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Herb & Spice Substitutions

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a recipe, open the spice cupboard – and you’re out of an herb or spice needed? Fear not, here is a list of close substitutions of herbs and spices that should get you through your cook successfully. Keep in mind that these alternatives will not taste exactly like the ingredients listed.

Herb & Spice Substitutions

  • Allspice – Cinnamon, cassia, dash of nutmeg or mace, or dash of cloves
  • Aniseed – Fennel seed or a few drops anise extract
  • Basil – Oregano or thyme
  • Balsamic Vinegar – Sherry or cider vinegar
  • Brown Sugar – 1 tablspoon of light molasses added to 1 cup of sugar
  • Cardamom – Ginger
  • Chervil – Tarragon or parsley
  • Chilli Powder – Dash bottled hot pepper sauce plus a combination of oregano and cumin
  • Chive – Green onion, onion, or leek
  • Cilantro – Parsley
  • Cinnamon – Nutmeg or allspice (Use only ¼ of the amount.)
  • Cloves – Allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg
  • Cumin – Chilli powder
  • Ginger – Allspice, cinnamon, mace, or nutmeg
  • Italian Seasoning – Blend of any of these: basil, oregano, rosemary, and ground red pepper
  • Mace – Allspice, cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg
  • Marjoram – Basil, thyme, or savoury
  • Mint – Basil, marjoram, or rosemary
  • Nutmeg – Cinnamon, ginger, or mace
  • Oregano – Thyme or basil
  • Parsley – Chervil or cilantro
  • Poultry Seasoning – Sage plus a blend of any of these: thyme, marjoram, savoury, black pepper, and rosemary
  • Red Pepper – Dash bottled hot pepper sauce or black pepper
  • Rosemary – Thyme, tarragon, or savoury
  • Saffron – Dash turmeric (for colour)
  • Sage – Poultry seasoning, savoury, marjoram, or rosemary
  • Savoury – Thyme, marjoram, or sage
  • Tarragon – Chervil, dash fennel seed, or dash aniseed
  • Thyme – Basil, marjoram, oregano, or savoury
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