Best Cloves Substitutes
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.
Cloves Substitution Options
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.
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.
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.
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.