Onion salt substitutes
Onion salt substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Onion powder + salt
¼ tsp onion powder + ¾ tsp salt for every 1 tsp onion salt
Similar combination with different preparation.
The best substitutes for onion salt are onion powder with salt, garlic salt, or regular salt, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 8 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp onion salt| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp onion salt | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Onion powder + saltcooking | ¼ tsp onion powder + ¾ tsp saltWorks | Works |
| 2 | Garlic saltcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Regular saltcooking | ¾ tspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Celery saltcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Seasoned saltcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Kosher saltcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Onion powder + salt
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, sauces
Onion salt is about 3 parts salt to 1 part onion powder, so mix them in that proportion.
Garlic salt
different taste, similar texture
Similar seasoning with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, sauces
Different flavor, similar saltiness.
Regular salt
different taste, similar texture
Replaces the salt only, with no onion flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, sauces
Onion salt is about 3 parts salt to 1 part onion powder, so ¾ tsp fine salt matches the salt in 1 tsp of onion salt. It adds no onion flavor.
Celery salt
different taste, similar texture
Similar seasoning with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, sauces
Different flavor, similar saltiness.
Seasoned salt
different taste, similar texture
Similar seasoning with different flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, sauces
Different flavor, similar saltiness.
Kosher salt
different taste, similar texture
Replaces the salt only, with no onion flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, seasoning, marinades, sauces
Onion salt carries about ¾ tsp fine salt per teaspoon, and kosher salt is coarser, so a spoonful holds less salt: start with the same amount as the onion salt and add more to taste if the flakes are large and light. It adds no onion flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use onion powder with salt instead of onion salt?
Yes, onion powder with salt is a good substitute for onion salt. It provides similar flavor and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between onion salt and onion powder with salt?
Onion salt is a pre-mixed blend, while onion powder with salt is mixed separately. Both have onion flavor and saltiness but different preparations.
Can I use garlic salt instead of onion salt?
Yes, garlic salt can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar saltiness and can be used in most recipes.
Why is onion salt so popular in seasoning blends?
Onion salt is popular because it adds both onion flavor and saltiness and is convenient for making seasoning blends and marinades.
Tips for substituting onion salt
6 tips- Onion salt adds onion flavor and saltiness to dishes
- Onion salt can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Onion salt pairs well with garlic, herbs, and spices
- Onion salt works well in seasoning blends and marinades
- Onion salt can be used to make rubs and sauces
- Store onion salt in a cool, dry place