Extracted from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, cinnamon is the popular spice that is used worldwide in both sweet and savory recipes, such as cereal, desserts or meat dishes. However, if you’ve run out this spice or are cooking for anyone with a cinnamon allergy there are plenty of cinnamon substitutes. [1]
Cinnamon Substitutes
There is a broad range of cinnamon substitutes, such as allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, ground cloves, ginger, anise, vanilla extract or vanilla beans and more.
Allspice Berries
This spice shares a similar flavor to cinnamon and makes a good replacement in dessert recipes. Add 1/4 of the recommended amount for cinnamon and add more according to taste, if necessary.
Sprinkle cinnamon powder on your coffee for a boost! Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Cardamom
Cardamom is a particularly good replacement for cinnamon in Indian recipes. [2]
Nutmeg
Nutmeg has a similar sweetness to cinnamon and is a good substitute for baked foods. Like allspice, it is worth being initially frugal with the amount you substitute.
Mace
Mace may offer a sharper and less sweet flavor than nutmeg and is, therefore, a good cinnamon substitute in more savory recipes. Add it to the recipe in the same way as nutmeg and allspice. [3]
Ground Cloves
Ground cloves are an earthy, spicy, and sweet replacement for cinnamon.
Fresh or Powdered Ginger
To get the spicy, warming element that cinnamon gives to a dish, you may try adding fresh or powdered ginger.
Anise or Fennel Seeds
A good substitute for both sweet and savory recipes, anise and fennel seeds can be sweet with a bitter edge.
Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Beans
One of the sweetest substitutions, vanilla extract is best used in moderation for dessert recipes. [4]
Combination
You might like to try combining the above-recommended substitutes to get a well-rounded and unique replacement for cinnamon that ticks all the boxes. For example, vanilla and cloves might create a taste that is both warming and sweet, or the combination of cardamom and fennel might work great in a curry.
Knowing the best cinnamon substitutes will ensure that you don’t run into any major problems next time you’re baking in the kitchen!
