Substitute for Nutmeg
A warm, sweet spice used in baking, cream sauces, eggnog, and spice blends.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing nutmeg is Allspice at a ratio of Use equal amount. This works well for baking, cream sauces, pumpkin pie, spice blends. There are 2 total substitutes listed below, each suited for different situations. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Allspice
Flavor impact: Allspice has nutmeg notes plus cinnamon and clove. Slightly more complex but a close match.
Dairy-freeMace
Flavor impact: Mace is the outer covering of the nutmeg seed, so the flavor is nearly identical but slightly milder.
Dairy-free
Mace is technically part of the same fruit as nutmeg, which is why it is the closest substitute. If you do not have mace either, allspice captures nutmeg's warm sweetness reasonably well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but fresh-grated nutmeg is dramatically more aromatic. A whole nutmeg and a microplane grater are a small investment for a big flavor upgrade.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of nutmeg, the best all-around substitute is allspice. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role nutmeg 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