10 Best Substitutes for Cloves

You can use ground cloves as a substitute for whole cloves in your recipes. In fact, it’s a convenient option because it’s essentially the same spice but in a different form. Just keep in mind that ground cloves are more concentrated in flavor, so you’ll need to adjust the quantity accordingly.

Typically, you can use a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves to replace one whole clove. However, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller amount and add more gradually. This allows you to keep control over the flavor profile. This way, you won’t accidentally overdo it and make your dish too spicy.

Nutmegs are actually aromatic seeds that come from the fruit of the nutmeg tree. They have a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Nutmeg is typically used as a spice and is available in two forms: whole nutmeg and ground nutmeg.

Now, can we use nutmeg as a substitute for whole cloves? Yes. While nutmeg has a distinct flavor profile, it can work well as a substitute in certain recipe. Think of recipes where cloves provide a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy note. However, keep in mind that nutmeg has its own unique taste, so the flavor of your dish may change slightly.

For substitution, you can use ground nutmeg as a replacement for whole cloves. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. It’s particularly suitable in recipes like baked goods, soups, and creamy sauces. Be mindful not to use too much, as nutmeg has a strong flavor and can overpower your dish if used excessively.

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. It’s widely used in both sweet and savory dishes and has a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. Cinnamon is available in two main types: Ceylon cinnamon (considered “true” cinnamon) and Cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon it more commonly found in most grocery stores.

Now, as for using cinnamon as a substitute for whole cloves, it can work in certain recipes, but you should be mindful of the flavor differences. Cloves have a unique taste that’s warm, slightly sweet, and a bit spicy, whereas cinnamon provides a different kind of warmth and sweetness.

If you find yourself without whole cloves and need a substitute, you can use ground cinnamon in a pinch. However, be aware that cinnamon’s flavor profile is distinct, so it might alter the taste of your dish somewhat. Use in recipes where the warm and sweet notes of cloves are not the primary focus.

For baking or cooking, you can start by using about a quarter to half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for each whole clove in your recipe. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back out!

Allspice is a spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant. It’s called “allspice” because its flavor is said to resemble a combination of several other spices, including cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Allspice has a warm, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavor profile.

Allspice is a suitable substitute in many recipes where whole cloves are called for. It provides a similar warm and slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile alternative.

When substituting, use roughly the same amount of ground allspice as you would whole cloves. Generally, you can start with a 1:1 substitution, but feel free to adjust to taste. Allspice works well in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, desserts, and baked goods. It can add a delightful twist to your recipes, so go ahead and give it a try.

Cardamom is a highly aromatic spice that comes from the seeds of plants in the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes ginger and turmeric. It’s native to the Indian subcontinent and is known for its unique and complex flavor. Cardamom can have both sweet and savory applications and is often used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines.

Now, whilst cardamom has its own distinct flavor, it can still be used as a substitute for whole cloves. Think of recipes where you want to introduce a warm and aromatic element.

When substituting, you can use ground cardamom as an alternative to whole cloves. Start with about a quarter to half a teaspoon of ground cardamom for each whole clove called for in your recipe. Keep in mind that cardamom has a unique citrusy and floral note in addition to its warm and slightly sweet flavor. Therefore using cardamom may add a subtle taste twist to your dish.

Cardamom can work well in both sweet and savory dishes, so feel free to experiment with it in your recipes to create new and exciting flavor combinations!

Mace is a spice that comes from the reddish outer covering of the nutmeg seed. It has a similar warm and slightly sweet flavor to nutmeg but is generally milder and more delicate in taste. Use Mace in both sweet and savory dishes, and particularly in baking and traditional spice blends.

Mace can work as a substitute in certain recipes, particularly those where you want a warm and slightly sweet flavor but with a milder touch than whole cloves. While not identical in taste, they share some similarities.

To use mace as a substitute, you can grind it into a powder or use pre-ground mace. Start with about a quarter to half a teaspoon of ground mace for each whole clove required in your recipe and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that mace can add a unique twist to your dishes due to its subtle nutmeg-like flavor.

White and black peppercorns are both spices derived from the same plant, Piper nigrum. They have distinct flavors and are commonly used as seasonings.

• Black Peppercorns: These are the most common type of peppercorns. They have a bold and pungent flavor with a hint of spiciness. Black pepper is often used for its strong, sharp taste and can be found as whole peppercorns and ground pepper.
• White Peppercorns: White peppercorns come from the same plant as black ones, but they are allowed to ripen more fully before harvesting. They are then soaked to remove the outer black husk, leaving only the inner seed. White pepper has a milder and slightly earthier flavor compared to black pepper.

While both types of peppercorns have distinct flavors and are generally used for their spiciness rather than sweetness, they can be used as a substitute for cloves. Especially in recipes where you want a spicy kick!

If you want to use peppercorns as a substitute, you can grind them to a coarse or fine consistency. However, be mindful that this substitution will add a different type of spiciness to your dish. Therefore it may not be an ideal replacement for recipes that rely heavily on the sweet warmth of whole cloves.

Feel free to experiment with peppercorns, but be cautious of the differences in taste between these spices and whole cloves.

Star anise is a spice derived from the fruit of the Illicium verum tree, native to East Asia. Its name comes from its distinctive star-shaped appearance and has a delicious licorice-like flavor with a hint of sweetness. Star anise is commonly used in Asian and Indian cuisines. However it has also been adopted into some Western recipes, particularly in baking and mulled wine.

You can use star anise as a substitute in certain recipes. Think of recipes where you’re looking for a warm and somewhat sweet flavor with a touch of spiciness. While star anise has its unique taste, it can complement dishes that traditionally call for whole cloves.

To use star anise as a substitute, you can use one star anise pod for every 2-3 whole cloves in your recipe. Remember that star anise has a more pronounced licorice-like note, so the flavor of your dish may have a subtle twist. It works well in savory dishes like braised meats and stews and can add a delightful depth of flavor.

Five-spice powder is a spice blend that originates from Chinese cuisine. It’s called “five spice” because it typically contains five main spices. However, you should note that the exact ingredients can vary somewhat from one recipe to another. The most common components of five-spice powder include star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Some variations may also include ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.

Use five-spice powder as a substitute in recipes where whole cloves are called for, especially if you want to add a complex and aromatic flavor.

Five-spice powder contains cloves as one of its main components, so it will impart a clove-like warmth and sweetness to your dishes. However, keep in mind that it also contains other spices like star anise and Sichuan peppercorns. Thesd ingredients can add unique and sometimes numbing or spicy notes to the blend.

When substituting, you can typically use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of five-spice powder for each whole clove in your recipe. This substitution works particularly well in savory dishes, such as marinades, stir-fries, and braised meats, where the complex flavor profile of five-spice powder can shine.

Ginger is a widely used spice derived from the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. It has a warm, pungent, and slightly sweet flavor and is used in both sweet and savory dishes around the world. Ginger can be found in various forms, including fresh ginger root, ground ginger, and dried ginger.

Whilst ginger has its own unique flavor, it can work as a substitute in certain recipes, particularly when you want to add warmth and a bit of spiciness to your dish.

If you’re considering ginger as a substitute for whole cloves, it’s important to note that the flavors are different, with ginger having a more pronounced spiciness and less sweetness compared to cloves. However, in recipes where the primary role of cloves is to provide a spicy kick, ginger can be a suitable alternative.

To use ginger as a substitute, you can typically use about a quarter to half a teaspoon of ground ginger for each whole clove in your recipe and adjust to taste. Ginger works well in both sweet and savory dishes.