Substitutions / cloves
What to use instead of cloves
Use allspice at ¼ tsp / ¼ tsp. Closest single-spice match — hits the warm, peppery depth of cloves, though slightly less intense.
Every option, best first
| Use instead | How much | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Allspice | ¼ tsp / ¼ tsp | Closest single-spice match — hits the warm, peppery depth of cloves, though slightly less intense. |
| Cinnamon | ¼ tsp / ¼ tsp | Warmer and sweeter, without the sharp bite; works well in baked goods but loses the savory edge. |
| Nutmeg | ⅛ tsp / ¼ tsp | Milder and more floral; use half the amount and expect a subtler, earthier result. |
A word on how to read these
A substitution is a trade, not an equivalence. The ratio gets the quantity right; the third column is the part worth reading, because it tells you what you are giving up. In a stew, most of these are invisible. In a cake — where flour, liquid, fat and leavening are in a fixed relationship — the same swap can change the crumb.
Why baking notices and stew doesn't →
Where these came from
These substitutions were written by Gather's own kitchen model — the same one the app uses when you tap an ingredient and ask what else would work — then checked and saved as a fixed list in July 2026. Nothing on this page is generated while you read it. They are a good starting point and not a substitute for tasting as you go.