Substitutes for Cinnamon

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Warm, sweet spice used in baking, breakfast dishes, and savory Middle Eastern and Indian recipes.

Can't find Cinnamon in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Allspice 1/4 tsp per 1 tsp cinnamon baking, spice rubs, mulled drinks
Vegan Gluten-Free
Nutmeg 1/4 tsp per 1 tsp cinnamon baking, custards, spiced drinks
Vegan Gluten-Free
Pumpkin Pie Spice 1:1 replacement baking, oatmeal, spiced drinks
Vegan Gluten-Free
Cardamom 1/4 tsp per 1 tsp cinnamon baking, chai, Indian dishes
Vegan Gluten-Free

How to Use

Stronger — use quarter the amount. Contains cinnamon-like notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Cinnamon?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Allspice is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1/4 tsp per 1 tsp cinnamon.
What's a vegan substitute for Cinnamon?
Allspice is an excellent vegan option. Use 1/4 tsp per 1 tsp cinnamon.
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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