Substitute for Capers
Small pickled flower buds used in Mediterranean cooking, sauces, and fish dishes.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing capers is Green Olives (chopped) at a ratio of 1 tablespoon chopped green olives = 1 tablespoon capers. This works well for pasta sauces, chicken piccata, salads, Mediterranean dishes. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Green Olives (chopped)
Flavor impact: Similar briny, tangy flavor. Olives are slightly less sharp. Chop finely for the closest texture match.
Dairy-free
Green olives capture the brine-tangy-salty profile of capers. Chop them small. In chicken piccata or putanesca sauce, most people will not notice the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Briny, tangy, and slightly floral. Similar to green olives but more intense and with a sharper bite. They add a pop of Mediterranean flavor.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of capers, the best all-around substitute is green olives (chopped). Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role capers plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology