Blood oranges aren’t something we always have on hand. We’ve had moments reaching for one, only to remember they’re out of season or just nowhere to be found.
Good news—there are plenty of solid alternatives that work just as well. Some of these swaps might already be sitting in your fruit bowl, ready to jump in.
Each option brings its own vibe, from tangy to sweet, keeping your recipe exactly where it needs to be. No more scrapping your plans over missing blood oranges.
With these simple picks, you’ll stay on track without any stress. Grab what you’ve got, and you’re all set to keep things moving.
6 Easy Substitutes for Blood Oranges
Here are six easy substitutes for blood oranges that you can use in your recipes:
1 – Navel Oranges
Did you know you can swap blood oranges with navel oranges super easily? They’re sweet, juicy, and easy to find. They might lack the same ruby-red drama, but flavor-wise, they get the job done.
Use them in a 1:1 ratio for any recipe calling for blood oranges. Their sweetness is slightly milder, so adjust your sugar if needed. They’re great in salads, drinks, or desserts.
Navel oranges also peel quickly and taste fresh. They don’t have the same tang as blood oranges, but they bring a bright citrus flavor. We’ve all grabbed one midweek to fix a recipe issue.
They’re less fancy but dependable. Think of them as the go-to orange for almost anything. Keep a few on hand—they’re always ready to fill in.
2 – Cara Cara Oranges
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap in Cara Cara oranges for blood oranges. These pink-fleshed beauties have sweetness with a hint of berry-like flavor. They’re juicy, less tangy, and bring a mellow vibe to recipes.
Cara Caras are great for baking, salads, and drinks. Use them in a 1:1 ratio in your recipes. They’re easy to peel, seedless, and taste fresh. Their flavor leans more sweet than tart, so adjust ingredients accordingly.
They’re like navel oranges’ slightly fancier cousin. Their subtle pink color gives dishes a cool aesthetic. Think salad dressings, marmalades, or cocktails—they fit seamlessly. They’re available in winter, so grab them while you can. Simple, juicy, reliable. They won’t leave you guessing.
3 – Mandarins
This one substitute will save your recipe when oranges are out of reach. Mandarins are smaller, sweeter, and a little less tangy than regular oranges. We all know them as cute, easy-to-peel fruits often found in lunch boxes.
Use mandarin juice or segments in a 1:1 ratio to replace oranges. They work great in salads, desserts, or marinades. Their sweetness is higher, so cut back on added sugar if needed.
They’re seedless most of the time, which saves hassle. They also have thinner skin, making juicing easier. Available almost year-round, they’re super handy to keep stocked. Expect a flavor that’s sweeter, more vibrant, and slightly less intense than your usual orange.
4 – Grapefruit
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap oranges with grapefruit. Grapefruit packs a tangier punch and adds a slight bitterness. It’s juicier too, so go easy if your recipe needs exact liquid amounts. Replace orange juice with grapefruit juice in a 1:1 ratio, but expect a bolder flavor.
Use it for salad dressings, marinades, or desserts. It’s not as sweet, so you may need to add a little extra sugar. Red and pink varieties work best since they’re sweeter than white ones. Their tart flavor stands out, making them unique.
Grapefruit’s zesty, citrusy kick adds character to recipes. It’s a brilliant option for dishes that need a sharper citrus profile. For more ideas, check out this list of grapefruit substitutes we’ve rounded up.
5 – Tangerines
The resemblance between blood oranges and tangerines is uncanny. They look almost the same, except for size.
Tangerines have a similar tang, although they’re sweeter than regular oranges. Use them in a 1:1 ratio to replace oranges in recipes. Take note that their juice may vary since it’s less juicy.
They work great in salads, dressings, or desserts. Since tangerines are smaller than normal oranges, expect a slight change in sweetness levels. You might need to adjust added sugar to get the right balance.
Grab some if you want a sweet but tangy profile. They’re easy to peel and ever-reliable when you need something quick.
6 – Meyer Lemons
Final pick for blood orange substitutes—the ever-classy Meyer lemon. They’re small, delicious, and perfect for recipes that need a balanced sweet-and-sour flavor.
Meyer lemons have thin skin with a vibrant yellow color. Use them in a 1:1 ratio to replace oranges or their juice. They won’t work well if your recipe needs more liquid, but they fit cakes, marinades, desserts, and dressings perfectly.
Their sweeter notes are closer to oranges than regular lemons. Expect a slight tartness with a gentle sweetness, making dishes bright and bold without being too tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cara Cara oranges have a similar sweetness and mild berry-like undertones, making them a great substitute.
Yes, but grapefruit is more tart and slightly bitter, so you may need to add a bit of sweetener.
Yes, tangerines offer a similar citrus brightness, though they are sweeter and less complex in flavor.
Meyer lemons work well for acidity, but they lack the sweetness of blood oranges. Consider adding honey or sugar.
Cara Cara oranges and mandarins both provide the right balance of sweetness and acidity for baked goods.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.