What can I use instead of Lemon zest?

Lime or orange zest: 1 Tbsp. Dried lemon peel: 1 tsp dried.

Substitute for Lemon zest

What it does in a recipe: The aromatic oil layer: brightness without acidity.

3 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Dried lemon peel

per 1 Tbsp fresh zest

US1 tsp dried

Metric1 g dried

CommonBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Less bright — add early so it hydrates.

What changes: Less bright

Lemon extract

per 1 Tbsp fresh zest

US1/2 tsp

Metric3 ml

SpecialtyBaking-safe ✓Dairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVeganContains alcohol

Flavor without color — powerful.

What changes: Powerful

Lime or orange zest

per 1 Tbsp lemon zest

US1 Tbsp

Metric6 g

Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Different citrus character.

What changes: Different citrus

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Lemon zest?: Lime or orange zest: 1 Tbsp. Dried lemon peel: 1 tsp dried.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Lemon zest?: Lime or orange zest (per 1 Tbsp lemon zest) — US: 1 Tbsp. Metric: 6 g.
What changes when you substitute Lemon zest?: Less bright. Powerful.

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