What can I substitute for ground cloves?
Running low on ground cloves? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About ground cloves
Ground cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, milled into a fine, dark brown powder. They deliver an intensely warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavour with a numbing quality from the active compound eugenol. Used sparingly in baking, spice blends, sauces, and braised dishes, they are one of the most potent spices in the pantry.
Best substitute
ground allspice
Allspice shares cloves' warm, peppery, and slightly sweet character as it naturally contains eugenol. It is the closest single-spice replacement and works seamlessly in baked goods and spice rubs.
Use ¾ tsp for every 1 tsp of ground cloves
bakingspice rubsbraisingspice blends
Alternative
ground nutmeg
Nutmeg provides a similarly warm, sweet, and slightly earthy depth, though it lacks cloves' sharpness and numbing quality. Best used when cloves are just one component of a spice blend rather than the primary flavour.
Use ¾ tsp for every 1 tsp of ground cloves
bakingspice blendscustardssaucesNot suitable for: savoury rubs
Alternative
ground cinnamon
Cinnamon shares warmth and sweetness with cloves and is an accessible pantry staple. It lacks the pungency and eugenol bite of cloves, so the result will be milder and less complex.
Use ¾ tsp for every 1 tsp of ground cloves
What is ground cloves called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | ground cloves |
| Canada | ground cloves |
| New Zealand | ground cloves |
| United Kingdom | ground cloves |
| United States | ground cloves |
Common names for ground cloves
clove powderpowdered cloves