Needing a lingonberry jam substitute is no surprise as lingonberries are not the most common ingredient, depending on where you live. However, there's no need to skip a recipe because you can't find this ingredient! There are plenty of alternate options to try in place of lingonberry jam, and I've gathered them all here on this list for you!
Best Lingonberry Jam Substitute
If you have never heard of lingonberry jam (or lingonberries), you are not alone. It's not one of the most common ingredients due to its varying availability depending on your location, but it is an important ingredient in some of the most delicious recipes!
For instance, I use lingonberry jam in my Swedish meatballs which is part of what makes them more authentic! So don't miss out on these incredible recipes, just try a lingonberry jam substitute from below in its place!
Jump to:
- Best Lingonberry Jam Substitute
- What Are Lingonberries
- 1. Currants
- 2. Currant Jam
- 3. Cranberry Jam
- 4. Cranberry Sauce
- 5. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- 6. Applesauce
- 7. Sour Cherry Jam
- 8. Sweet Cherry Jam with Lemon Juice
- 9. Cloudberries
- 10. Rowanberries
- 11. Pomegranate Molasses
- 12. Fresh Lingonberries And Sugar (Stirred Lingonberries)
- 13. Lingonberry Concentrate
- 14. Green Apple Chutney
- 🍳 More Great Cooking Resources
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
Pro tip: When searching for lingonberry jam, try IKEA. IKEA is a Swedish store that keeps lingonberry jam in stock at most US locations.
What Are Lingonberries
Lingonberry jam is made from a small red fruit known as lingonberries. Lingonberries are sour with a touch of sweetness and grow in cool climates. They aren't found everywhere around the world, so many people are unfamiliar with them.
Next time there is a recipe that calls for lingonberry jam, don't just ignore it and move on to the next. If you have a dish that you have been eager to make you can try the following substitutions for your recipe!
1. Currants
Currants are also small, round fruits that are tart and acidic. They are similar to grapes!
There are multiple varieties of currants, there are red, black, and white currants, each tasting a little different!
Red Currants
Red currants are the perfect balance of sweet and tartness. They can be eaten raw (though they are better with a dusting of sugar), or cooked! A side of red currants will pair perfectly with turkey, lamb, goose, or desserts like cheesecake!
*Only wash red currants just before you use them, or they can become soggy!
Black Currants
Black currants are the sourest currants of all. These small, dark berries are extra tangy and will benefit from some added sugar if served with anything sweet. However, they make great additions to cocktails like a cosmopolitan or mojito just as they are!
White Currants
White currants are sweeter and milder. Many choose to eat these berries raw!
Of the 3 colors, these are the least tart. They can be used in sweet or savory dishes with or without sugar!
2. Currant Jam
Currant jam is a great alternative to lingonberry jam because it has a similar flavor and texture that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes! It is equally delicious in desserts as it is mixed into meatballs.
Use currant jam in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
3. Cranberry Jam
Cranberry jam is another great alternative to lingonberry jam because it is also tart and sweet.
Cranberries are similar in size and shape to lingonberries and have a similar sour and tangy flavor. Cranberry jam is thick and has a deep flavor that goes well in sauces, soups, and marinades.
Use cranberry jam in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
4. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is similar to cranberry jam, which makes it another great alternative to lingonberry jam. It can be found almost everywhere in the United States, especially closer to Thanksgiving.
Cranberry sauce is more gelatinous but still makes a great addition to dishes such as meatballs, beef stew, and cheesecake.
Use cranberry sauce in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
5. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
Cranberries are such a good replacement for lingonberry jam that even whole fresh or frozen cranberries can be used as an alternative. For the best results throw them in the blender or mash them by hand and add them to your dish.
If you are making a sweet dish, you can add a little sugar for extra sweetness.
Use fresh or frozen cranberries in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
6. Applesauce
Apple Sauce is not a complete flavor match for lingonberry jam by any means, but it is a healthy alternative. It is less tart, but still pairs well with meat like pork, beef, or turkey while also being versatile enough to be used in desserts!
Because it will alter the color, flavor, and sometimes texture, of any recipe it is mixed into, it is best to start with a small amount. If it is used as a topping or side to any main course, you can use however much you’d like!
7. Sour Cherry Jam
Sour cherries are similar to lingonberries. Both are tart, but sour cherries pack a bigger punch.
Sour Cherry jam is a great alternative to lingonberry jam because it is made with sugar which helps counter the sourness of the cherries. Sour Cherry jam can be used as a topping for pancakes or used in savory dishes such as meatballs or stew.
Use sour cherry jam in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
8. Sweet Cherry Jam with Lemon Juice
Sweet Cherry jam with lemon juice can be a great way to make your own sour cherry jam. Adding a spritz of lemon juice increases the acidity and adds more tartness to help counter the sweetness of the cherries.
Use sweet Cherry jam with lemon juice in any sweet or savory dish that calls for lingonberry jam.
Use sweet cherry jam with lemon juice in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
9. Cloudberries
Cloudberries are not the most common berry, but if you are able to get your hands on them they make a great alternative to lingonberries! They only grow in the arctic, so even during their prime harvesting season, they can be difficult to acquire.
Cloudberries are the best flavor match to lingonberries. So, enjoy them fresh in place of raw lingonberries, or mix them with sugar for a sweeter alternative.
10. Rowanberries
Rowan berries are another great alternative to lingonberries, but only if cooked! Raw rowanberries are incredibly dangerous to eat. If you are looking for a fresh berry alternative, this is not the best option.
Because of that, it is best to use rowanberries to make a homemade rowanberry jam that can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for lingonberry jam. You may also find rowanberry jam jarred at your local grocery store or market.
11. Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses is sweet with a touch of tartness, making it a wonderful lingonberry jam substitute. It can often be found at specialty grocery stores.
Pomegranate molasses is boiled until it has reduced and becomes more concentrated, thus it is often compared to a balsamic vinegar reduction.
Pomegranate molasses may be used as a 1:1 alternative, though it has a much thinner consistency than jam so it may need to be cut back depending on the recipe.
12. Fresh Lingonberries And Sugar (Stirred Lingonberries)
Fresh lingonberries may not be nearly as sweet as jam, but stirring in some sugar makes a close copycat. Raw, fresh lingonberries and sugar is actually a Swedish recipe called ‘raroda lingon’. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘stirred lingonberries’.
Simply stir lingonberries and sugar together until the sugar disappears into the berries. Let the mixture sit at room temperature in an airtight container (away from light) for up to 1 hour.
The longer the berries sit, the sweeter they will be!
Use stirred lingonberries in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
13. Lingonberry Concentrate
In the U.K., fruit concentrates are very popular! They look almost like fruit juice, but are much stronger in flavor. It is sweet, but not enough to drink on its own because it is also tart and pungent.
However, it is commonly mixed into cold and hot drinks in Sweden! It makes a great substitute in recipes that call for lingonberry jam.
Because the concentrate will be significantly less sweet, start with ½ the amount of the required lingonberry jam. Add more, or some sugar, as needed to find your desired taste.
14. Green Apple Chutney
Green Apple chutney is not going to give you the same exact flavor as lingonberry jam, but it is a noteworthy alternative. Because green apples are a bit sour and have a mild level of sweetness, when green apple chutney is added to savory dishes it helps enhance the dish and add a deeper layer of flavor.
Flavor-wise, this is probably best left as a last option if no other alternatives on this list are available.
Use green apple jam in a 1:1 substitution for lingonberry jam.
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Which lingonberry jam alternative do you prefer? Do you like a sweeter substitution or a sour alternative? Let us know which lingonberry jam replacement you like the most by leaving us a comment below!
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📖 Recipe Card
Best Lingonberry Jam Substitute: Currants & Cranberries (+ More Tasty Alternatives!)
Ingredients
Best Lingonberry Jam Substitutes
- 1 cup currants (red, black, or white currants)
- 1 cup currant jam
- 1 cup cranberry jam
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Best Lingonberry Jam Substitutes
- Red, black, or white currants will be a tasty substitute for lingonberry jam in any recipe and can be used as an equal 1:1 ration swap.
- Currant jam or jelly, as well as cranberry jam, jelly, or sauce can also be used a 1:1 ration replacement for lingonberry jam in sweet or savory recipes.
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