Running low on swede? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About swede
Swede is a large root vegetable with a purple-tinged yellow skin and pale orange-yellow flesh, belonging to the Brassica family. It has a mildly sweet, earthy flavour that becomes sweeter and more tender when cooked, making it a staple in soups, stews, and roasts. It is denser and starchier than turnip, with a more robust flavour that holds up well to long cooking times.
Best substitute
Turnip is the closest relative to swede and offers a similar texture when cooked, though it has a slightly sharper, more peppery flavour and less sweetness. It works well in most applications where swede is called for, including soups, stews, and mash.
Alternative
Parsnip has a naturally sweet, nutty flavour that mimics the sweetness of swede when cooked. It softens similarly when roasted or boiled, though it is less dense and has a more pronounced anise-like note.
Alternative
Celeriac has a firm, starchy texture similar to swede and becomes tender and slightly sweet when cooked. It has a distinct celery-like flavour that differs from swede but works well in hearty soups, stews, and mash.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | swede |
| Canada | rutabaga |
| New Zealand | swede |
| United Kingdom | swede |
| United States | rutabaga |
Alternative
Butternut pumpkin provides a sweet, creamy flesh that works as a substitute in soups and mash, though it is softer and less starchy than swede. It will produce a smoother, sweeter result and may need less cooking time.
Alternative
Kohlrabi is a member of the same Brassica family as swede and has a mild, slightly sweet, crisp flavour. It works well as a substitute in cooked dishes though it is less starchy and has a milder taste; it can also be used raw unlike swede.