Substitute for Allspice
A warm spice tasting like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Used in baking, Caribbean cooking, and spice blends.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing allspice is Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Cloves at a ratio of 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves = 1 teaspoon allspice. This works well for baking, pies, jerk seasoning, mulled drinks. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Cloves
Flavor impact: This blend recreates the flavor profile of allspice almost exactly since allspice naturally tastes like a combination of these three spices.
Dairy-free
Allspice is a single spice, not a blend, despite its name. It comes from dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree. But it genuinely tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined, which is why the blend substitute works so well.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Despite the name, allspice is a single spice from one plant. It got its name because it tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of allspice, the best all-around substitute is cinnamon + nutmeg + cloves. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role allspice plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology