Substitutes for Cardamom

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Fragrant, citrusy-sweet spice used in chai, Scandinavian baking, Indian desserts, and Middle Eastern coffee.

Can't find Cardamom in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 3 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Cinnamon + Ginger 1/2 tsp cinnamon + pinch ginger per 1 tsp cardamom baking, chai, spiced drinks
Vegan Gluten-Free
Allspice 1/2 tsp per 1 tsp cardamom baking, spiced drinks
Vegan Gluten-Free
Cinnamon 1:1 replacement baking, desserts, coffee
Vegan Gluten-Free

How to Use

Approximates cardamom's warmth without the floral note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Cardamom?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Cinnamon + Ginger is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1/2 tsp cinnamon + pinch ginger per 1 tsp cardamom.
What's a vegan substitute for Cardamom?
Cinnamon + Ginger is an excellent vegan option. Use 1/2 tsp cinnamon + pinch ginger per 1 tsp cardamom.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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