Running low on garlic powder? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About garlic powder
Garlic powder is a dried, ground spice made from dehydrated garlic cloves, offering a concentrated and evenly distributed garlic flavour without the moisture or sharpness of fresh garlic. It is widely used in spice rubs, marinades, sauces, and seasoning blends where a smooth, mellow garlic flavour is desired. Unlike fresh garlic, it blends seamlessly into dry mixes and does not burn as easily under high heat.
Best substitute
Fresh minced garlic provides a sharper, more pungent flavour and adds moisture, but delivers authentic garlic taste. Mince or crush very finely to help it distribute evenly in recipes.
Alternative
Garlic granules are a coarser grind of dried garlic with a flavour profile nearly identical to garlic powder. They may not blend as smoothly into fine dry mixes but work well in virtually all other applications.
Alternative
Dried garlic flakes are larger dehydrated pieces of garlic that can be ground or crushed to approximate garlic powder. They have a slightly sweeter flavour and work best when the flakes are first ground in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | garlic powder |
| Canada | garlic powder |
| New Zealand | garlic powder |
| United Kingdom | garlic powder |
| United States | garlic powder |
Alternative
Garlic salt is a blend of garlic powder and table salt, so it can substitute for garlic powder but requires reducing other salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. It is typically a 3:1 ratio of salt to garlic powder.
Alternative
Asafoetida is a pungent resin powder used in Indian cooking that mimics the sulphurous, allium-like flavour of garlic. It is much stronger than garlic powder and should be used very sparingly; it is particularly useful for those avoiding garlic for dietary reasons.