Hickory chips are a popular choice for smoking meat, but there are other synonyms that can be used in place of hickory chips to add flavor to your barbecue. Some alternative varieties of wood chips that can be used for smoking include applewood, mesquite, cherry, pecan, and oak. Applewood provides a slightly sweet flavor, while mesquite has a more intense smoky flavor. Cherry adds a subtle sweetness and a reddish hue to meat, and pecan has a rich, nutty flavor. Oak is a versatile option that can be used to smoke most meats and provides a balanced, mild smoky flavor. Experiment with different smoke flavors to find your favorite!