The 6 Best Substitutes For Strawberry Extract

Even with the amount of choice we have today, it can still be difficult to find the right food for us and our special requirements.

Even though not all of us have serious conditions, we still have personal likes and dislikes, and if these are not met, then even the most basic meals can be disappointing.

Luckily, there have never been more choices and informational resources - meaning that even those with the most demanding dietary requirements can find a viable alternative and make the most from their food.

But what happens when the ingredient in question is something minor like strawberry extract? What could the problems be, and what alternatives are out there?

What Is Strawberry Extract?

Strawberry extract is a plant based extract that has long been used for flavorings in cooking and baking, as well as a supposed miracle cure for various health reasons throughout the centuries - namely improving skin elasticity and hydration, acne control, and encouraging hair growth.

Strawberry extract is made from the glands of the fruit, and these are responsible for releasing the juice when we eat them, and this means that they are not only sweet and tasty, but also laden with various sugars that could cause potential problems - depending on our health and diet.

The 6 Best Alternatives For Strawberry Extract

Now that we know a little more about what strawberry extract is and how it is made, we can now look at some viable alternatives that are readily available on the market today.

There are many reasons why people might seek alternatives, but luckily, there are numerous to choose from - with these 6 being some of the best. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Fruit Syrup

First on our list, we have fruit syrups. These could be syrups derived from strawberries, or indeed any fruit, and while high in sugar, they can be a useful alternative for last minute cooking needs.

If you do not like strawberries, then other fruits are available, and these can be great for adding taste and zest to baked goods, or indeed as an addition to a wider recipe.

2. Fruit Jam

Alternatively, you could use fruit jams. These obviously come in numerous fruity flavors, and can be a great addition to recipes and baked goods.

They can also be used as a thickening agent for mixes and recipes, and can add a real punch of fruity zest to an otherwise dry and bland cake.

3. Strawberry/Fruit Liqueur

Liqueurs are another example of an alternative to fruit extracts, and while these tend to be runnier in terms of consistency, they can be great for adding to a cake mix to establish a fruity base for the other ingredients.

These are quite easy to come by, and can even be combined with alcohol if you are making a cake for the grown ups to enjoy.

4. Fruit Jello Mix

Another surprising option, and one that is notably cheaper than strawberry extract, is fruit Jello mixes.

These are incredibly easy to come by, and can be found in almost every grocery store - usually with the cake and baking supplies. If you're looking for an online ordering option, we love these natural jello packets that come in a variety of flavors.

These can be used as a thickener, and have strong, fruity tastes that are more than capable of sustaining and withstanding the baking process - providing a much needed tanginess to baked goods.

If you are like me and just need strawberry extract once in a while, or are simply in a hurry, jello packets can be a great alternative to the more expensive and perishable options on this list.

5. Fresh Berries

There is no better way to get that fruity taste than by using fruit itself.

If you are baking a cake, or some other form of baked goods, then why not try incorporating fresh fruit and berries into the mix? (On a related note, we tried Orange/Berry/Nut muffins from Stony Hill Farms in Chester, NJ, what a combo and the fresh fruit hit!).

This could be things like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and even cherries - the world really is your oyster.

And what’s more, they are generally easy to come by, meaning that you can grab something useful if time is not on your side.

The only downside is that these are generally quite expensive, especially in modern times, and as such those with budgetary restrictions might take a hit with this particular choice.

Luckily though, there are other choices available, so if these seem too expensive, then not all is lost.

6. Lemon Zest

Last on our list, but by no means least, we have lemon zest - a commonly used addition in baking and cooking, and one that can deliver a real punch of flavor and tanginess to any dish or recipe.

For lemon zest, all you really need to do is get your hands on a couple of lemons, and use a grater to shred some of the outer skin off into your recipe.

You could then also utilize the juice of the lemon itself to create the perfect citrus fruit burst for your baking or cooking.

The options are truly limitless!

Why Might People Need Alternatives?

There could be any number of reasons why people might seek alternatives to strawberry extract - ranging from dietary requirements to allergy problems - and very much depend on the needs of the individual.

Allergy Issues

It is relatively common for people to develop allergic reactions to strawberries and their byproducts - usually resulting in inflammation of the lips and mouth, and sore/burning sensations caused by the juice.

These are not usually life threatening, but are unpleasant nevertheless, and as such, alternatives are needed to replace these in baking and cooking.

Dietary Reasons

The juice from strawberries also contains a lot of sugar, meaning that those with type 2 diabetes, or those looking to control their weight (or protect their teeth) might want to find a similar but healthier alternative instead.

Personal Preferences

Of course, you just might not like strawberries, and this is more common than you might think. If you are not fond of strawberries, then why would you want to include them in your food?

If this is the case for you or your family, then some alternatives might be required for your cooking and baking preferences.

Product Shortages

Of course, the need for an alternative might not be down to you at all, but instead a logistical issue with the stores in your region or country.

If strawberry extract is not available for whatever reason, and you have an urgent need for some, then you will need to find a viable alternative instead.

Final Thoughts

And there we have it, everything you need to know about strawberry extract, and the best substitutes for this in cooking and baking.

It’s true that finding the right food for you can be tricky - even in modern times when there is so much choice to choose from.

However, the good thing about this is that there has also never been as many resources and options - meaning that those with even the most complex dietary requirements can enjoy their meals to the fullest.

So if you are looking for a great strawberry extract alternative, then be sure to give some of these a try. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!