat |
0.2 g |
0.3% |
|
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
7 g |
3% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
16 mg |
0.8% |
|
Protein |
2 g |
4% |
|
Calcium |
72 mg |
7% |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
276 mg |
7% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
2. Leeks 🌱
Stir-fries, vegetable dishes, spaghetti, soup, and fowl are all excellent choices.
Overview
Leeks are another vegetable in the onion family that is often grown in Belgium, Turkey, Korea, and France. This plant appears similar to scallions, but it may grow considerably larger. The vegetable features white meat and a leafy green top, but the bulb is much smaller than expected. Looking at the bulb is a simple method to identify how old the leeks are. If the bulb is quite round, it is older than if it is just slightly rounded.
Advantages
Leeks perform well as a chive alternative since they have a mild taste and need minimal preparation. They may be used in chicken dishes, casseroles, soups, and stir-fries. The freshest leeks are available from fall through spring, giving you a big window of opportunity to make the most of them. Braising, frying, boiling, and roasting are all methods to cook these veggies. They may also be caramelized by sautéing in butter and oil like onions.
Disadvantages
Pepper is a taste found in leeks but not in chives. This gives it an overall sweeter taste when cooked, which you may not want in your meal. You will also need to conduct some additional preparation before utilizing this vegetable, such as soaking it in water for at least an hour before using it. This reduces the strong flavor and makes them taste more like chives and other milder onions.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Leeks |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
|
Calories |
61 kcal |
3% |
|
Total fat |
0.3 g |
0.5% |
|
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
14 g |
5% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
20 mg |
1% |
|
Protein |
2 g |
4% |
|
Calcium |
59 mg |
6% |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
180 mg |
4% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
3. Shallots 🌱
Sautés, soups, casseroles, stir-fries, and spaghetti are ideal.
Overview
Shallots, like garlic, leeks, and scallions, are an onion family veggie. Shallots, as opposed to yellow onions, have a sweeter and more delicate taste with barely a hint of harshness. This is why they may be used in place of onions as well as chives. When selecting shallots in the market, look for those that are firm and have dry skin. They will also feel heavier than they should given their size. Avoid buying shallots with soft patches or ones that have already grown.
Advantages
They work nicely in many dishes and are particularly excellent for preparing sauces because of their mild taste. They, like chives, may also be used as a topping or garnish for a variety of vegetables. They may also be roasted whole with a chicken, sliced into rings for a pickled garnish, or diced for sauces and salad dressing. This is a diverse alternative that is high in nutrients.
Disadvantages
If you use shallots instead of chives, bear in mind that they have a peppery taste, similar to an onion. This may imply that you should use less of them than you would chives. Furthermore, significant quantities of shallots may be harmful to persons with pancreatic problems and may induce constipation in certain people. If you have stomach issues, you should experiment with an alternative chive substitution.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Shallots |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
|
Calories |
72 kcal |
3% |
|
Total fat |
0.1 g |
0.2% |
|
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
17 g |
6% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
12 mg |
0.6% |
|
Protein |
3 g |
6% |
|
Calcium |
37 mg |
4% |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
334 mg |
8% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
4. Onions 🌱
Dips, garnishes, sandwiches, salads, and tacos work well.
Overview
As we’ve discussed with previous alternatives, many of the possibilities on our list are from the onion family, so you shouldn’t be shocked to find onions on this list. Onions and chives share the same oniony flavor, but at different intensities. Depending on the kind of onion, onions may also come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and tastes. others are hot, others are sweet, and some are spicier than others.
Advantages
When it comes to your health, there are various advantages to utilizing onions. They may, for example, help preserve hair and skin health, lower your risk of some forms of cancer, and enhance your mood. A cup of chopped onions has 13% of your daily vitamin C requirement, as well as other minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Manganese and vitamin B-6 are two of the most common.
Disadvantages
Onions have a considerably stronger taste than chives, so be mindful of how much you use at any one moment. That implies you can’t use as much onion as chives in a dish unless you want a strong onion taste. A dish that calls for six tablespoons of chives, for example, would only need two tablespoons of chopped onion for the same degree of strength.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Onions |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
|
Calories |
40 kcal |
2% |
|
Total fat |
0.1 g |
0.2% |
|
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
9 g |
3% |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Salt |
4 mg |
0.2% |
|
Protein |
1 g |
2% |
|
Calcium |
23 mg |
2% |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
|
Potassium |
146 mg |
4% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
5. Garlic 🌱
Fish, veggies, sauces, pasta, and pizza work well.
Overview
Another chive replacement that you may already have on hand is garlic. If you don’t purchase it pre-sliced or minced, fresh garlic will arrive in a bunch of cloves that must be peeled before use. Garlic lacks the oniony flavor of cloves, yet it has a flavor that many people appreciate just as much, if not more.
Advantages
One feature that distinguishes garlic is that it is available in a variety of forms, such as crushed or diced. Depending on the recipe, one or the other may be a better option for your meal. In comparison to some of the other options on the list, this implies that garlic is a fairly adaptable choice for dishes. Crushing or mincing garlic produces a stronger garlic taste, while chopped garlic produces a little less pungent flavor.
Disadvantages
You’ll have to perform some prep work with a clove of garlic unless you choose a handy alternative like garlic powder or canned chopped garlic. Some individuals struggle with mincing garlic by hand, which may be difficult if you don’t have a garlic press. Add to it the fact that garlic does not taste like chives, and you can understand why this is not a good substitute for everyone.
Nutritional breakdown
|
Garlic |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
|
Calories |
213 kcal |
10% |
|
Total fat |
14 g |
17% |
|
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
|
Protein |
0 g |
0% |
|
Salt |
0 g |
0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
21 g |
0% |
|
Fiber |
0 g |
0% |
|
Calcium |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Iron |
0 mg |
0% |
|
Vitamin C |
42 mg |
54% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
The Bottom Line
Chives are a delightful herb that may be used as a garnish or as a primary element in a variety of cuisines. This herb belongs to the same family as shallots, scallions, and other onion substitutes. Chives are an excellent cooking ingredient for adding flavor to anything from cream cheese to salads. If you run out, there are various alternatives you may use in their stead. Let us conclude by looking at some of the greatest in each area.
Top vegan picks
All of the replacements, as well as the chives themselves, are vegan, giving you plenty of choices. Which one you should use is just a question of taste choice and the flavor character of the food you’re creating. However, scallions have the most authentic taste and are available in a shape similar to chives. If you desire a stronger taste, onions may be added as a vegan option.
Top healthy picks
Every alternative in this list has a variety of nutrients that are necessary components of a balanced diet. Leeks are a low-calorie vegetable that is high in nutrients such as potassium and calcium. Garlic is very low in fat and contains a lot of vitamin C. However, none of the substitutions are harmful and will have little influence on the healthiness of your meal if used in tiny quantities.
Top convenient picks
It’s difficult to choose the most practical alternative for chives since virtually all of them need some dicing and chopping to get started. When it comes to ingredients, scallions, onions, and garlic are ones that you may get at your local grocery shop. Most restaurants will offer leeks and shallots, but some may not, making them less handy than other options.
Top convincing picks
The scallion is the most popular chive alternative when it comes to texture and taste. It has a similar appearance to chive, the same taste profile, and a comparable texture. When it comes to being convincing, shallots are a wonderful second alternative since the taste is virtually identical to chives with just a little variation in strength.
Sources:
what-are-chives-green-onions-scallionscooking-questionshow-towww.myrecipes.comhttps:
what-are-chives-995617www.thespruceeats.comhttps:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275009
herb-of-the-month-chives082012recipeshealthyeatswww.foodnetwork.comhttps:
what-are-scallions-1807053www.thespruceeats.comhttps:
leek-selection-and-storage-1808073www.thespruceeats.comhttps:
all-about-shallotsstorywww.bonappetit.comhttps:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714
FAQs
What herb can you use instead of chives?
Wild garlic, onions, and leeks are the best tasting replacements for chives. These are unquestionably the top three.
Can I use spring onions instead of chives?
Scallions or spring onions may also be used in place of chives. They have the same green appearance on the outside, so they’ll give your food the same look as chives. They have a faint onion taste that is somewhat stronger than chives.
Can I use onion powder instead of chives?
If you just need a little of onion flavor, use chopped chives for the onion powder. This may be used in both cooked foods and as a dip or salad dressing. Of course, chopped chives are chunky and vivid green, so use them only if they seem to make sense in the dish.
What can I substitute for green chives?
Green Chili Substitutes at Their Finest
Bell peppers in green.
Banana peppers are a kind of pepper.
The Anaheim Peppers.
Poblano peppers.
Jalapeo Pepper.
Fresno pepper, green.
Serrano Chili. 7 Excellent Extra Substitutes.
Thai chilies.
What can I use instead of parsley and chives?
9 parsley alternatives for cooking and garnishing
Arugula.
Basil.
Green carrots.
Celery leaves are edible.
Chervil.
Chives.
Cilantro.
Oregano.
What onions are chives similar to?
Green onion green ends have a taste similar to chives and may be used in the same manner. The white section of green onions has a stronger onion taste and can withstand cooking in the same way that a yellow or white onion does.
Do green onions and chives taste the same?
Despite the fact that they both have a mild onion taste, chives and green onions (also known as scallions) are not the same thing. Chives are thinner, smaller, and more delicate than green onions, and they lack an edible bulb at the base. Chives have a much milder onion taste than green onions.
What is the flavor difference between chives and green onions?
Because they taste nice fresh and cook rapidly, chives are more often used as garnishes, such as atop a baked potato. Green onions, on the other hand, have a broader diameter and a stronger taste, making them ideal for cooking in soups and broths like miso soup.
Are chives just dried green onions?
Are chives the same as green onions? No, chives are not the same as green onions, but they may be used in many recipes that call for green onions. Because chives have a milder taste than green onions and scallions, you’ll need to use more of them in a dish when replacing them.
How much onion powder to replace chives?
As a result, they serve as a stand-in. However, they are best utilized in cold meals since they lose a lot of taste when cooked. To substitute the taste of onion powder in a cold meal (such as a salad or dressing), use about four times the quantity of chopped chives.