Alternative to a chip, in the baking aisle nyt crossword clue

The clue "Alternative to a chip, in the baking aisle" suggests we are looking for a food item typically found in a grocery store's baking section. The key here is the word "alternative," which implies we need to think about items that are substitutes for traditional chocolate chips used in baking. Common alternatives to chocolate chips include items such as: - **Nuts** (like walnuts or pecans) - **Dried fruit** (like raisins or cranberries) - **Coconut** (shredded coconut) - **Carob chips** (a popular chocolate substitute) Considering the context of the clue, "alternative to a chip" may lead us directly to "carob," which is a common ingredient used as a substitute for chocolate in various recipes. Carob comes from the pods of the carob tree and is often used in baking as a healthier alternative to chocolate chips, especially for those who are allergic to chocolate or wanting to avoid caffeine. If the crossword puzzle has specific letters filled in, please provide those so we can narrow down the answer even further. However, based on the clue alone, "carob" fits perfectly as a succinct answer. When solving crossword clues like this one, it can be beneficial to consider various categories of foods and think about the contexts in which they are used. Understanding common culinary substitutions or knowing popular ingredients can significantly help in decoding clues.