Allspice Substitute

If you need an allspice substitute for your next recipe, the good news is that you have several options! Commonly mistaken for a blend of spices, allspice has a unique flavor that goes well in both sweet and savory recipes. In the following guide, I share several spice substitutes as well as an easy DIY spice combination to help you recreate the unique and spicy allspice flavor at home.

Jump to:

• What is Allspice?
• What does Allspice taste like?
• What flavor is Allspice similar to?
• What is the best Allspice substitute?
• 1. Cinnamon
• 2. Nutmeg
• 3. Cloves
• 4. Mace
• 5. Star Anise
• 6. Whole Allspice Berries
• 7. Black Peppercorns
• 8. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 9. Apple Pie Spice
• 10. Five Spice Powder
• 11. Pickling Spice
• 12. Chai Spice Blend
• 13. DIY Spice Combination
• So, which is the best allspice substitute?
• Allspice Substitute FAQs
• More Substitute Guides
• The BEST Allspice Substitute

What is Allspice?

Allspice (or as some refer to it 'all spice') is the dried, unripe berry of the West Indian Pimenta dioica tree. Although the tree is native to Jamaica, Central America, and southern Mexico, it is now grown in many warm parts of the world. The berries are first briefly fermented before being sun-dried until they turn brown. You can find allspice in whole and ground form.

What are the all spices ingredients? Although its name implies that it contains a blend of several different spices, allspice is actually a standalone spice with an intense aroma and unique flavor. You may also see it referred to as Jamaica pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, or pimento.

It is most popular in savory Caribbean, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines and marinades and is a key ingredient in Jamaican jerk seasoning (for Jamaican jerk chicken). It is also essential in baked goods such as cakes, pumpkin pies, and mulled beverages, adding a unique yet complex flavor. In some recipes, allspice can make or break the flavor of your dish!

What does Allspice taste like?

Allspice has an earthy, fruity, and slightly bitter flavor. Because of its unique, warm taste, it is an excellent addition to baked goods such as sweet bread, pies, and chocolate desserts. It is also vital in savory dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, meats, and vegetables. Without allspice, Jamaican jerk chicken would not have the delicious flavor and kick that sets it apart from other dishes.

What flavor is Allspice similar to?

Allspice is often said to have a warm and sweet flavor profile that combines cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and an aroma with a touch of ginger. Because of its unique and multidimensional flavor, no single spice resembles its exact taste. However, several spices and spice combinations are similar enough to mimic allspice in recipes.

What is the best Allspice substitute?

When looking to recreate the flavor of allspice, it is best to use a combination of spices. Below are 13 standalone spices and spice blends you may already have in your pantry that can easily work as an allspice alternative.

1. Cinnamon
2. Nutmeg
3. Cloves
4. Mace
5. Star Anise
6. Whole Allspice Berries
7. Black Peppercorns
8. Pumpkin Pie Spice
9. Apple Pie Spice
10. Five-Spice Powder
11. Pickling Spice
12. Chai Blend
13. DIY Spice Combination

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warm, sweet, earthy spice and one of the spices that make up the flavor profile of allspice. It is also very likely that you already have it in your pantry, making it an easy allspice substitute. In fact, many recipes that call for allspice also call for cinnamon, so you would just need to add more to make up for the missing allspice.

Use ground cinnamon in a 1:1 ratio for ground allspice. For whole allspice berries, use one cinnamon stick instead of the berries the recipe calls for. Add a pinch of black pepper to create the same peppery bite allspice has.

2. Nutmeg

Like cinnamon, nutmeg is one of the spices that make up the flavor profile of allspice, making it another excellent substitute. Although milder than allspice, its pungent and slightly spicy flavor makes it an ideal substitute in any recipe that calls for allspice.

For every ½ teaspoon of allspice the recipe calls for, start with ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. In savory dishes you can taste along the way, you can slightly increase the amount of nutmeg until it tastes as desired. For baked goods you can't taste along the way, it is best to use half the amount of nutmeg than you would allspice. As with cinnamon, add a pinch of black pepper if you want the same peppery kick as allspice.

3. Cloves

Cloves are the third spice that makes up the overall flavor profile of allspice, making it an excellent sub for allspice in sweet and savory recipes. Because cloves have a different peppery kick than allspice, it is best as a substitute in sweet baked goods where the lack of peppery taste won't affect the recipe.

Because of its strong flavor, starting with a 1:2 ratio of ground cloves to ground allspice is best. Then, add more as desired. In savory recipes where you want the peppery flavor, you can add a pinch of ground pepper to match the taste of the allspice better. You can also use whole cloves as an allspice berries substitute in warm drinks.

4. Mace

Ground mace is the sister of nutmeg and is often used as a nutmeg substitute in sweet and savory recipes. It has a delicate, sweet flavor that some even compare to cinnamon. Therefore, it is also an acceptable substitute for allspice when you don't have nutmeg on hand. 

Use mace as an allspice substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Star Anise

Star anise is often found in Chinese and Vietnamese recipes. It has a sweet, licorice flavor that makes it an excellent allspice substitute in savory recipes. Because of its potent flavor, it is best used as a replacement in marinades, curries, and stews. However, you can also use it in beverages and candies.

Substitute ground star anise for ground allspice in a 1:1 ratio. If using anise seeds, use half the amount of allspice called for in the recipe.

6. Whole Allspice Berries

If you don't have ground allspice but have whole allspice berries and a spice grinder or pepper mill, your problem is solved! All you need to do is put the berries through the grinder to turn them into a powder.

Each 6 allspice berries will grind into roughly ¼-1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice.

7. Black Peppercorns

If it's the spiciness you're going for in your recipe, ground black peppercorns can be an acceptable alternative to allspice. Black peppercorns come from the same plant as clove, giving it a strong, earthy, and spicy flavor profile. Because of its flavor, it is best as an allspice substitute in savory dishes and sauces. I do not recommend using black peppercorns as an allspice replacement in sweeter recipes or desserts.

Black peppercorns are stronger than black pepper, so it is best to start with half of the amount of allspice called for in the recipe and increase as necessary.

8. Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice (also known as pumpkin spice) is a blend that already contains allspice in addition to cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, making it an excellent allspice substitute in baked goods that require a warming, spicy flavor. It is also a perfect substitute for allspice in savory dishes such as chili, stews, or dry rubs, especially when combined with a pinch of pepper.

Use pumpkin pie spice in a 1:1 ratio as an allspice substitute.

9. Apple Pie Spice

Apple pie spice is another delicious spice blend similar to pumpkin pie spice, but it also includes cardamom. However, it also sometimes contains allspice, making it an ideal allspice substitute, especially in sweet, baked recipes.

Substitute apple pie spice for allspice in a 1:1 ratio. Add a pinch of black pepper to savory dishes for the same peppery bite that allspice has.

10. Five Spice Powder

Five spice powder (also known as Chinese five spice) blends cinnamon, cloves, ginger, star anise, fennel, and peppercorn, giving it a warm, sweet, spicy flavor similar to allspice. It is most often used in savory Chinese and Taiwanese meat and seafood recipes but can also be used as an allspice substitute in sweet dishes and baked goods.

Use five spice powder as an allspice substitute in an equal 1:1 ratio.

11. Pickling Spice

Pickling spice is a combination of spices that include allspice alongside dill seed, garlic flakes, mustard seeds, cloves, and coriander. Its delicious flavor and spice make it a great allspice substitute in savory recipes. However, pickling spice usually comes in its whole form, so unless substituting it for whole allspice berries, you would need a spice grinder to use it in a powdered form.

Use pickling spice in a 1:1 ratio for allspice.

12. Chai Spice Blend

Traditionally, chai spice blends combine warm spices that include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, peppercorns, and coriander. Because it contains all of the key flavors of allspice, it is an acceptable alternative. However, before using it as a substitute, you must ensure your dish can withstand the additional spice flavors included in the blend.

Since chai spice blends contain other flavors, it is best to use a little less than what you would use of allspice and increase as necessary to get the taste you desire.

13. DIY Spice Combination

In addition to the aforementioned standalone spices and spice blends, you can easily make your own homemade allspice combination using ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Because this mixture closely mimics the taste of allspice, you can use it in any recipe that calls for allspice.

To make the spice blend, whisk together 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves. Depending on your taste, you may want to cut the amount of nutmeg and cloves you use in half.

For an allspice substitute without cloves, eliminate the cloves and use equal parts nutmeg and cinnamon. Add ¼ teaspoon of black pepper for savory dishes to give the dish the same peppery kick that allspice would provide.

Use the above spice mix as an allspice substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

So, which is the best allspice substitute?

To closely match allspice's flavor profile and aroma, you want to choose the spices that have the most similarities and uses in sweet and savory recipes. The combination of nutmeg + cinnamon + cloves is hands down the best substitute to provide these characteristics, as they are composed of the three spices closest to allspice, you may not even be able to tell the difference!

Allspice Substitute FAQs

More Substitute Guides