Substitutes for nutmeg
Nutmeg substitutes
Mace is a close flavour match for nutmeg. Cinnamon is another option for sweet dishes, but it has a different aroma and uses a different amount.
What nutmeg does
Adds a warm, sweet, slightly peppery spice note to baking, cream sauces, béchamel and eggnog.
Quick reference
| Substitute | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground mace | 1 tsp ground maceper 1 tsp nutmeg |
| Ground cinnamon Sources vary | ½ tsp ground cinnamonper 1 tsp nutmeg |
When the substitute matters
- Mace: use 1 tsp ground mace per tsp ground nutmeg.
- Cinnamon: Food Network gives 1/2 tsp; Land O'Lakes gives 1 to 1 1/2 tsp per tsp nutmeg. Start with 1/2 tsp, taste and add more if needed.
- Cream sauces: choose mace when a cinnamon flavour would change the dish.
The substitutes, in detail
Ground mace
Amount: 1 tsp ground mace per 1 tsp nutmeg
Use 1 tsp ground mace per 1 tsp ground nutmeg. McCormick states 1/4 tsp for 1/4 tsp; Land O'Lakes states 1 tsp for 1 tsp. These forward amounts agree.
- Use the same measured amount of ground mace.
Best for
- baking
- cream sauces
What changes
A similar warm spice flavour, with a different aroma from nutmeg.
- vegan
- dairy-free
- egg-free
- gluten-free
Ground cinnamon
Amount: ½ tsp ground cinnamon per 1 tsp nutmeg
Sources vary
For 1 tsp ground nutmeg, Food Network gives 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and The Spice House also starts at half the nutmeg amount. Land O'Lakes gives 1 to 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon per tsp nutmeg. The listed amount is Food Network's 1/2-tsp starting amount; sources differ.
- Taste and add more if needed.
Best for
- baked goods
- oatmeal and puddings
Not for
- béchamel and cream sauces where nutmeg is the point
What changes
Sweeter and less peppery than nutmeg, with a more familiar baking-spice taste.
- vegan
How we source this
Each swap is backed by at least two independent sources, including a test kitchen, university extension service or product maker. The amounts replace one unit of the original ingredient and do not work in reverse. See the full source list.