Allspice Substitute: 10 Easy Replacements for Baking & Cooking

If you’ve run out of allspice mid-recipe, don’t worry — there are plenty of pantry-friendly allspice substitutes that deliver a similar warm, aromatic flavor. Whether you’re baking cookies, seasoning meat, or making sauces, the right replacement can save your dish.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best substitutes for allspice, how to use them, and which options work best for specific recipes.

Here are our tested and tasted Chili Powder Substitute and Dijon Mustard Substitute.

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What Is Allspice?

Allspice is a spice made from dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree. Despite its name, it’s not a blend — it’s a single spice with flavors that resemble cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combined.

It’s commonly used in:

• Baking (cakes, pies, cookies)
• Caribbean and Middle Eastern dishes
• Meat rubs and marinades
• Sauces and stews

Because of its complex profile, replacing allspice works best when you recreate this spice “trio.”

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Best Allspice Substitutes (Ranked)

1. Cinnamon + Cloves + Nutmeg (Best Overall)

Ratio:
½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cloves + ¼ tsp nutmeg = 1 tsp allspice

This homemade blend mimics allspice’s signature flavor almost perfectly.

✔ Closest match
✔ Works for sweet and savory dishes
✖ Requires multiple spices

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2. Cloves (Strongest Single Substitute)

Ratio: Use ½ tsp cloves for 1 tsp allspice

If you’re looking for a cloves substitute for allspice or vice versa, cloves are the most dominant flavor in allspice.

✔ Powerful aroma
✔ Great for savory recipes
✖ Can overpower if overused

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3. Pumpkin Pie Spice as Allspice Substitute

Ratio: 1:1

Pumpkin pie spice already contains cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

✔ Easy swap
✔ Perfect for baking
✖ Slightly sweeter

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4. Apple Pie Spice As Allspice Substitute

Another convenient blend that works well in desserts.

✔ Pantry-friendly
✖ Less savory depth

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5. Five-Spice Powder

Best for Asian or fusion recipes.

✔ Warm and complex
✖ Includes anise (changes flavor)

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6. Nutmeg + Cinnamon

Ratio: Equal parts

A simple substitute when cloves aren’t available.

✔ Mild and balanced
✖ Missing clove sharpness

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7. Ground Ginger + Cinnamon

Good for cookies and cakes when you want warmth without heaviness.

✔ Bright flavor
✖ Less earthy

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8. Mace

Mace comes from nutmeg and has a similar warmth.

✔ Subtle and aromatic
✖ Harder to find

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9. Allspice Berries Substitute (Whole Form)

If your recipe calls for whole berries, use:

• Whole cloves
• Star anise
• Cinnamon stick

Best for soups, stews, and pickling.

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10. DIY Emergency Blend

Mix:

• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cloves

Quick fix when options are limited.

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Best Substitute for Allspice by Dish

Recipe Type	Best Substitute
Cookies & Cakes	Pumpkin pie spice
Meat Rubs	Cloves + cinnamon
Soups & Stews	Whole cloves
Caribbean Dishes	Cinnamon + nutmeg
Pickling	Star anise + cloves

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Can I Substitute Cloves for Allspice?

Yes — but use half the amount, as cloves are much stronger. This works best in savory dishes like braised meats and marinades.

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FAQs About Allspice Substitutes

What can I use instead of allspice?

A mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg is the closest substitute. Pumpkin pie spice also works well.

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What is the best single substitute for allspice?

Ground cloves — use half the amount.

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Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of allspice?

Yes. Substitute 1:1 in baked goods.

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What can I use instead of allspice berries?

Whole cloves, star anise, or cinnamon sticks work well in soups and pickling.

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Final Thoughts

Running out of allspice doesn’t have to stop your recipe. From simple blends to ready-made spice mixes, these allspice substitutes give you flexible options for every dish — sweet or savory.

For best results, start with small amounts and adjust to taste, especially when using strong spices like cloves.