Out of Ground cloves, one case
Substitutes for ground cloves: ground spice
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Ground allspice
Same amount as the ground cloves
The best substitutes for ground cloves are Ground Allspice, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cinnamon, and Ground Cardamom. Use 1:1 ratio for most ground substitutes and adjust based on your recipe needs.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full cloves card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ground cloves | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ground allspicebaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Ground nutmegbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Ground cinnamonbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Ground cardamombaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Pumpkin pie spicebaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Ground allspice
similar taste and texture
The closest substitute to ground cloves with complex flavor combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Good for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, spice blends, pumpkin pie, gingerbread, cookies
Ground allspice has more complex flavor than ground cloves, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined. Works in almost all applications.
Ground nutmeg
different taste, similar texture
Ground spice with sweet, warming flavor similar to ground cloves. Excellent substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, spice blends, pumpkin pie, cookies, cakes
Ground nutmeg has different flavor than ground cloves but similar warmth and sweetness. Use in same amounts for best results.
Ground cinnamon
different taste, similar texture
Ground spice with sweet, warming flavor similar to ground cloves. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, spice blends, cookies, cakes, muffins
Ground cinnamon has different flavor than ground cloves but similar warmth and sweetness. Use in same amounts.
Ground cardamom
different taste, similar texture
Ground spice with sweet, floral flavor similar to ground cloves. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, spice blends, curries, rice dishes, cookies
Ground cardamom has different flavor than ground cloves but similar sweetness and warmth. Use in same amounts.
Pumpkin pie spice
similar taste and texture
Ground spice blend containing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Good substitute when you want a complex flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, pumpkin pie, cookies, cakes, muffins
Pumpkin pie spice contains multiple spices including cloves, so it provides a complex flavor profile. Use in same amounts.
How it behaves in this recipe
Ground cloves are used for their concentrated warm, sweet flavor and even distribution in baking and cooking. The best substitutes depend on whether you need them for baking (ground allspice, ground nutmeg) or cooking (ground cardamom, pumpkin pie spice).
Tips for substituting ground cloves
7 tips- Ground cloves are more intense than whole cloves, so use them sparingly and adjust to taste
- For baking applications, ground spices work better than whole spices because they distribute evenly
- When substituting ground cloves, start with the same amount and adjust based on your taste preferences
- Ground allspice is the closest substitute to ground cloves and works in almost all applications
- Store ground spices in airtight containers away from light and heat to maintain their potency
- For best flavor, buy whole spices and grind them fresh when needed rather than using pre-ground spices
- Ground cloves can be mixed with other ground spices to create custom spice blends
Notes on ground cloves
- For a unique twist, try using a combination of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg to replicate the complex flavor of ground cloves
- Ground ginger can work as a substitute when you want warmth without the sweetness of ground cloves
- Make your own ground spice blend by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
- For savory dishes, consider using ground bay leaves or ground juniper berries for a different but complementary flavor profile
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for ground cloves?
The best substitutes for ground cloves are ground allspice (1:1 ratio), ground nutmeg (1:1 ratio), ground cinnamon (1:1 ratio), or pumpkin pie spice (1:1 ratio). Choose based on your specific recipe needs.
Can I use ground allspice instead of ground cloves?
Yes, ground allspice is the closest substitute for ground cloves. It has a complex flavor that combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it good for most applications.
What's the best substitute for ground cloves in pumpkin pie?
For pumpkin pie, ground allspice or pumpkin pie spice work best as substitutes for ground cloves. Use a 1:1 ratio and adjust to taste.
Can I substitute ground cloves for whole cloves?
Yes, but ground cloves are more intense than whole cloves. Use about 1/3 the amount of ground cloves compared to whole cloves, or adjust to taste.
What's the difference between ground cloves and whole cloves?
Ground cloves are more intense and distribute flavor more evenly, while whole cloves are milder and can be removed from dishes. Ground cloves are better for baking and spice blends.