What Spice or Herb Can I Substitute?

From time to time, you will have a recipe call for a spice or herb you do not have in your pantry. When this happens, you can use the spice substitution chart below to help you substitute herbs and spices in recipes.

How to Substitute Spices and Herbs

Look at the chart for a spice or herb you do not have, then look at it’s recommended substitute.

The list of spice substitutes below will show a spice that compliments a flavor or one that resembles it, shown with a *.

Chart Abbreviations & Definitions

Tsp = teaspoon
Tbsp = tablespoon
Pinch = about 1/16 tsp, half a dash, or the amount you hold between a thumb and pointer finger.
Dash = about 1/8 tsp

Spice & Herb Substitution Chart

Spice or Herb	Substitute
Aleppo Pepper	Hungarian sweet paprika* and a dash of cayenne pepper
Allspice	Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and ground cloves*
Apple Pie Spice	1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom mixed.
Anise Seed	Fennel seed*
Basil	Oregano, thyme
Bay Leaf	¹⁄₄ tsp. ground bay leaf
Caraway Seed	Anise seed
Cardamom	Ginger
Celery Seed	Minced tops of celery*
Chervil (French Parsley)	Parsley, tarragon
Chili Powder	Mix hot pepper, cumin and oregano*
Chili Seasoning	1 tsp cumin powder, 3/4 tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper per 1 lb of beef.
Chives	Green onion, onion
Chinese Five Spice	3 tbsp. ground cinnamon, 6 whole star anise, 1 1/2 tsp. black peppercorns, 1 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds, 3/4 tsp. ground gloves (grind together and store)
Cinnamon	Nutmeg
Cloves	All spice, cinnamon and nutmeg
Cream of Tartar	1 tsp. lemon juice or 1 tsp. white vinegar.
Cumin	Mexican chili powder
Curry Powder	Mix 1/8 cup ground coriander, 1 tbsp. ground cumin, 1 tbsp. ground turmeric and 1/2 tbsp ground ginger.
Ginger	All spice, cinnamon, mace or nutmeg
Italian Seasoning	Mix basil, oregano, rosemary and ground (or flakes) red pepper
Mace	All spice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg
Mint	Basil, marjoram or rosemary
Nutmeg	Cinnamon, ginger or mace*
Oregano	Basil, marjoram, thyme or savory
Parsley	Chervil
Poultry Seasoning	Sage mixed with marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme* or savory
Pumpkin Pie Spice	Mix 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground ginger, 1/8 tsp. ground allspice, 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg.
Flaked or Ground Red Pepper	Dash of Hot Sauce or black pepper
Rosemary	Savory, thyme or tarragaon
Saffaron	Dash of Turmeric for color
Sage	Rosemary, savory or marjoram
Savory	Sage, thyme or marjoram
Seasoned Salt	Mix 1/2 cup salt, 1 1/4 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. dry mustard, 3/4 tsp. ground oregano, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder and 1/4 tsp. ground onion
Tarragon	Chervil, dash of fennel seed* or a dash of anise seed*
Taco Seasoning	Mix 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp oregano and pinch of crushed red pepper.
Thyme	Basil, oregono* or savory

Common Questions about Spices & Herbs

How Do I Know When to Change Out Spices?

A simple test to see if a spice is old is to crush a little between your fingers and smell to see if it still has a strong aroma and flavor. I like to mark the date of my spices on their container, so I know when I bought them.

Should I Buy Whole Leaf Herbs or Ground?

It is best to buy whole dried leaf herbs, since crushed or ground herbs lose flavor quickly. You can use ground herbs, but you will get more flavor using entire leaf herbs.