🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Granulated Garlic Substitute: Complete Guide Guide

Find the best substitutes for granulated garlic in cooking and baking. Learn about garlic powder, fresh garlic, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

Quick Answer

The best substitutes for granulated garlic are garlic powder (1:1), fresh garlic (1 clove = 1/8 tsp granulated), or minced garlic (1 tsp = 1/8 tsp granulated). Garlic powder is the closest substitute with identical flavor.

Best Substitutes

Garlic Powder

1:1

Garlic powder is the closest substitute for granulated garlic. It has the same flavor and concentration but with finer particles.

Best for:

seasoningmarinadessaucesrubswhen you want identical flavorspice blends

Garlic powder has the same flavor and concentration as granulated garlic but with finer particles. It dissolves well in liquids and works in most applications.

Fresh Garlic

1 clove = 1/8 tsp granulated

Fresh garlic provides the most authentic garlic flavor and is the best substitute for granulated garlic. It offers the same taste but with different texture and preparation requirements.

Best for:

cookingmarinadessauceswhen you want fresh flavorwhen you have time to prepare

Fresh garlic needs to be minced or pressed. Use 1 clove for every 1/8 teaspoon of granulated garlic. Add early in cooking for best flavor development.

Minced Garlic

1 tsp minced = 1/8 tsp granulated

Minced garlic provides fresh garlic flavor with some convenience. It's a good middle ground between fresh cloves and granulated garlic.

Best for:

cookingmarinadessauceswhen you want fresh flavor with convenience

Minced garlic provides fresh garlic flavor but requires refrigeration. Use 1 teaspoon minced for every 1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic.

Garlic Paste

1 tsp paste = 1/8 tsp granulated

Garlic paste offers convenience similar to granulated garlic but with fresh garlic flavor. It's shelf-stable and easy to use.

Best for:

cookingmarinadessauceswhen you want convenience with fresh flavor

Garlic paste provides fresh garlic flavor with convenience and longer shelf life. Use 1 teaspoon paste for every 1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic.

Dried Minced Garlic

1 tsp dried minced = 1/8 tsp granulated

Dried minced garlic needs to be rehydrated but provides good garlic flavor. It's convenient and has a long shelf life.

Best for:

when fresh isn't availablelong-term storageconveniencemarinades

Dried minced garlic needs to be rehydrated in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use. It provides good garlic flavor when properly prepared.

Garlic Salt

1 tsp garlic salt = 1/2 tsp granulated + 1/2 tsp salt

Garlic salt combines garlic powder with salt, so you need to reduce the salt in your recipe when using it as a substitute.

Best for:

seasoningmarinadeswhen you want both garlic and saltrubs

When using garlic salt, reduce the salt in your recipe by 1/2 teaspoon for every teaspoon of garlic salt used.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Granulated garlic has slightly larger particles than garlic powder but the same flavor
  • 💡Garlic powder is the closest substitute with identical flavor and concentration
  • 💡Fresh garlic provides the most authentic flavor but requires preparation
  • 💡Add granulated garlic early in cooking to allow the flavor to develop
  • 💡Granulated garlic works well in dry rubs and spice blends
  • 💡Store granulated garlic in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness
  • 💡Granulated garlic dissolves well in liquids and marinades

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for granulated garlic?

Garlic powder (1:1) is the closest substitute with identical flavor and concentration. Fresh garlic (1 clove = 1/8 tsp) provides the most authentic flavor.

Can I use garlic powder instead of granulated garlic?

Yes, garlic powder is an excellent substitute for granulated garlic. Use equal amounts (1:1 ratio) as they have the same flavor and concentration.

What's the difference between granulated garlic and garlic powder?

Granulated garlic has slightly larger particles than garlic powder, but they have the same flavor and concentration. Both work well in most applications.

How much fresh garlic equals 1 teaspoon granulated garlic?

Use 8 cloves of fresh garlic for every 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic. Granulated garlic is much more concentrated than fresh garlic.

Can I use minced garlic instead of granulated garlic?

Yes, minced garlic is a good substitute. Use 1 teaspoon minced for every 1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic. It provides fresh garlic flavor with convenience.

Why use granulated garlic instead of powder?

Granulated garlic has slightly larger particles that some people prefer for texture. Both have the same flavor and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

Does granulated garlic taste the same as fresh garlic?

Granulated garlic has a similar but slightly different flavor than fresh garlic. It's more concentrated and lacks some of the fresh, pungent notes of fresh garlic.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for granulated garlic in cooking and baking. Learn about garlic powder, fresh garlic, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.