Orange flavoring is produced by extracting the oil from an orange rind. Orange flavoring is used in many types of recipes from ice cream, cakes, cookies, muffins and more.
If you are making a recipe that calls for orange flavoring but you don’t have any, no need to worry. There are a number of great substitutes for orange flavoring you can use in your recipe.
In this article we will cover the top orange flavor alternatives and how to use them.
So what are the best orange flavoring substitutes?
The top substitutes for orange flavoring are orange extract, orange zest, orange juice, and orange liqueur.
Each of these substitutes are similar to orange flavoring and can be used in all types of dishes.
Orange Flavoring Alternatives
The key to using each of these orange flavor replacements is using the right ratio to achieve the desired orange flavor in your recipe. Read on for the best way to use each of these orange flavored ingedients.
Orange Extract

Orange extract is produced by distilling oranges in alcohol. Orange extract provides a robust orange flavor when replacing orange flavor in all types of recipes.
Orange extract is readily available at most grocery stores making it an excellent option when you need to add orange to a dish.
Orange extract works in all types of baked dishes from cakes, cookies, breads, and even in beverages.
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of orange flavoring equals 1 teaspoon of orange extract
Orange Zest

If you are adding orange flavor to bakes dishes or marinades, orange zest is a great substitute.
Any type of orange can be used for zesting. Zest imparts a subtle orange flavor to any recipe and is popular in cakes and recipes like orange chicken.
My favorite oranges to zest are naval, Valencia, and blood oranges.
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of orange flavoring equals 2 tablespoons of orange zest
Orange Juice

Orange juice is the most commonly found orange flavoring substitute in most kitchens. It works well when adding orange flavor to all types of recipes. It can be added to baked dishes, dinner meals, and orange flavored beverages.
Pulp free orange juice is ideal when subbing for orange flavor but pulp orange juice can be used in a pinch.
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of orange flavoring equals 2 teaspoons of orange juice
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueur is a great replacement for orange flavor in baked goods. Cointreau and Grand Marnier are the most common orange flavored liqueur. They contain the peels of bitter oranges and impart a wonderful flavor to any baked recipe.
Orange liqueur can also be used in cocktails and mixed drinks that call for orange flavoring.
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of orange flavoring equals 2 teaspoons of orange liqueur
Is orange flavoring the same as orange liqueur?
No. Orange flavoring is made by pressing the oils out of an orange peel. Orange extract is made by distilling orange rinds with liquor.
How is orange flavoring made?
Orange flavoring is made by pressing the peel and rind of an orange to extract the essential oil.