Substitute for Chinese Five-Spice Powder
A bold, aromatic spice blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. Used in Chinese roast meats and stir fries.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing chinese five-spice powder is DIY Blend at a ratio of 1 teaspoon ground star anise + 1 teaspoon ground cloves + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon + 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan (or black) pepper + 1 teaspoon ground fennel = about 5 teaspoons five-spice powder. This works well for all applications. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
DIY Blend
Flavor impact: This IS five-spice powder. Star anise is the dominant flavor; if you only have one spice, increase it and add cinnamon.
Dairy-free
Star anise is the backbone of five-spice powder. If you have star anise and cinnamon, you have 80% of the flavor. Add cloves, pepper, and fennel for the full blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Warm, sweet, and slightly licorice-like, dominated by star anise. It is bold, so use sparingly. A little goes a long way.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of chinese five-spice powder, the best all-around substitute is diy blend. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role chinese five-spice powder 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