Out of Cloves, one case
Cloves substitutes, case by case
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Allspice
Same amount as the cloves
The best substitutes for cloves are Allspice, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Cardamom. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes and adjust based on your specific recipe needs.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full cloves card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cloves | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allspicebaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Nutmegbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Cinnamonbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Cardamombaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Star anisebaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Allspice
similar taste and texture
The closest substitute to cloves with complex flavor combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Good for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, mulled wine, spice blends, pumpkin pie, gingerbread
Allspice has more complex flavor than cloves, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined. Works in almost all applications.
Nutmeg
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic spice with sweet, warming flavor similar to cloves. Excellent substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, mulled wine, spice blends, pumpkin pie, cookies
Nutmeg has different flavor than cloves but similar warmth and sweetness. Use in same amounts for best results.
Cinnamon
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic spice with sweet, warming flavor similar to cloves. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, mulled wine, spice blends, cookies, cakes
Cinnamon has different flavor than cloves but similar warmth and sweetness. Use in same amounts.
Cardamom
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic spice with sweet, floral flavor similar to cloves. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, mulled wine, spice blends, curries, rice dishes
Cardamom has different flavor than cloves but similar sweetness and warmth. Use in same amounts.
Star anise
different taste, similar texture
Aromatic spice with sweet, warming flavor similar to cloves. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, mulled wine, spice blends, Asian dishes, curries
Star anise has different flavor than cloves but similar sweetness and warmth. Use in same amounts.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cloves are used for their warm, sweet flavor and pungent aroma in both sweet and savory dishes. The best substitutes depend on whether you need them for baking (allspice, nutmeg) or cooking (cardamom, star anise).
Tips for substituting cloves
7 tips- Cloves add warm, sweet flavor to dishes and are essential for many cuisines and baking recipes
- Use cloves in baking, desserts, and mulled wine for authentic warming flavors
- Cloves pair well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in many recipes
- Cloves can be used whole or ground, but ground cloves are more intense and distribute flavor better
- Add cloves gradually to control their strong flavor in your dishes
- Store cloves in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years to maintain their potency
- For best results, grind whole cloves fresh when needed rather than using pre-ground cloves
Notes on cloves
- For a unique twist, try using a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg to replicate the complex flavor of cloves
- Ginger can work as a substitute when you want warmth without the sweetness of cloves
- Pumpkin pie spice often contains cloves and can work as a substitute in many recipes
- For savory dishes, consider using bay leaves or juniper berries for a different but complementary flavor profile
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for cloves?
The best substitutes for cloves are allspice (1:1 ratio), nutmeg (1:1 ratio), cinnamon (1:1 ratio), or cardamom (1:1 ratio). Choose based on your specific recipe and flavor preferences.
Can I use allspice instead of cloves?
Yes, allspice is the closest substitute for cloves. It has a complex flavor that combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it good for most applications.
What's the best substitute for cloves in baking?
For baking, allspice is the best substitute for cloves, followed by nutmeg or cinnamon. Use a 1:1 ratio and adjust to taste based on your recipe.
Can I substitute nutmeg for cloves?
Yes, nutmeg can work as a substitute for cloves. It has a different flavor but provides similar warmth and sweetness. Use in equal amounts.
What's the difference between cloves and allspice?
Cloves have a warm, sweet flavor with pungent aroma, while allspice has a flavor that combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Both add warmth to dishes but allspice is more complex.