Mace spice substitutes
Mace spice substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called Mace
Use Nutmeg
Same amount as the mace spice
The inner seed of the same fruit, with very similar flavor.
The best substitutes for mace spice are nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, or a combination of nutmeg and black pepper.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mace spice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutmegbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Allspicebaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Cinnamonbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Nutmeg + black peppersavory dishes | 3:1 (nutmeg to pepper)Works | Works |
| 5 | Gingerbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Cardamombaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Nutmeg
similar taste and texture
The inner seed of the same fruit, with very similar flavor.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, savory dishes, beverages
Very similar flavor as they come from the same plant.
Allspice
similar taste and texture
Warm spice with similar complex flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, savory dishes, beverages
Similar warm, complex flavor.
Cinnamon
different taste, similar texture
Warm, sweet spice with similar aromatic qualities.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, sweet dishes
Similar warmth but different flavor profile.
Nutmeg + black pepper
similar taste and texture
Combination that approximates mace's peppery notes.
- Best for
- savory dishes, baking, desserts, beverages
Combines nutmeg's sweetness with pepper's heat.
Ginger
different taste, similar texture
Warm spice with similar aromatic properties.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, savory dishes
Similar warmth but different flavor.
Cardamom
different taste, similar texture
Warm, aromatic spice with similar complexity.
- Best for
- baking, desserts, beverages, savory dishes
Similar aromatic complexity but different flavor.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is mace spice?
Mace is the outer covering (aril) of the nutmeg seed. It has a similar but slightly different flavor than nutmeg - more peppery and less sweet.
Is mace the same as nutmeg?
No, they come from the same plant but are different parts. Mace is the outer covering, while nutmeg is the inner seed. They have similar but distinct flavors.
Can I use nutmeg instead of mace?
Yes, nutmeg is the closest substitute for mace since they come from the same plant. The flavor is very similar, though mace is slightly more peppery.
What dishes commonly use mace?
Mace is commonly used in spice cakes, cookies, pies, and savory dishes like meatloaf and stews. It's also used in some beverages and pickling recipes.
Tips for substituting mace spice
6 tips- Mace has a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor
- Use sparingly as it's quite potent
- Great in both sweet and savory dishes
- Common in baking, especially in spice cakes and cookies
- Pairs well with other warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
- Store in airtight container away from light