Papaya isn’t always on hand when we need it. We’ve had those moments—recipe in one hand, pantry staring back blankly. Good news, though, there are swaps that totally work. Some even bring new flavors we’ve grown to love.
From fruits to veggies, these substitutes save the day. We’ve tested these in smoothies, salads, and even quick desserts. No complex hacks, just simple fixes. It’s all about working with what’s already in your fridge.
Honestly, some of these are way underrated. They surprised us too! Their flavors or textures add something fun and fresh. Check out our short list for easy ideas to keep things stress-free. You’ll be back to cooking in no time.
6 Quick Substitutes for Papaya
Here are our top 6 recommendations for papaya substitutes.
1 – Mango
Mango works great instead of papaya. It has a sweet and tangy flavor. The texture is soft, similar to ripe papaya. Mango is easy to blend, making it useful in smoothies. It slices clean for salads or desserts.
Use the same amount of mango as papaya. Stick to ripe mangoes for the best taste. Unripe ones are too sour for most recipes. Mango adds a fresh and slightly tropical vibe.
It’s easy to find in stores year-round. Always peel it before using. The pit can be tricky, so cut carefully. Mango gives recipes a fresh twist without much hassle.
2 – Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe works as an easy papaya alternative. It’s mildly sweet and has a soft, juicy texture. The flavor is lighter but still refreshing. It shines in fruit salads and smoothies.
Use a 1:1 ratio for swapping with papaya. Always pick a ripe melon for the best taste. Scoop out the seeds before slicing. Cantaloupe blends smoothly with other ingredients.
It’s simple to find and affordable most of the year. Chill it before use for better texture. For more ways to substitute this fruit, check out this guide on cantaloupe substitutes.
3 – Honeydew Melon
We think honeydew melon is a mellow swap for papaya. It has a mildly sweet flavor and smooth, juicy texture. The light green color stands out in mixed dishes. It works well in fruit salads, salsas, and smoothies.
Use honeydew in the same amount as papaya, no guessing needed. Always pick one that smells sweet. Slice it up and remove seeds. Its flavor is subtle, so it blends with other fruits easily.
Chill the pieces for a better bite. It’s usually affordable and available year-round. Simple to prep—just peel, slice, and go.
4 – Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is surprisingly versatile. Its mild sweetness and firm texture work well as a papaya substitute. It’s a little denser, but it blends smoothly when cooked. Use a 1:1 ratio in recipes.
Peel and cube it before using. It’s great roasted, steamed, or pureed. The orange color stands out in salads and sauces. It’s not as juicy as papaya, but it still adds a nice balance.
We recommend cooking it first for better results in most dishes. Curious about more swaps? Check out this guide on alternatives for butternut squash.
5 – Pineapple
Pineapple adds a bright and tangy flavor. It’s sweeter than papaya and super juicy. The texture is firm but fibrous, making it stand out. Use it raw or cooked, depending on the recipe.
Replace papaya with pineapple using a 1:1 ratio. Slice off the skin and remove the core. It blends smoothly in drinks or sauces. The yellow color pops in salads and salsas.
Pick a ripe pineapple for better sweetness. Smell the base for freshness before buying. It might overpower mild ingredients, so balance the recipe. Pineapple also stays easy to find all year round.
6 – Passion Fruit
Passion fruit looks wild and tastes bold. It’s tangy, sweet, and super fragrant. The pulp is soft, juicy, and full of seeds. Scoop it out and use it raw or strained.
Use it in a 1:1 ratio for papaya swaps. The flavor is stronger, so balance it with milder ingredients. It works in desserts, sauces, or smoothies.
Pick one with wrinkled skin for better ripeness. Slice carefully—it’s messy but worth it. Its vibrant yellow pulp grabs attention in any dish. Curious for more swaps? Check out this guide to passion fruit substitutes.
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.