What can I substitute for ground cumin?
Running low on ground cumin? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About ground cumin
Ground cumin is a warm, earthy spice made from dried and milled cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum), a member of the parsley family. It delivers a distinctive nutty, slightly smoky flavour with a faint bitterness that is foundational to Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican, and North African cuisines. Its aromatic oils are key to spice blends such as garam masala, curry powder, and cumin-forward rubs and marinades.
Best substitute
caraway seeds (ground)
Caraway is the closest botanical relative to cumin and shares a similar earthy, warm, slightly anise-like flavour profile. Grind whole caraway seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle before use for best results.
Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp of ground cumin
spice rubssoupsstewsmarinadesNot suitable for: dishes requiring mild cumin flavour
Alternative
curry powder
Most commercial curry powders contain a significant proportion of cumin, making them a reasonable stand-in when the broader spice blend is compatible with the dish. Be aware it will introduce additional flavours such as turmeric, coriander, and chilli.
Use 1 tsp for every ½ tsp of ground cumin, adjusting other spices accordingly
curriesstewsspiced riceNot suitable for: single-note spice profilesNot suitable for: Mexican dishes
Alternative
What is ground cumin called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | ground cumin |
| IN | jeera powder |
| United Kingdom | ground cumin |
| United States | ground cumin |
Common names for ground cumin
cumin powderjeera powdercomino