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Out of caraway spice?

Caraway Spice substitutes

Caraway Spice is Aromatic seeds with earthy, slightly bitter flavor, used in European and Middle Eastern cooking.

Use this

Fennel Seeds

Use the same amount as the caraway spice you are replacing

Different tasteBest for cooking

The best substitutes for caraway spice are fennel seeds, cumin, or dill seeds, depending on the use.

At a glance

Every caraway spice substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Caraway Spice substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of caraway spice, use
1Fennel SeedsSame amount
2CuminSame amount
3Dill SeedsSame amount

Every caraway spice substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Caraway Spice with ratios

  1. 1. Fennel Seeds

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Similar seeds with different flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    cooking, baking, spice blends, marinades

    Different flavor, similar earthiness - sweeter

  2. 2. Cumin

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Similar spice with different flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    cooking, baking, spice blends, marinades

    Different flavor, similar earthiness - more pungent

  3. 3. Dill Seeds

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Similar seeds with different flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    cooking, baking, spice blends, marinades

    Different flavor, similar earthiness - more floral

Tips for substituting caraway spice

  • Caraway seeds have a unique earthy, slightly bitter flavor
  • They're commonly used in German, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern cooking
  • Toast caraway seeds before using to enhance their flavor
  • Caraway seeds are often used in bread, sauerkraut, and meat dishes

Questions about caraway spice substitutes

Can I use fennel seeds instead of caraway seeds?

Yes, fennel seeds are the closest substitute for caraway seeds, but they're sweeter and have a licorice-like flavor.

What's the difference between caraway and fennel seeds?

Caraway seeds are more bitter and earthy, while fennel seeds are sweeter and have a licorice-like flavor.

Can I use caraway seeds in bread?

Yes, caraway seeds are commonly used in rye bread and other European breads for flavor and texture.

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