Nigella seeds have a unique place in our spice racks. They’re not the stars of the show, yet without them, some dishes just fall flat.
We’ve all been in that spot, ready to whip up a recipe, and bam—no nigella seeds in sight. It’s not the end of the world, though. There are plenty of other spices out there that can fill in the gap.
Finding a substitute isn’t just about mimicking flavors; it’s about preserving the dish’s essence. We’ve done the legwork to gather a list of alternatives that keep your cooking on track.

7 Easy Substitutes for Nigella Seeds
When you can’t find nigella seeds, look for these substitutes in your spice rack:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dishes |
Black Sesame Seeds | Nutty, Earthy | Crunchy | 1:1 | Breads, Salads, Stir-fries |
Cumin Seeds | Warm, Earthy | Crunchy | 1:1 | Curries, Rice, Meat dishes |
Mustard Seeds | Pungent, Sharp | Crunchy | 1:1 | Pickles, Sauces, Roasted Veggies |
Fennel Seeds | Sweet, Anise | Crunchy | 1:1 | Breads, Fish, Soups |
Caraway Seeds | Earthy, Anise | Crunchy | 1:1 | Rye Bread, Sauerkraut, Stews |
Poppy Seeds | Nutty, Mild | Crunchy | 1:1 | Breads, Muffins, Pastries |
Coriander Seeds | Citrusy, Spicy | Crunchy | 1:1 | Curries, Pickles, Marinades |
1 – Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are our go-to pick when nigella seeds hide from us. They’ve got a look that catches the eye on top of any dish.
We find their taste really similar. A bit nutty, kinda sweet. Perfect for bringing out the best in our recipes.
Their ratio? For every teaspoon of nigella seeds you’d use, stick to the same with black sesame seeds. Easy swap, right?
We even threw them into our latest bread recipe. The result? A crunchy, tasty crust that had everyone asking for more. Check this list of substitutes for sesame seeds we found handy.
2 – Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds rock as a swap for nigella seeds. They share a warm, earthy vibe that fits right into heaps of dishes.
We use them the same way – a teaspoon for a teaspoon – keeping recipes on point. Our chili last week? Cumin seeds stepped in and nailed it.
They blend in without taking over. Ideal for those cozy, home-cooked meals.
Also, if you’re looking for alternative spices to cumin, we found some cool options.
Mixing these seeds into our recipes kept everyone coming back for seconds. Cumin seeds have that magic touch.
3 – Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds add a tangy punch to dishes, making them a great alternative when you’re out of nigella seeds. Just use an equal amount of mustard seeds for the nigella you need. This simple swap keeps recipes on track without fuss.
In our kitchen, mustard seeds have turned many average dishes into hits. They pair well with various ingredients, enhancing flavors. We love adding them to dressings and marinades for that extra kick.
Interested in more seed and spice swaps? Check out these cool mustard seed alternatives. You’ll find tips to simplify your meal prep.
4 – Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are our next pick. They bring a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor to the table.
We toss them into salads and stews for an extra zing. Use them in a 1:1 ratio for nigella seeds.
They’re not just a backup player; in some dishes, they totally steal the show.
Last week, we added them to our meat marinade. The feedback? Amazing.
For those digging deeper into flavor alternatives, here’s a good read on finding the best fennel seed substitutes.
Our recipes shine a bit brighter with fennel seeds in the mix.
5 – Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds slot in seamlessly as a stand-in for nigella seeds. We toss them in at a one-to-one ratio, making the switch straightforward.
In our hands, caraway seeds have spiced up sauerkraut and rye bread, adding depth. They bear a mild, earthy flavor with a hint of pepper.
For readers eager for more spice swaps like this, our rundown on excellent caraway seed alternatives can help. This list became a go-to during our recipe tweaking.
6 – Poppy Seeds
The petite poppy seed is also a top performer when it comes to substituting for nigella seeds. They share the whole small, crunchy vibe, adding pleasant texture and flavor.
For this swap, we use 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds for each teaspoon of nigella needed.
We’ve seen them added to pasta dishes, bread recipes, and dessert toppings with fantastic results. They’re versatile like that.
Check out these cool poppy seed substitutes for more inspiration on how to use them in your cooking.
7 – Coriander Seeds
Last but certainly not least, coriander seeds make a solid replacement for nigella. Both have that earthy, slightly nutty taste that adds depth to dishes. Use them in equal amounts for an effortless switch.
One of our favorite recipes to use coriander seeds is in marinades for grilled meats and vegetables. They add a unique flavor that always impresses at BBQs.
For more spice and herb swaps, check out this list of coriander seed alternatives. It’s a great resource for adding variety to your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, black sesame seeds are a great alternative to nigella seeds in bread, providing a similar crunch and flavor.
Cumin seeds have a stronger, spicier flavor than nigella seeds, so use less when substituting.
Yes, mustard seeds are a good replacement for nigella seeds in pickles, providing a tangy, spicy flavor.
Yes, fennel seeds can replace nigella seeds in curry, though they have a sweeter, licorice-like flavor.
Caraway seeds have a distinct, slightly bitter flavor and can replace nigella seeds in baking, adding a similar texture and aroma.

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.