What can I substitute for ground ginger?

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

ground ginger — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

About ground ginger

Ground ginger is the dried, powdered form of fresh ginger root (Zingiber officinale), producing a warm, slightly sweet, and pungent spice with earthy undertones. It is a cornerstone ingredient in baking, particularly in gingerbread, biscuits, and spice cakes, as well as savoury dishes and spice blends. Compared to fresh ginger, the drying process mellows some of its bright heat while concentrating its distinctive warm, aromatic compounds.

Best substitute

fresh ginger (grated)

Fresh ginger provides a brighter, more pungent heat than ground ginger and works well in most applications. It contains more moisture, so it is best suited to wet preparations like sauces, marinades, and curries rather than dry baked goods where texture matters.

Use 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger for every 1 tsp ground ginger

saucesmarinadescurriesstir-friesdry spice rubsdelicate baked goods

Alternative

allspice

Allspice offers a warm, complex spice flavour with hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg that can approximate ginger's warmth in baked goods. It lacks ginger's distinctive pungency but works adequately in spice cakes, biscuits, and sweet preparations.

Use ½ tsp allspice for every 1 tsp ground ginger

bakingspice blendssweet saucesginger-forward dishesAsian cooking

What is ground ginger called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	ground ginger
Canada	ground ginger
New Zealand	ground ginger
United Kingdom	ground ginger
United States	ground ginger

Common names for ground ginger

powdered gingerdried gingerginger powder

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Alternative

mixed spice

Mixed spice (a blend typically containing coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice) provides a broadly warm, aromatic flavour profile that can stand in for ground ginger in baked goods. It will shift the overall flavour of the dish slightly but maintains warmth and complexity.

Use 1 tsp mixed spice for every 1 tsp ground ginger

bakingpuddingsfruit cakessavoury dishesginger-specific recipes

Alternative

cinnamon

Ground cinnamon shares ginger's warm, sweet-spicy character and is widely available, making it a convenient pinch substitute in baked goods. It lacks ginger's heat and earthiness but contributes familiar warmth; combining it with a little white pepper can better approximate ginger's bite.

Use ½ tsp cinnamon for every 1 tsp ground ginger

bakingsweet disheswarm drinkssavoury Asian dishesginger beer

Alternative

crystallised ginger (finely chopped)

Crystallised ginger (also called glacé ginger or candied ginger) is made from fresh ginger cooked in sugar syrup and dried, preserving genuine ginger flavour. It adds sweetness alongside the ginger heat, so any additional sugar in the recipe should be reduced accordingly.

Use 1 tbsp finely chopped crystallised ginger for every 1 tsp ground ginger — reduce sugar in the recipe slightly

bakingdessertsbiscuitssavoury dishessmooth saucesspice rubs