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Learn the best garlic salt substitute, plus how to make garlic salt, garlic salt uses, and more! Garlic salt is a seasoning salt made of dried ground garlic, table or kosher salt, and an anti-caking agent. If you’re wondering can garlic powder be substituted for garlic salt, the answer is yes, but not in a 1:1 ratio. Use 3 parts kosher salt and 1 part garlic powder to make homemade garlic salt substitute.
What can I use if I don’t have garlic salt? Finding a substitute for garlic salt can be helpful because you can use ingredients you already have. With the right garlic salt replacement, there’s one less thing to buy.
Garlic allergy is not common, but some may want a garlic powder substitute for food intolerances. In other cases, a substitution for garlic salt is needed because the person is on a low sodium diet. Also, some simply don’t like the flavor of garlic, and want a garlic salt alternative that’s not so garlicky.
In today’s post, you’ll learn ways to substitute garlic salt regardless of your needs. We’ll start with talking about substituting garlic powder for garlic salt, then move on to more unusual ideas.
➕ Best Garlic Salt Substitute
IMHO, the best garlic salt sub is a mixture of garlic powder and salt in a 1:3 garlic salt ratio. This alternative to garlic salt works in a variety of applications, from baking to seasoning cooked foods.
Here is a list of garlic salt substitutes. I’ll give more details on each option below.
- Garlic powder and salt
- Minced garlic cloves and salt
- Granulated garlic and salt
- Garlic flakes and salt
- Garlic juice and salt
- Onion powder and salt
- Garlic oil and salt
- Salt free spice mixes (such as Mrs Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning)
- Seasonings with different flavors (asafoetida powder, mustard powder, celery salt, cumin, etc.)
Garlic Powder Substitute
Can you use garlic powder instead of garlic salt? As discussed above, you can substitute garlic powder for garlic salt, as long as you add in salt. Here is the formula:
1 Tbsp kosher salt + 1 tsp garlic powder = 4 teaspoons garlic salt
Kosher salt is less dense than table salt, so the volume measurement is a little different. If you’re only making a small amount of garlic salt, this difference shouldn’t matter. Otherwise, substitute ¾ teaspoon table salt per 1 teaspoon kosher salt (source).
Fresh Garlic Substitute
How do I substitute garlic salt for minced garlic and vice versa? First, you need to make a garlic powder substitute with cloves of garlic. Here is how to do it. (Tip! Blending the garlic into a garlic puree in a food processor before drying may speed this process.)
I’ve seen sources report that one clove of garlic equals anywhere from 1/8-½ teaspoon of garlic powder. This variation likely has to do with differences in the size of individual garlic cloves.
Here is the formula to make your own garlic salt substitute for minced garlic:
1 Tbsp kosher salt + 2-8 cloves of garlic (made into garlic powder) = 4 teaspoons garlic salt
Making a garlic salt substitute with fresh garlic takes more work than the other items on this list. However, you might find the delicious flavor makes it worth the effort! I think homemade garlic powder is the best garlic powder substitute for baking.
Granulated Garlic Substitute
Is garlic salt and granulated garlic the same? No, garlic salt is mostly salt, with dried garlic plus an anti-caking agent mixed in. Granulated garlic is coarsely ground dried garlic, without salt.
How much garlic salt is equal to granulated garlic? Use this formula:
1 Tbsp kosher salt + 1-2 teaspoons granulated garlic = 4-5 teaspoons garlic salt
In general, I’d substitute granulated garlic for garlic powder in a 1:1 ratio. However, since granulated garlic is not as strong as garlic powder, you may want to add more to kick up the flavor.
Garlic Flakes Substitute
The difference between garlic flakes, garlic granules, and garlic powder is the size. In general garlic flakes pieces are larger than garlic granules, while garlic powder is finely ground like cornstarch. Once in a while, I’ll see garlic flakes and granulated garlic used interchangeably.
Here is the formula to substitute garlic flakes for garlic salt:
1 Tbsp kosher salt + 2 teaspoons garlic flakes = 5 teaspoons garlic salt
Garlic Juice Substitute
You can use garlic juice to flavor salt to make a garlic salt replacement. The product label will likely have a conversion, which is the best thing to follow. Some garlic juices have a higher water to garlic ratio, while others are more like a garlic extract.
Here is a formula to use to make a garlic flavored salt:
1 Tbsp kosher salt + 2 teaspoons garlic juice = 3 teaspoons garlic salt
I recommend tasting the salt, and adjusting as fits your taste preferences.
Onion Salt Substitute
Onion salt is the best substitute for garlic salt if you don’t like the taste of garlic but want something similar. Some brands of onion salt (like this one) contain a blend of onion and garlic. Check the label of the product if you want a garlic salt substitute that is garlic free.
The garlic salt to onion salt conversion is easy:
1 tsp onion salt = 1 tsp garlic salt
Onion Powder Substitute
Many of us have onion powder in our kitchen, which is great when onion salt is hard to find. You can use onion powder as another way to make a garlic free garlic salt substitute. Here’s how to do it:
1 Tbsp kosher salt + 1 tsp onion powder = 4 teaspoons garlic salt
Other alliums, such as chives and shallots, can also be used in garlic salt substitutes. As with fresh garlic, you’ll need to dehydrate and grind them before mixing with salt. (Depending on your recipe, you may also be able to just chop them finely and mix them in fresh.)
Garlic Oil Substitute
Garlic oil isn’t your best bet if you need a garlic salt substitute for baking. However, it’s another way to add some garlic flavor to foods. (Please note I’m talking about garlic-infused oil for culinary applications here, not garlic oil supplements.)
Salt doesn’t dissolve well in garlic oil. Instead of trying to make a garlic salt substitute with this one, I’d simply add salt and garlic oil to the recipe to taste.
P.S. If you want to save money on garlic oil, try infusing your own. Here are directions on how to do it.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Substitute
Everything But the Bagel seasoning is one of my favorite all-around seasonings. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it here.
Everything Bagel seasoning is a great replacement for garlic salt because it contains salt and garlic. Most blends also include sesame seeds, onion, and poppy seeds, so you get some additional flavors. So good!
I’ve noticed that some brands of this seasoning contain more salt than others. That is going to impact how much to use as a substitute for garlic salt. Start here:
1 tsp Everything Bagel Seasoning = 1 tsp garlic salt
Then taste, and add more seasoning as needed.
Salt Free Spice Mixes
If you’re on a low sodium diet, you likely want a low sodium alternative to garlic salt. Luckily, there are several salt free garlic salt substitutes out there. One of my favorites is the Mrs Dash Salt-Free Garlic and Herb seasoning blend.
Another good salt free garlic salt alternative is the McCormick salt free garlic and herb seasoning. Here’s how to replace garlic salt:
1 tsp salt-free garlic herb substitute = 1 tsp garlic salt
Seasonings with Different Flavors
Onion salt is a super alternative for garlic salt when you want a slightly different flavor. However, there are lots of other seasonings and spices you can experiment with.
Asafoetida powder, or hing, is a popular onion and garlic substitute used in Indian cooking. If you add salt, it works as a replacement for garlic salt. The main disadvantage is that it can be difficult to find in regular US grocery stores.
Here are a few other seasonings you may like in place of garlic salt:
- Mustard powder plus salt (if you enjoy spicy heat)
- Cumin plus salt
- Celery salt
🤔 How to Make Garlic Salt
Can you make garlic salt? Yes! The garlic salt ratio is 1 part garlic powder to 3 parts salt. You don’t need anti-caking agents if you’re making a small amount to use right away.
1 tsp Garlic Salt Substitute
What’s 1 tsp garlic salt to garlic powder? One teaspoon garlic salt equals ¼ teaspoon garlic powder plus ¾ teaspoon kosher salt.
½ tsp Garlic Salt to Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon garlic salt equals 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder plus 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt. (Or just throw a pinch of each into the recipe and be done with it. Haha)
Garlic Salt vs Garlic Powder
What’s the difference between garlic salt v garlic powder? Garlic salt is mostly salt and may have anti-caking additives and sugar added. Meanwhile, garlic powder is usually just dried ground garlic.
🏆 Garlic Salt Uses
Garlic salt is an everyday seasoning that works well in a variety of savory dishes. Here are some ways to use garlic salt:
- On meat, chicken, or fish
- In dry rub mixes
- In dips and sauces
- As a flavor enhancer for soups and stews
- Hamburger seasoning
- As a vegetable seasoning (try it on roasted potatoes, fries, or in mashed potatoes)
📋 Benefits of Garlic Salt
Here is the nutrition information for garlic salt (McCormick brand):
Nutrient | Garlic salt per 1/4 tsp |
---|---|
Calories | 0 |
Total Fat | 0g |
Saturated Fat | 0g |
Sodium | 490mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
Fiber | 0g |
Total Sugar | 0g |
Net Carbs | 0g |
Protein | 0g |
Garlic salt is naturally low fat, low calorie, low carb, keto, vegetarian, and vegan. It may also be gluten free, depending on the additives used.
There is a lot of health information online surrounding garlic, such as that it can prevent cancer. Unfortunately, there is currently no known food that can prevent or treat cancer.
One thing to be aware of is that garlic salt is very high in sodium. If you are on a low sodium diet to manage high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues, salty seasonings like garlic salt are not a good choice. I’ve listed some salt free seasonings above to give you tasty garlic flavor without the salt.
FAQs
What’s a good garlic powder substitute for FODMAP?
Garlic contains fructans that are not a good fit for the low FODMAP diet. Monash University recommends using garlic scape powder for a low FODMAP substitute for garlic powder. You can buy it here.
Is garlic powder just powdered garlic?
Yes, garlic powder is typically powdered or very finely ground garlic that was dried.
How much garlic powder is equal to granulated garlic?
Garlic powder and granulated garlic are both ground dried garlic, but garlic powder is more finely ground. Because more garlic is packed into each teaspoon of garlic powder, it has a stronger garlic flavor than granules. Using half the amount of garlic powder in recipes that call for granulated garlic can help prevent the flavor from being overpowering.
Is garlic salt just garlic powder and salt?
No, garlic salt typically contains salt, dried garlic, plus an anti-caking agent (such as modified corn starch or silicon dioxide). Some brands of garlic salt may also contain sugar, other herbs (like parsley), and coloring agents. If you don’t want additives, check the garlic salt label, as some brands leave them out.
Can I substitute garlic powder for minced garlic?
How to substitute garlic powder substitute for minced garlic? Use 1/8-½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of minced garlic. (The precise measurement depends on the size of the garlic cloves.)
👩🏻🍳 Recipes Using Garlic Salt
Here are some recipes to use garlic salt (or garlic salt subs). Simply replace the garlic and salt (or other seasoning) in the recipe partially with garlic salt.
- Flat Iron Steak Sous Vide Recipe
- Instant Pot Stir Fry Recipe
- Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
- Air Fryer Beef Stew
🧑🏿🍳 Other Recipe Substitutions
Need more tips on making substitutions in recipes? Don’t miss these!
- Coconut Sugar Substitute
- Best Applesauce Substitute
- Corn Flour Substitute
- Best Horseradish Substitute
- Best Nigella Seed Substitutes
Watch How to Make It!
Garlic Salt Substitute (Garlic Salt Alternatives or Replacements)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt OR
- 2-8 cloves garlic, made into garlic powder plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt OR
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated garlic plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt OR
- 2 teaspoons garlic flakes plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt OR
- 2 teaspoons garlic juice plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt OR
- 1 teaspoon onion salt OR
- 1 teaspoon onion powder plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt OR
- garlic oil, to taste plus kosher salt OR
- 1 teaspoon Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning OR
- 1 teaspoon Mrs Dash Salt-Free Garlic and Herb seasoning OR
- 1 teaspoon Asafoetida powder plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Pick a substitute with flavor profile you want, or just use ingredients you have on hand.
- Substitute garlic salt in your recipe with the garlic salt alternative of your choosing.
Notes
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂