Out of Garlic salt, one case
Garlic salt substitutes, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Garlic powder + salt
½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp salt for every 1 tsp garlic salt
The best substitutes for garlic salt are garlic powder + salt (1 tsp garlic salt = ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp salt), fresh garlic + salt, or granulated garlic + salt. Always adjust the salt in your recipe when using these substitutes.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- seasoning
One casethe full garlic card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp garlic salt | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garlic powder + saltseasoning | ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp saltWorks | Works |
| 2 | Fresh garlic + saltcooking | 1 tsp garlic salt = 1 clove minced garlic + ½ tsp salt | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Granulated garlic + saltseasoning | ½ tsp granulated garlic + ½ tsp saltWorks | Works |
| 4 | Minced garlic + saltcooking | 1 tsp minced garlic + ½ tsp salt | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Garlic paste + saltcooking | 1 tsp garlic paste + ½ tsp salt | No verdict on record |
| 6 | Dried minced garlic + saltwhen fresh isn't available | 1 tsp dried minced garlic + ½ tsp saltTweak it | Tweak it |
Garlic powder + salt
identical taste and texture
The most accurate substitute for garlic salt is a combination of garlic powder and salt. This gives you the exact same flavor profile.
- Best for
- seasoning, marinades, rubs, when you want exact flavor match, cooking
This combination provides the exact same flavor as garlic salt. Reduce other salt in your recipe by ½ teaspoon for every teaspoon of garlic salt substituted.
Fresh garlic + salt
superior · different texture
Fresh garlic with salt provides the most authentic garlic flavor. This is the best substitute when you want fresh garlic taste.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, when you want fresh flavor, when you have time to prepare
Fresh garlic provides the most authentic flavor. Use 1 clove minced garlic plus ½ teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt.
Granulated garlic + salt
identical taste, similar texture
Granulated garlic with salt provides similar convenience to garlic salt with slightly larger particles.
- Best for
- seasoning, marinades, rubs, when you want convenience, cooking
Granulated garlic has slightly larger particles than garlic powder but the same flavor. Use ½ teaspoon granulated garlic plus ½ teaspoon salt.
Minced garlic + salt
superior · different texture
Minced garlic with salt provides fresh garlic flavor with some convenience. It's a good middle ground option.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, when you want fresh flavor with convenience
Minced garlic provides fresh flavor but requires refrigeration. Use 1 teaspoon minced garlic plus ½ teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt.
Garlic paste + salt
superior · different texture
Garlic paste with salt offers convenience similar to garlic salt but with fresh garlic flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, when you want convenience with fresh flavor
Garlic paste provides fresh garlic flavor with convenience. Use 1 teaspoon paste plus ½ teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt.
Dried minced garlic + salt
similar taste, different texture
Dried minced garlic with salt needs to be rehydrated but provides good garlic flavor with convenience.
- Best for
- when fresh isn't available, long-term storage, convenience, marinades
Dried minced garlic needs to be rehydrated in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use. Add ½ teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt substituted.
How garlic salt compares
Garlic salt is a convenient seasoning that combines garlic powder with salt. When substituting, you need to account for both the garlic flavor and the salt content, making it important to adjust other salt in your recipe.
Tips for substituting garlic salt
7 tips- When substituting for garlic salt, always reduce the salt in your recipe by ½ teaspoon per teaspoon of garlic salt used
- Garlic salt is a combination of garlic powder and salt, so you need to account for both components
- Fresh garlic + salt provides the most authentic flavor but requires more preparation
- Garlic powder + salt is the most convenient substitute with identical flavor
- Add garlic early in cooking to allow the flavor to develop
- Garlic salt works well in dry rubs and spice blends
- Store garlic salt in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness
Notes on garlic salt
- For a completely different approach, try using other seasoned salts like onion salt or celery salt
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different garlic forms for layered flavor
- For beverages, consider using garlic-infused oils for a different flavor profile
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best substitute for garlic salt?
The best substitute is garlic powder + salt (½ tsp each for every 1 tsp garlic salt). Fresh garlic + salt provides the most authentic flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
Yes, but you need to add salt. Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder plus ½ teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt, and reduce other salt in your recipe.
How much salt is in garlic salt?
Garlic salt is typically 3 parts salt to 1 part garlic powder, so it contains about ¾ teaspoon salt per teaspoon of garlic salt.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt?
Yes, use 1 clove minced garlic plus ½ teaspoon salt for every teaspoon of garlic salt. This provides the most authentic flavor.
Do I need to adjust salt when using garlic salt substitutes?
Yes, always reduce the salt in your recipe by ½ teaspoon for every teaspoon of garlic salt you're substituting, since garlic salt contains salt.
What's the difference between garlic salt and garlic powder?
Garlic salt is garlic powder mixed with salt, while garlic powder is pure ground garlic. Garlic salt provides both garlic flavor and salt in one ingredient.
Can I make my own garlic salt?
Yes, mix 3 parts salt with 1 part garlic powder. This gives you the same ratio as commercial garlic salt.