Garlic powder is one of those essential pantry items that elevates everything from marinades to pasta sauces with its deep, savoury punch. However, there may come a time when you run out, or you’re catering to a dietary requirement, looking for a new flavor profile, or simply want to avoid processed ingredients.
Whatever the reason, you don’t need to compromise on taste. Fortunately, there’s more than one excellent alternative to garlic powder that can keep your meals tasting just as delicious, if not better.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best substitutes for garlic powder options, tips on how to use them in various dishes, and how to keep your cooking balanced and flavorful, even without your usual go-to ingredient.
The Best Alternatives to Garlic Powder
Here are some of the most flavor-packed and versatile substitutes that you can use when garlic powder isn’t on hand:
1. Dorot Gardens Chopped Garlic
If you want the closest thing to fresh garlic without the fuss of peeling and chopping, Dorot Gardens Chopped Garlic is an excellent alternative to garlic powder. These frozen cubes contain crushed garlic, with each cube equalling one clove.
With a two-year freezer life and no preservatives, they offer convenience without sacrificing taste. Just pop a cube directly into your pan or sauce—no mess, no waste.
2. Fresh Garlic
If you’ve got a bulb of garlic lying around, you’ve already found the top alternative to garlic powder. Fresh garlic delivers the most authentic and bold flavor. As a rule of thumb, one clove of fresh garlic is roughly equivalent to 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mince, crush, or grate it to release its potent oils, which enhance nearly any savory dish.
Fresh garlic is ideal for sautéing, roasting, or mixing into sauces. Be aware of the more intense flavor—it’s wise to start small and adjust to your taste.
3. Granulated Garlic
Granulated garlic is another top-tier alternative to garlic powder, offering a similar flavor but in a slightly coarser form. It’s made by dehydrating garlic and grinding it into granules rather than a fine powder. In most recipes, you can use it as a one-to-one substitute with minor adjustments needed.
Its texture makes it ideal for dry rubs, spice mixes, and marinades where a slightly longer release of flavor is desirable.
4. Onion Powder
Looking for a milder substitute for garlic powder that still brings depth to your dish? Onion powder is a solid choice. While it won’t replicate the garlicky bite exactly, it shares similar savory undertones and complements most of the same ingredients.
Use onion powder in equal amounts when you’re cooking stews, casseroles, or seasoning meat. It’s especially good when paired with herbs like thyme or rosemary to round out the flavor.
5. Minced Garlic
Minced garlic, whether fresh or dried, is a punchier alternative to garlic powder. It offers a more textured addition to your meals and can be used in equal amounts, although because it’s often stronger, consider using slightly less at first.
Dried minced garlic can be rehydrated in water or oil before use, making it perfect for recipes that benefit from a slow infusion of flavor, such as soups, sauces, and marinades.
6. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil provides a more aromatic alternative to garlic powder, offering a smooth and subtle garlicky aroma. It’s ideal for use in salad dressings, pasta dishes, and marinades. Just a few drops can infuse an entire dish with garlic essence without altering the texture.
As a bonus, it’s also suitable for those who may have difficulty digesting whole garlic or prefer a more refined, mellow flavor.
7. Shallots
Shallots are part of the allium family, just like garlic, and make a fantastic mild alternative to garlic powder. With a gentle, slightly sweet flavor, shallots can be finely chopped and sautéed to build depth in sauces, stews, and risottos without the intensity of raw garlic.
They’re handy in delicate dishes where garlic powder might be too overpowering.
8. Chives
Chives bring a fresh, onion-like taste to your dishes and serve as a herbal substitute for garlic powder, especially in lighter fare. They work brilliantly in creamy dips, omelettes, dressings, and garnishes.
Their subtle flavor makes them perfect when you’re looking for a hint of garlic without overshadowing other components of the dish.
9. Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a convenient substitute for garlic powder, especially when you’re short on time. Made with a combination of salt and garlic powder, this option does double duty by adding both saltiness and flavor.
However, remember that it’s already salty—use a 3:1 ratio when replacing garlic powder. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, use 1 tablespoon of garlic salt and adjust the amount of other salt sources accordingly.
How to Choose the Right Substitute for Garlic Powder
Choosing the most suitable substitute for garlic powder depends on the dish you’re preparing and the desired flavor intensity. Here are a few guidelines:
- For soups and stews: Fresh garlic, garlic oil, or granulated garlic dissolve easily and distribute flavor evenly throughout.
- For dry rubs and spice blends: Garlic salt and granulated garlic work well because of their dry, shelf-stable form.
- For sauces, dressings, and marinades: Garlic oil and Dorot Gardens cubes offer a liquid or soft texture ideal for smooth mixing.
For baking or delicate flavors: Use chives or shallots to maintain a subtle garlic-like background without overwhelming the dish.
Tips for Cooking Without Garlic Powder
Adjusting your cooking without garlic powder can be simple with a few strategic moves. Keep these tips in mind when working with any alternative to garlic powder:
- Start small: Whether you’re using garlic oil, minced garlic, or another bold substitute for garlic powder, begin with less than you think you need and add more gradually.
- Mind the salt content: Using garlic salt? Don’t forget to reduce other salt sources in the recipe to avoid overseasoning.
- Combine flavors: Mix garlic alternatives with herbs like rosemary, parsley, or oregano to achieve a complex, balanced taste.
Experiment with texture: Fresh garlic or shallots can alter the mouthfeel of a dish—use finely chopped or blended versions to maintain a smooth consistency when needed.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh garlic is the most flavorful alternative to garlic powder, delivering authentic taste with minimal effort.
- Minced, granulated, and garlic salt are all excellent pantry-friendly substitutes that require minimal adjustment in recipes.
- Onion powder and shallots offer milder profiles, making them perfect for delicate dishes or those who are sensitive to pungent garlic.
- Garlic oil and chives are fantastic for dressings and soups, while Dorot Gardens Chopped Garlic provides easy-to-use, frozen convenience.
- Always balance the salt and flavor levels of your dish when substituting.