Hop Substitution Guide — What to Use When Your Hops Aren't Available

Can you substitute hops in a home brew recipe?

Yes — hop substitution is common and usually works well for most recipe changes. The key is matching the alpha acid content (for bittering additions) and the flavour/aroma profile (for late and dry hop additions). A perfect match isn't always possible, but a close one usually produces excellent results. Browse our full hop pellet range to find alternatives.

What can I use instead of Citra hops?

The closest substitutes for Citra are Mosaic (tropical, blueberry, slightly earthier), Galaxy (passion fruit, citrus, very similar intensity), or Simcoe (pine, citrus, slightly more resinous). Centennial works as a partial substitute — it's less intensely tropical but shares the citrus character. For a more classic approach, a larger amount of Centennial plus some Summit for bittering approximates Citra's dual-purpose character.

What can I use instead of Centennial hops?

Cascade is the most common Centennial substitute — softer and slightly less alpha, but similar floral citrus character. Citra can substitute at a lower rate for the citrus aroma but adds more tropical intensity. Summit works for bittering at a reduced rate due to its higher alpha acids. For British-style recipes calling for Centennial, Willamette provides a more restrained floral alternative.

What can I use instead of Fuggles hops?

Willamette is the closest American equivalent to Fuggles — both are earthy, herbal, and mildly floral. For a purely British substitute, East Kent Goldings (EKG) works well in bitters and milds, though it's slightly more refined and less earthy. Bullion can substitute in darker styles where its blackcurrant character suits the recipe.

What can I use instead of Target hops?

Summit is the closest high-alpha substitute for Target, though it has a more citrusy character. For a purely British bittering hop with similar alpha range, Challenger or Northdown are close alternatives. For lower-alpha recipes where Target is used more moderately, Willamette or Fuggles can substitute at a higher rate.

General hop substitution principles

• For bittering additions: Match alpha acid percentage. If substituting a 10% alpha hop with a 5% alpha hop, double the quantity.
• For aroma additions: Match the flavour profile (citrus, tropical, earthy, floral) as closely as possible. The quantity can stay roughly the same.
• For dry hopping: Match the aroma profile. A 1:1 substitution by weight usually works well.

Browse all our hop pellet varieties at BrewCo UK — including Citra, Centennial, Willamette, Target, Bullion, and Summit. For dry hopping techniques, see our dry hopping guide.