Garlic salt substitutes
Garlic salt substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Garlic powder + salt
¾ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp salt for every 1 tsp garlic salt
Individual ingredients combined to recreate the blend.
The best substitutes for garlic salt are garlic powder with salt, fresh garlic with salt, or garlic granules with salt, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- seasoning
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp garlic salt| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp garlic salt | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garlic powder + saltseasoning | ¾ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp saltWorks | Works |
| 2 | Fresh garlic + saltcooking | 1 tsp garlic salt = 1 minced garlic clove + ¼ tsp salt | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Garlic powdercooking | ¾ tspWorks | Works |
| 4 | Minced garlic + saltcooking | ½ tsp minced garlic + ¼ tsp saltTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Garlic granules + saltseasoning | ¾ tsp garlic granules + ¼ tsp saltTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Onion saltseasoning | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Garlic powder + salt
identical taste, similar texture
Individual ingredients combined to recreate the blend.
- Best for
- seasoning, marinades, rubs, general cooking
Mix 3 parts garlic powder with 1 part salt.
Fresh garlic + salt
more intense · different texture
Fresh garlic with salt for more intense flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, fresh applications
More intense flavor than dried garlic salt.
Garlic powder
similar taste and texture
Pure garlic powder without added salt.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces
Add salt separately to control sodium content.
Minced garlic + salt
similar taste, different texture
Minced garlic with salt for convenience.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces
Convenient pre-mixed option.
Garlic granules + salt
similar taste, different texture
Larger garlic pieces with salt.
- Best for
- seasoning, marinades, rubs
Slightly different texture than powder.
Onion salt
different taste, similar texture
Similar salt blend with onion instead of garlic.
- Best for
- seasoning, marinades, general cooking
Different flavor profile but similar convenience.
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?
Garlic salt contains both garlic powder and salt, while garlic powder is just ground dried garlic. Garlic salt provides seasoning in one ingredient.
Can I make garlic salt at home?
Yes, mix 3 parts garlic powder with 1 part salt and store in an airtight container. This gives you control over the salt content.
How much salt is in garlic salt?
Garlic salt typically contains about 25% salt and 75% garlic powder, though ratios may vary by brand. Check the label for exact proportions.
Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder?
Yes, but reduce the salt in your recipe since garlic salt already contains salt. Use about ¾ the amount of garlic salt as you would garlic powder.
Is garlic salt healthier than regular salt?
Garlic salt still contains sodium, so it's not necessarily healthier. However, it can help you use less total salt since it adds flavor along with saltiness.
How long does garlic salt last?
Garlic salt lasts 2-3 years when stored properly in an airtight container away from heat and light. The garlic flavor may diminish over time.
Can I use garlic powder and salt instead of garlic salt?
Yes, mix garlic powder with salt to taste for the same effect as garlic salt.
Tips for substituting garlic salt
12 tips- Garlic salt is a blend of garlic powder and salt
- It provides convenient seasoning in one ingredient
- Use sparingly as it contains salt - adjust other salt in recipe
- Store in airtight container away from heat and light
- Garlic salt is great for quick seasoning of meats and vegetables
- It's good for rubs, marinades, and general seasoning
- Check labels as some brands have different salt ratios
- Can be used in both cooking and finishing dishes
- Garlic salt combines garlic flavor with saltiness in one convenient ingredient
- Use garlic salt when you want both garlic flavor and salt in one step
- Be careful not to over-salt when using garlic salt in recipes
- Garlic salt is great for quick seasoning and rubs