Ever run out of garlic powder right before the big cook-off? We’ve all been there.
Finding a sub can feel like a puzzle. Good news: we know the best swaps.
Ever tried onion powder? It adds that extra zing. How about a dash of soy sauce for moisture and flavor?
Trust me, minced garlic is also a game-changer. We keep it real and straightforward here. No frills, just solutions.
Ready to dive in?

7 Easy Substitutes for Garlic Powder
If you’re anything like me, garlic powder is a staple in your pantry. It adds flavor and aroma to almost any dish. But let’s face it, sometimes we forget to restock and are left with an empty jar. Don’t panic! Here are seven easy substitutes for garlic powder:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
Fresh Garlic | Strong, pungent | Crunchy/Soft | Sauces, Marinades, Roasted Dishes |
Garlic Salt | Salty, garlicky | Powdery | Seasoning Meats, Vegetables, Dips |
Onion Powder | Savory, slightly sweet | Powdery | Soups, Stews, Casseroles |
Onion Flakes | Savory, slightly sweet | Flaky | Stews, Roasted Vegetables |
Granulated Garlic | Garlicky, less intense | Granular | Rubs, Dressings, Baked Goods |
Garlic Paste | Intense, fresh garlic flavor | Smooth, Spreadable | Marinades, Sauces, Spreads |
Garlic Chives | Mild garlic flavor | Fresh, Herbaceous | Garnishes, Salads, Omelets |
1 – Fresh Garlic
Swapping in fresh garlic for garlic powder? We do it all the time. Just remember, it’s potent. A single clove can stand in for every half teaspoon of powder needed.
Chop it up or crush it down. We’ve found that mincing works best to spread that rich flavor around. One clove equals half a teaspoon pulverized nostalgia. Keep it handy; garlic loves making friends with basically every dish we throw at it.
Our evening spaghetti said thank you. Yours will too.
2 – Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a clever substitute, blending salt and garlic for a bold yet effective twist. We reduce extra salt to balance flavors. It’s a mix of half garlic powder, half salt – perfect in marinades and rubs.
It’s hassle-free and maintains flavor, avoiding the panic of running out. A teaspoon of garlic salt can replace half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Simply adjust the recipe’s salt accordingly. Your dishes will still shine. Discover more garlic salt swapping tips here.
3 – Onion Powder
Onion powder is smooth and sharp, a secret weapon in the kitchen. It’s great for blending in seamlessly. It’s milder than garlic but packed with flavor, perfect for adding a lively touch to dishes.
Use it just like garlic powder. Onion powder works great as a substitute, easily blending into sauces and meats. We added it to meatloaf and got amazing feedback.
For any garlic powder you’re missing, just use the same amount of onion powder. It’s a foolproof swap.
Want to experiment? Check out other swaps in this onion powder substitute guide.
4 – Onion Flakes
Oh, onion flakes. They’re our go-to when garlic powder is out. Think of them as garlic’s cousin. Twice as big and just as flavorful. We use a bit more to keep the taste.
We tossed some into a casserole last Tuesday. Result? Brilliant. For each half teaspoon of garlic powder, we go with a full teaspoon of these bad boys.
They soften up and spread flavor in wet dishes. Got a soup? Perfect. Gravies? Even better. Onion flakes slip right in, making everything taste like home.
Got a recipe calling for garlic powder? Swap with onion flakes. Keep stirring, keep tasting. It’s all about the feel.
5 – Granulated Garlic
Granulated garlic steps in smoothly when you’re out of garlic powder. Its texture is coarser than powder, yet it blends into recipes with ease. We often use it as a one-to-one substitute.
It’s less intense, so sometimes we add a smidge more to hit the right flavor notes. Works like a charm in rubs and sauces.
Granulated garlic has saved our dinners more than once. A teaspoon for a teaspoon, it swaps in without fuss.
For those keen on alternatives, find out more about other substitutes in this guide on granular garlic alternatives.
6 – Garlic Paste
Garlic paste is a great swap, being moisture-rich and ready to blend in. We mix it into sauces, soups, and marinades, where a little goes a long way.
Garlic paste brings depth to dishes; a quarter teaspoon can replace every half teaspoon of garlic powder. Its texture and flavor enhance dishes nicely. It adds a smooth garlic touch.
We’ve used it in many meals and always receive positive feedback.
This paste boosts flavors and adds zest, proving to be a valuable kitchen ally.
For those looking to improve their cooking, find out more in this guide on garlic paste substitutes.
7 – Garlic Chives
Garlic chives are a fantastic substitute for garlic powder, adding a similar taste with extra freshness. We usually finely chop them to evenly spread their flavor in meals.
A tablespoon of chopped garlic chives can replace a half teaspoon of garlic powder, enhancing dips and dressings with a subtle, fresh flavor. Their green color adds a visual appeal to dishes, useful for improving presentation.
Consider garlic chives as a garlic powder alternative. See more tips on substituting garlic chives here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fresh garlic can be used, but it’s more pungent. Use one clove for every 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Garlic salt contains both garlic powder and salt, so if substituting, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.