Best Cloves Substitutes

Q: What is a good substitute for cloves?

Good substitutes for cloves include: ½ tsp Allspice, ½ tsp Cinnamon + pinch of Black Pepper, ¼ tsp Cardamom + ¼ tsp Cinnamon. Allspice naturally tastes like a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg — it's the closest single-spice substitute. Use 1:1. Works perfectly in mulled wine, gingerbread, jerk seasoning, and holiday baked goods.

Out of cloves? These are the best cloves substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 3 options will have you covered.

½ tsp Allspice½ tsp Cinnamon + pinch of Black Pepper¼ tsp Cardamom + ¼ tsp Cinnamon

½ tsp Allspice

Use instead of ½ tsp Ground Cloves

Allspice naturally tastes like a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg — it's the closest single-spice substitute. Use 1:1. Works perfectly in mulled wine, gingerbread, jerk seasoning, and holiday baked goods.

Ratio: 1:1Best for: mulled wine, gingerbread, jerk seasoning, holiday baking

½ tsp Cinnamon + pinch of Black Pepper

Use instead of ½ tsp Ground Cloves

Cinnamon provides the warmth and pepper adds cloves' slight sharpness. Use in baked goods and spiced beverages where cloves are a supporting spice. Not as pungent as cloves but directionally correct.

Ratio: ½ tsp cinnamon + pinch pepper per ½ tsp clovesBest for: baked goods and spiced beverages

¼ tsp Cardamom + ¼ tsp Cinnamon

Use instead of ½ tsp Ground Cloves

Cardamom brings cloves' perfumed intensity and cinnamon provides warmth. Together they approximate cloves' unique floral-spiced quality. Best in chai, mulled drinks, and spiced desserts.

Ratio: ¼ tsp each per ½ tsp clovesBest for: chai, mulled drinks, spiced desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for cloves?

The best substitutes for cloves are ½ tsp Allspice, ½ tsp Cinnamon + pinch of Black Pepper, ¼ tsp Cardamom + ¼ tsp Cinnamon. Allspice naturally tastes like a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg — it's the closest single-spice substitute. Use 1:1. Works perfectly in mulled wine, gingerbread, jerk seasoning, and holiday baked goods.

Can I use ½ tsp Cinnamon + pinch of Black Pepper instead of cloves?

Cinnamon provides the warmth and pepper adds cloves' slight sharpness. Use in baked goods and spiced beverages where cloves are a supporting spice. Not as pungent as cloves but directionally correct.

How do I substitute cloves in baking?

When substituting cloves in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.