Best Nutmeg Substitutes

Nutmeg is a spice derived from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree. It is native to Indonesia but is widely used throughout the world in both sweet and savoury dishes. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly nutty flavour, with hints of clove and cinnamon.

In many dishes, nutmeg is used to add depth and complexity to the flavour profile. It is commonly used in baked goods, like cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as in sauces, soups, and stews. In some countries, like the Netherlands, nutmeg is often used in combination with mace to flavour traditional dishes like stamppot.

If you are unable to find nutmeg or are allergic to it, there are a few substitutes that you can use. One option is ground cinnamon, which has a similar sweet and warm flavour. Another option is ground allspice, which has a flavour profile that is similar to nutmeg, with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Finally, you could also use ground mace, which is a spice that is derived from the same tree as nutmeg and has a similar flavour profile.

How To Substitute Nutmeg

Substitute Instructions Ratio
Cinnamon Use ground cinnamon as a 1:1 substitute for nutmeg 1 tsp cinnamon = 1 tsp nutmeg
Allspice Use ground allspice as a 1:1 substitute for nutmeg 1 tsp allspice = 1 tsp nutmeg
Cloves Use ground cloves as a 1:1 substitute for nutmeg 1 tsp cloves = 1 tsp nutmeg
Mace Use ground mace as a 1:1 substitute for nutmeg 1 tsp mace = 1 tsp nutmeg
Ginger Use ground ginger as a 1:1 substitute for nutmeg 1 tsp ginger = 1 tsp nutmeg

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