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.
Recipe Highlights
- Servings: Makes 1 ½ teaspoons
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Effort Required: Very easy! Just measure and combine.
- Special Equipment: Jar with a tight-fitting lid (for storing)
- Ingredient Complexity: Pantry basics you likely already have
What is Allspice?
It might surprise you to learn that allspice is not actually a blend of spices!
It's actually the berry of the pimiento tree, which is native to the West Indies and South America.
The reason people think it's a blend is that its flavour genuinely tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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.
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!
See the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and recipe instructions.
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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!
Recipe Card
Ground Allspice Substitute
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Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Equipment
- Jar with a tight-fitting lid, for storing
Instructions
- Measure all the spices into a small bowl.
- Use a whisk to combine the spices together.
- Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for later.
Notes
- Fresh spices matter: Make sure your spices smell fragrant and pleasant before using them. Spices lose their potency over time, even though they don't go rancid. If they smell weak or musty, replace them for best results.
- Not an exact match: This blend won't taste identical to ground allspice berries, but it's a reliable substitute that works well in any recipe calling for allspice.
- Easy to scale: This recipe makes 1 ½ teaspoons, but you can easily double or triple it if you need more.
- Storage tips: Keep your blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources like your oven.
- Works in sweet and savoury dishes: Use this substitute in baked goods, preserves, marinades, rubs, and vegetable dishes; anywhere ground allspice is called for.
Please read the full blog post for all of my tips, variations, and recommendations for this recipe.
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Private Notes
Have you made this recipe?
Let us know how it turned out in the comments!About Shareba
Shareba Abdul is a recipe developer and food photographer with a Culinary Arts certificate from George Brown College and 15+ years of experience creating and testing recipes for home cooks. All recipes are tested in her home kitchen. Learn more →
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