Poultry seasoning substitutes
Poultry seasoning substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Sage + thyme + marjoram + rosemary
Per 1 tsp poultry seasoning
½ tsp sage + ¼ tsp thyme + ¼ tsp marjoram + ¼ tsp rosemary
Individual herbs combined to recreate the classic blend.
Sage + thyme + marjoram + rosemary, or Italian seasoning are the best substitutes for poultry seasoning.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- stuffing
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
But first: what’s the poultry seasoning doing?
Pick your caseDo you have sage?
You can rebuild the blend and it will be hard to tell apart. For 1 tsp of poultry seasoning use ½ tsp sage, ¼ tsp thyme, ¼ tsp marjoram and ¼ tsp rosemary; if you only have the first two, ½ tsp sage and ½ tsp thyme is still a genuinely good stand-in, because those two carry the character. Ground sage is stronger than rubbed sage, so if yours is ground, start with a little less.
Notes on sage + thyme + marjoram + rosemary or sage + thyme
½ tsp sage + ¼ tsp thyme + ¼ tsp marjoram + ¼ tsp rosemary per 1 tsp poultry seasoning
Check the label for sage. The standard mixed-herbs formula sold in the UK contains sage along with marjoram, thyme, parsley and oregano, and if yours does, it works measure for measure. If sage is not on the list, treat it as the last branch below.
Notes on dried mixed herbs
Same amount
Use three times as much - 1 tbsp chopped fresh for every 1 tsp of dried. Fresh sage is softer and greener than dried, which many people prefer with chicken, but it needs heat and fat to mellow, so put it under the skin, into the butter or into the stuffing rather than scattering it over at the end. Fresh rosemary is best chopped very fine, or the needles stay noticeable in the finished dish.
Notes on fresh herbs
1 tbsp fresh per 1 tsp dried
Both are workable in an emergency but neither tastes like poultry seasoning, because the sage is missing and that is the note people are expecting. Italian seasoning leads with oregano and basil, which pull the dish towards pasta and pizza; use about ¾ as much so the oregano does not take over. Herbes de Provence is closer in its supporting herbs - thyme, rosemary, marjoram and savory are all there - but it has no sage either, and many versions contain lavender, which goes floral and soapy in a savoury dish if you use too much, so start with ¾ as much. In both cases, if there is any sage anywhere in the kitchen - a jar, a few fresh leaves, even a pinch - adding roughly ½ tsp per teaspoon of blend is what actually fixes the swap.
Notes on Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
Same amount
Poultry seasoning is a dried herb aroma built on sage, with thyme, marjoram and rosemary behind it. Sage is the whole identity - it is the flavour people recognise as roast turkey and stuffing - and the blend carries no salt, so a swap only has to get the herbs right.
Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Sage leads, and it is a strong, slightly musty, pine-like herb that dominates anything it is in. Thyme, marjoram and rosemary round it out, and some blends add a little nutmeg or black pepper. Because the herbs are dried and ground fine they need fat and time to open up, so rub the blend into the bird or fold it through the stuffing early rather than sprinkling it on at the end. Most blends contain no salt at all, so salt the meat separately and do not assume the seasoning has done it.
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp poultry seasoning| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp poultry seasoning | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sage + thyme + marjoram + rosemarystuffing | ½ tsp sage + ¼ tsp thyme + ¼ tsp marjoram + ¼ tsp rosemaryWorks | Works |
| 2 | Italian seasoningpasta dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Herbes de Provenceroasted meats | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Sage + thymestuffing | ½ tsp sage + ½ tsp thymeWorks | Works |
| 5 | Dried mixed herbsgeneral cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Fresh herbsstuffing | 1 tbsp fresh per 1 tsp dried | No verdict on record |
Sage + thyme + marjoram + rosemary
identical taste, similar texture
Individual herbs combined to recreate the classic blend.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- stuffing, roasted poultry, rubs, marinades
Mix equal parts of each herb, adjust to taste.
Italian seasoning
similar taste and texture
Herb blend with similar Mediterranean flavors.
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, marinades, sauces
Contains oregano and basil, slightly different flavor profile.
Herbes de Provence
different taste, similar texture
French herb blend with lavender and savory.
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- roasted meats, vegetables, soups, stews
More complex flavor with lavender notes.
Sage + thyme
similar taste and texture
Simplified blend with the two most important herbs.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- stuffing, roasted poultry, simple seasoning
Missing marjoram and rosemary but still effective.
Dried mixed herbs
similar taste and texture
Generic herb blend with similar Mediterranean flavors.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- general cooking, marinades, sauces
May contain different herbs, check ingredients.
Fresh herbs
more intense · different texture
Fresh sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- stuffing, roasted poultry, garnishes
Use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Questions
6 questionsWhat herbs are in poultry seasoning?
Typically sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary, though recipes may vary slightly. Some blends also include black pepper or nutmeg.
Can I use poultry seasoning for other meats?
Yes, poultry seasoning works well with pork, fish, and vegetables too. It's especially good in stuffing and roasted vegetables.
Can I make poultry seasoning at home?
Yes, mix equal parts of dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
What's the difference between poultry seasoning and Italian seasoning?
Poultry seasoning focuses on sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary, while Italian seasoning includes oregano and basil with a more Mediterranean profile.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of poultry seasoning?
Yes, use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. Fresh herbs have more intense flavor but shorter shelf life.
Why is poultry seasoning so popular for stuffing?
Poultry seasoning contains the classic herbs that complement the flavors of bread, onions, and celery in traditional stuffing recipes.
Tips for substituting poultry seasoning
8 tips- Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs commonly used for chicken and turkey
- It typically contains sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary
- Store poultry seasoning in airtight containers away from heat and light
- Poultry seasoning works well in stuffing, rubs, and marinades
- The blend is essential for traditional Thanksgiving stuffing
- Add to breadcrumbs for homemade stuffing mix
- Works great in poultry rubs and marinades
- Can be used to season roasted vegetables too