Healthier Ingredient Substitutes Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Emily A. McCloud, MS, RD (January 2015). Summary: Love Your Recipes: Healthier Ingredient Substitutes Try these substitutions to cut down on calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium while keeping the flavor in your favorite recipes. Fat & Cholesterol Butter, margarine, shortening or oil in baked good can be substituted at a 1:3/4 ratio with a healthy oil such as canola, corn, olive, sunflower or any non-tropical oil. Applesauce or prune puree for half of the called-for butter or shortening. Cooking spray or nonstick pans can be substituted for butter, margarine, shortening or oil to prevent sticking. Instead of full eggs, try 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute for each whole egg. Evaporated milk can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio with evaporated skim milk. Substitute fat free or low-fat cream cheese or low fat cottage cheese (pureed until smooth) for regular cream cheese in a 1:1 ratio. Sour cream can be substituted at a 1:1 ration with fat-free plain yogurt, or fat free/low-fat sour cream. Try plain yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise in a 1:1 ratio. Sodium Substituting table salt in a 1:1 ratio with other spices such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Sugar Reduce amount of sugar used in recipe by 1/2. Instead of canned fruit in heavy syrup, at a 1:1 ratio, use fresh fruit or canned fruit in its own juices or water. Fruit-flavored yogurt can be substituted for plain yogurt in a 1:1 ratio Carbohydrates Substitute wheat flour for white flour in a 1:1/2 ratio. Oatmeal or bran cereal can be used in place of bread crumbs at a 1:1 ratio. Use wheat bread or whole grain bread at a 1:1 ratio instead of white bread. More Information on Healthy Nutrition Nutrition Healthy Snacking Healthy Recipes Why Breakfast Matters Find a Doctor Make an Appointment Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: or download our Love Your Recipes infographic poster (pdf).