Dill seed substitutes
Dill seed substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dill weed
Same amount as the dill seed
Fresh or dried leaves from the same plant.
The best substitutes for dill seed are dill weed, fennel seeds, or caraway seeds, depending on the use.
- The tweak —
- Fresh dill weed is more intense than dried.
- Best for —
- pickling
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of dill seed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dill weedpickling | Same amount |
| 2 | Fennel seedspickling | Same amount |
| 3 | Caraway seedspickling | Same amount |
| 4 | Anise seedspickling | Same amount |
| 5 | Cumin seedspickling | Same amount |
| 6 | Coriander seedspickling | Same amount |
Dill weed
Similar dill flavor, more intense when fresh
Fresh or dried leaves from the same plant.
- Best for
- pickling, seasoning, marinades, salads, fish dishes
- Texture
- Leaves instead of seeds, softer texture
- Prep
- Fresh dill weed is more intense than dried.
Same plant, different part, similar flavor.
Fennel seeds
Sweet and aromatic, similar to dill
Aromatic seeds with similar anise-like flavor.
- Best for
- pickling, seasoning, marinades, salads, Italian cuisine
- Texture
- Similar seed texture
- Prep
- Can be ground for powder form.
Similar anise-like flavor, good for pickling.
Caraway seeds
Earthy and slightly bitter
Aromatic seeds with similar earthy flavor.
- Best for
- pickling, seasoning, marinades, salads, German cuisine
- Texture
- Similar seed texture
- Prep
- Can be ground for powder form.
Similar earthy flavor, good for pickling.
Anise seeds
Sweet and licorice-like
Aromatic seeds with similar licorice-like flavor.
- Best for
- pickling, seasoning, marinades, salads, Mediterranean cuisine
- Texture
- Similar seed texture
- Prep
- Can be ground for powder form.
Similar licorice-like flavor, good for pickling.
Cumin seeds
Warm and earthy
Aromatic seeds with different but complementary flavor.
- Best for
- pickling, seasoning, marinades, salads, Middle Eastern cuisine
- Texture
- Similar seed texture
- Prep
- Can be ground for powder form.
Different flavor but good for pickling.
Coriander seeds
Citrusy and slightly sweet
Aromatic seeds with different but complementary flavor.
- Best for
- pickling, seasoning, marinades, salads, Indian cuisine
- Texture
- Similar seed texture
- Prep
- Can be ground for powder form.
Different flavor but good for pickling.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use dill weed instead of dill seed?
Yes, dill weed is a good substitute for dill seed. It has a similar flavor and can be used in most recipes, though it has a softer texture.
What's the difference between dill seed and dill weed?
Dill seed is the dried seeds of the dill plant, while dill weed is the dried leaves. Both have dill flavor but different parts of the plant and different textures.
Can I use fennel seeds instead of dill seed?
Yes, fennel seeds can work as a substitute, though they have a different flavor. They provide similar texture and can be used in most recipes, especially for pickling.
Why are dill seeds so popular in pickling?
Dill seeds are popular because they add tangy, anise-like flavor and are a key ingredient in many traditional pickling recipes. They also provide texture and visual appeal to pickled foods.
Tips for substituting dill seed
6 tips- Dill seed adds tangy, anise-like flavor to dishes
- It's essential for traditional pickling recipes
- Pairs well with cucumbers, fish, and potatoes
- Great for seasoning breads and crackers
- Can be used whole or ground
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness