Laura, This bread really didn't have a banana taste at all so if that's what you're looking for it will be disappointing. You could leave out the chips if you don't have them or sub something else in. The bread had a fruity/cinnamon taste to it which I actually enjoyed but just wasn't expecting. The chocolate chips in it were definetly a YUM part of it! I think the bananas it calls for just mostly moisten the bread. Our loaf got finished off today and kept really well. Still tasted great! Hope you guys like it!