Allspice Substitution

Out of allspice mid-recipe? Because its flavor genuinely tastes like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg combined, a simple blend of those three common spices — all easier to keep stocked — makes a very close substitute in most sweet and savory recipes alike.

The Substitution

For every teaspoon of allspice a recipe calls for, combine 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon with 1/4 teaspoon each ground clove and nutmeg. Adjust the ratio slightly to taste — some cooks prefer leaning a bit more toward cinnamon, which is the mildest of the three.

When It Works Best

This substitution works well in baked goods, mulled drinks, and spiced marinades where allspice's warmth is meant to blend into a broader flavor profile. It's less ideal in a dish where allspice is the single dominant flavor, since the blended substitute reads slightly different than the true, single-spice version.