Running low on dried mint? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About dried mint
Dried mint is the dehydrated form of fresh mint leaves, most commonly spearmint, with a concentrated but slightly mellower flavour than fresh. It is widely used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines to season salads, dips, meat dishes, and teas. The drying process intensifies certain earthy, menthol-like notes while reducing the bright, grassy freshness of the fresh herb.
Best substitute
Fresh mint delivers the brightest, most accurate mint flavour and works well in any recipe calling for dried mint. Because fresh herbs are less concentrated, you will need a larger quantity to achieve a comparable intensity.
Alternative
Dried spearmint is often what commercial 'dried mint' actually is, making it a near-identical substitute with the same menthol-forward, slightly sweet flavour profile. Use in a 1:1 ratio with no adjustments needed.
Alternative
Dried peppermint has a significantly stronger, more intense menthol flavour than standard dried mint. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish, and note it suits sweet applications and teas better than savoury dishes.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | dried mint |
| New Zealand | dried mint |
| United Kingdom | dried mint |
| United States | dried mint |
Alternative
Dried basil shares a fresh, slightly sweet, and herbal character that can stand in for dried mint in Mediterranean and tomato-based dishes where mint plays a background role. It lacks the menthol cooling quality entirely but maintains herbal complexity.
Alternative
Mint extract is highly concentrated and provides a strong, clean mint flavour suitable for baked goods and sweet applications. It should be used in very small amounts and is not suitable for savoury cooking where the alcohol base can affect the flavour balance.