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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of garlic?

Garlic powder, Granulated garlic and Garlic-infused oil are the easiest swaps. Below: 6 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Garlic powder. Use ⅛ of the amount. 1/8 tsp powder = 1 clove. Not for raw applications.

Adjust: Use 1/8 tsp per clove.

  1. Garlic powder

    Drop-in swap

    Use ⅛ of the amount (ratio 1:8)

    1/8 tsp powder = 1 clove. Not for raw applications.

    Flavor
    Milder, less pungent.
    Texture
    Dissolves evenly.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use 1/8 tsp per clove.
    Best for
    Dry rubs, Spice blends, Sauces

    vegan

  2. Granulated garlic

    Drop-in swap

    Use ¼ of the amount (ratio 1:4)

    1/4 tsp granulated = 1 clove. Dissolves fast.

    Flavor
    Stronger than powder.
    Texture
    Grittier than powder.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    1/4 tsp = 1 clove.
    Best for
    Soups, Stews, Sauces

    vegan

  3. Garlic-infused oil

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Safe option for botulism concerns. No pieces.

    Flavor
    Mild.
    Texture
    Liquid only — no garlic pieces.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Sub oil for oil + garlic cloves in cooking.
    Best for
    Sautéing, Dressings

    vegan

  4. Shallot (minced)

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Milder, sweeter. 1 small shallot = 2 cloves.

    Flavor
    Milder than garlic.
    Texture
    Same as shallot.
    Moisture
    Fresh vegetable moisture.
    Adjust
    Use amount specified.
    Best for
    Dressings, Sauces

    vegan

  5. Roasted garlic paste

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Milder, sweeter than raw.

    Flavor
    Sweet, mild.
    Texture
    Smooth.
    Moisture
    Wet paste.
    Adjust
    1 tsp paste ≈ 1 clove.
    Best for
    Spreads, Mashes

    vegan

  6. Asafoetida (hing) — pinch

    Changes flavor or texture

    Use ¼ of the amount (ratio 1:4)

    Indian pantry staple. Sulfurous until cooked.

    Flavor
    Pungent like garlic/onion when cooked.
    Texture
    Powder.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Sauté in oil first. Use 1/4 tsp per 2 cloves.
    Best for
    Lentil dishes, Indian cooking

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for garlic?

Garlic powder is the closest swap. Use ⅛ of the amount. 1/8 tsp powder = 1 clove. Not for raw applications.

What is a vegan substitute for garlic?

Good vegan options are Garlic powder, Granulated garlic, Garlic-infused oil and Shallot (minced).

How much should I use instead of garlic?

It depends on the swap. Garlic powder: Use ⅛ of the amount. Granulated garlic: Use ¼ of the amount. Garlic-infused oil: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use garlic

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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