Spice Substitutions
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
Search for the spice you’re out of to get a close substitute you likely already have.
Spice substitutions
Out of something mid-recipe? Search above for a working substitute with the right ratio. Below is the full list, each swap is chosen to behave as closely as possible to the original in cooking and baking.
| Out of… | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Cumin | Equal amount chili powder (milder, add a pinch of chili) · or · Equal parts ground coriander + a pinch of chili |
| Paprika | Equal amount mild chili powder · or · A smaller amount of cayenne (hotter) |
| Thyme | Equal amount oregano or marjoram · or · Italian seasoning |
| Oregano | Equal amount marjoram or thyme · or · Italian seasoning |
| Basil | Equal amount oregano · or · Equal amount thyme |
| Cinnamon | Equal amount allspice or nutmeg (use less) · or · Pumpkin pie spice |
| Nutmeg | Equal amount mace · or · Cinnamon or allspice |
| Ginger (ground) | Equal amount allspice, cinnamon or mace · or · ¼ tsp ground = 1 tbsp grated fresh |
| Garlic powder | ⅛ tsp powder = 1 fresh clove · or · Equal amount granulated garlic |
| Onion powder | 1 tbsp dried minced onion per 1 tsp powder |
| Italian seasoning | Equal parts basil, oregano, thyme & rosemary |
| Chili powder | Paprika + cumin + a pinch of cayenne · or · Taco seasoning |
| Cayenne | Red pepper flakes (use more) · or · A few dashes of hot sauce |
| Allspice | Equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves · or · Pumpkin pie spice |
| Cardamom | Equal parts cinnamon + nutmeg · or · Equal parts ginger + cinnamon |
Frequently asked questions
What can I substitute for cumin?
Use an equal amount of chili powder (it contains cumin and is milder), or mix equal parts ground coriander with a pinch of chili powder.