Ground Allspice Substitute

Don't have allspice on hand? No problem. You can make a simple ground allspice substitute using spices you likely already have in your pantry.

This homemade spice mix comes together in just a few minutes and works well in any recipe that calls for allspice.

Save this recipe for when you've run out of allspice or don't want to buy a whole jar for just one recipe.

Ingredients

This allspice substitute is simply a blend of warm spices. Here's what you'll need to make your own.

• Ground cloves: Cloves bring that distinctive warm, numbing quality that's essential to allspice's flavour.
• Ground cinnamon: This adds warmth and sweetness, rounding out the blend.
• Ground nutmeg: This adds depth and a slightly sweet, nutty flavour that completes the mix.

This recipe has not been tested with all possible substitutions or variations. Making changes may alter the taste, texture, or overall outcome. If you try a different ingredient, please share in the comments!

How I Came Up With This Recipe

I created this substitute after hearing from readers who said they don't usually buy allspice or are unable to find it at their grocery stores.

Since I use ground allspice in many of my Caribbean recipes, I wanted to share an easy blend you can make at home.

I started by comparing store-bought pre-ground allspice with freshly ground whole berries, and the difference was remarkable. Freshly ground allspice has a much stronger flavour and even a slight numbing effect, similar to eating whole cloves.

(I know this because my mom makes a saffron rice with whole dried cloves, and I've accidentally eaten the soft bit on the top of whole cloves...)

Cinnamon and nutmeg round out the flavour, helping mimic allspice's warm and complex taste. While this blend is not identical to true allspice, it is a great substitute you can mix up anytime you need it.

How to Make This Spice Blend

This couldn't be simpler to make. Just measure out your spices and stir them together until well combined.

But first, check that your spices are fresh. They should smell fragrant and pleasant, not weak or musty.

While spices don't go rancid, they do lose their potency over time. If your spices don't smell nice, you should replace them before making this recipe.

Whisk everything together for 20-30 seconds until well combined.

Your allspice substitute is now ready to use in any recipe that calls for ground allspice.

For example, my cassava pone recipe calls for ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice, so you would use ¼ teaspoon of this mixture.

This recipe only makes 1 ½ teaspoons, so feel free to double or triple the recipe if you need more.

How to Store Your Spice Blend

Store your homemade allspice substitute in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. The best place is in a cupboard or drawer away from the heat of your oven.

Your blend will keep for as long as the individual spices remain fresh, which is typically about 1 to 2 years.

How to Use This Ground Allspice Substitute

Allspice works in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Use this blend in any recipe that calls for ground allspice, including baked goods like Sweet Bread, Plum Cobber or Jamaican Easter Bun.

It also works well in jams and vegetable dishes.

This blend isn't an exact match for ground allspice berries, but it's a reliable substitute you can throw together quickly when you need it.

I hope it comes in handy for you!