• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Savor + Savvy logo

  • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments
    • Dessert
    • Freezer Cooking & Make Ahead Meals
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes
  • Tips
    • Substitutions
    • Air Fryer How-To
  • Printables
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Printables
  • Shop
×

Home » Tips » Substitutions

Best Turmeric Substitutes

Published: Oct 10, 2022 · Modified: Jan 30, 2023 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

Snag our 72 Page Printable Home Binder Today →

Pin3
Share
Yum
Tweet
3 Shares

If you have a craving for an exotic dish, but can’t find this spice, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of turmeric substitutes you can try out.

nine images of various spices that could be used instead of turmeric.
Best Turmeric Substitutes
Contents hide
1 📌 What Is Turmeric?
2 📎 Fresh vs Ground
3 📍Overview of the Top Substitutes
4 🍳 Best Turmeric Substitutes
5 Our Best Ingredient Substitutions
6 🥘 Recipes With Turmeric
7 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
8 💡 Wrapping Up

Did you start your meal planning this week and put a new recipe with a new spice you just simply don’t have the in the spice cabinet? Or did you put it on the grocery list and your local store didn’t carry it?

Turmeric is an earthy, bitter spice that’s common in Asian cuisine and part of the ginger family. It adds a little musky flare with a kick of heat. Still, it’s not always available at some local.

We’ve compiled a list of nine spices that work well as stand-ins. Let’s take a look at some delicious turmeric substitutes that you can use.

📌 What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a common spice with a specific flavor profile. It has an earthy, slightly sweet, tang that tickles your tongue. It also has a warming effect that coats your entire mouth with its faintly peppery aftertaste.

The flavor isn’t the only distinctive characteristic. Turmeric adds a beautiful, deep yellow color to any dish you add it to. This is due to a chemical called curcumin.

Not only does curcumin add a bold splash of color, but it also has medicinal properties. In addition, it’s what gives mustard its iconic yellow shade.

Just a tiny pinch of turmeric can completely transform a dish. It’ll change the flavor, color, and aroma of whatever you’re cooking.

We have to adapt and make substitutions to recipes all the time and often reference our Cooking and Baking Substitution Guide (FREEBIE) printable.

📎 Fresh vs Ground

turmeric root with some slices and the dried powder on a counter top.
Fresh Turmeric Root may be Dried

When you go to the grocery store, usually you can find turmeric as a fresh root in the produce department, or as a powder in the spice aisle. The main difference between the two is water content. It’s easiest to find in the spice aisle when they have the spices organized alphabetically. If you aren’t finding it that way, look at the SMALLEST jars as this isn’t one that is as commonly used as oregano or basil.

To make turmeric powder, you can dry the root and then grind it. Without all the extra moisture, the powder’s flavor becomes much more intense. 

For this reason, it takes about four times the amount of fresh root to give you the same result as the powder.

To make your own ground turmeric powder: 1. Clean the root 2. Slice in thin slices 3. Place on the dehydrator trays and set for 140 degrees for 8-10 hours, depending on how thick they are cut.

Once you blend your own powder, you are ready to toss it into favorite savory dishes such as soups, stews, curries and rice dishes.

📍Overview of the Top Substitutes

SpiceConversion (Turmeric:Spice)
Paprika2:1
Mace2:1
Saffron4:1
Safflower4:1
Annatto Seeds4:1
Yellow Mustard Seeds2:1
Cumin Seeds2:1
Ginger Powder2:1
Garam Masala2:1
Turmeric to Substitution Conversion Chart

🍳 Best Turmeric Substitutes

If you can’t find turmeric at your local store, or you simply don’t like the taste, you’ve come to the right place for alternatives.

PRO TIP: Look for this spice to be very inexpensive and in larger quantities at your local international grocery store.

Here’s a list of spices you can use instead of turmeric.

Paprika

paprika in a pile on a wooden board.
This Hungarian staple can be used too!

To make paprika, dry and grind red bell peppers. This gives the seasoning a bit of heat and, of course, the signature orange-red color.

Both paprika and turmeric add a little sweetness and spiciness. However, that’s not where the similarities end.

The two spices also have a slightly musky flavor, so for the most part, they’re interchangeable. If you want to get as close to turmeric as possible, try smoked paprika.

Not only will paprika work in a pinch, but it’s likely you already have it in your pantry.


Mace

two whole things of mace on a mat.
Usually ground, mace deserves a spot on your spice rack.

Many people don’t know about mace. This tasty spice is reminiscent of nutmeg, but it’s slightly less sweet. 

It has a complex flavor profile with hints of cinnamon and black pepper. Together, they create a spicy, earthy aftertaste.

Mace works well instead of turmeric. However, it lacks the sweetness.

So, while the flavor may be similar, it’s not exact. To fix this, you can add a dash of paprika to your mace.

The combination of the two spices comes really close to matching turmeric’s flavor. You get the sweetness and color from paprika, and heat and earthiness from the mace.

If you ever bought a spice set, this is most likely in your set and you have ignored it all this time.

Make sure to print out the Egg Substitution Printable {FREEBIE}, Whole Plant Substitutions Printable {FREEBIE}, Cooking and Baking Ingredient Substitution Printables {FREEBIE} for your Recipe Binder!

Saffron

saffron in small string-like form in a blue pastel bowl.
Saffron can be used too!

Saffron is one of the more expensive prices on our list. That’s because the spice is definitely on the rare side.

When you add it to a Middle Eastern cuisines, it provides a subtle earthy flavor with a sweet aftertaste. This can mimic some of the flavors of turmeric. However, it clearly lacks the extra punch of heat.

If you like the flavor of turmeric, but not the heat, then saffron is the best alternative. 

Not only is it more mild than turmeric, but it can also match its color. Saffron gives your food a beautifully bright yellow hue.

This spice may not be budget-friendly, but you don’t need to use much of it. Saffron is incredibly potent and a small pinch may be all you need. Adding more than that may turn your dish overly sweet.

Safflower

safflower, red/pink in color, covering the whole image.
Safflower can be Powerful in the Kitchen.

If buying saffron sounds a but too expensive, try out safflower. Both spices have a similar effect on food.

You can use Safflower to add a yellow color to replace turmeric, but that’s where the similarities end.

Safflower is a lot more mild than saffron. It has a prominent nutty flavor and a distinct aroma. This spice is perfect if you’re trying to recreate the color of turmeric. Still, it does struggle with flavor. Adding a touch of red peppers can help bring it closer.

Another major difference is the price tag. Saffron is significantly more expensive than safflower.

On top of this, safflower also has some medicinal properties.

Annatto Seeds

annatto seeds, which are red, covering the whole image.
Annatto Seeds, these colorful seeds can work wonderfully.

Annatto seeds are hard to come by, made from achiote trees, but they’re excellent substitutes. When added to food, they give a nutty pepperiness with a sweet undertone.

This flavor profile matches that of turmeric almost exactly. In addition, annatto seeds also give your food a yellowish-orange hue.

The only issue with the seeds is you can’t use them straight out of the box. Most commonly, they are ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle.

Remember to use this sparingly to avoid overpowering your dish.


Yellow Mustard Seeds

yellow mustard seeds in a large spoon with some spilling over.
Mustard seeds: unique and useful.

When you hear mustard, you automatically think of the popular condiment. However, in this article, we’re talking about the seeds.

While the condiment is made from the seeds, they do have different flavor profiles. The jar of mustard found in the store includes vinegar, lemon juice, and other spices to create that tangy treat.

Yellow mustard seeds on the other hand, are sweet and spicy. This is what makes them an ideal alternative for turmeric. They also have a similar amber hue and earthy aroma.

The bright yellow seeds are usually ground and the flavor is quite strong, so just a little sprinkle can replace a whole teaspoon of turmeric.

To make your own mustard powder: Using a mortar and pestle, simple start grinding the mustard seeds with the mortar until it becomes a powder.

Cumin Seeds

cumin seeds in a pile and in a spoon.
Cumin Seeds have the most amazing smell!

Another good alternative is cumin seeds. Both spices taste incredibly similar.

You will typically find these dried and will need to crush them into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a food processor.

It has a sharp, earthy flavor with a nutty finish. The spice also coats your mouth with a savory, bitter tang.  

However, cumin is a lot more potent than turmeric. So, you may need to adjust your ingredient proportions. Always start small and see how it works in your dish.

Cumin marries well with many other spices. This is why people use it in curries and soups.

Ginger Powder

whole ginger and ground ginger in a green bowl on a wooden table.
Ginger can be one of the most versatile ingredients.

Ginger is another root with a powerful flavor. It has a sharp kick and a slightly tangy aftertaste.

This isn’t an exact match for turmeric, but it can work in a pinch. The flavor profile of ginger is a tad more forward and in your face.

It works well because of the heat it adds to a dish. Ginger is incredibly similar to turmeric in terms of texture, too. They both come in root and powder form.

Ginger doesn’t dye your food yellow, though.

Garam Masala

garam masala in its powder form on a spoon with some of the powder spread around the spoon.
This relatively uncommon spice can be a life saver!

Garam Masala is a mixture of spices that are common in Indian cuisine. The mixture contains different amounts of cumin, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and black pepper. 

Each one of the spices adds a little extra flare to the mix. Together, they combine to create a flavor that’s pretty darned close to turmeric.

Garam Masala is much more potent. Because of all the extra spices, it can be overwhelming in many dishes, so start with small amounts and add slowly until you like the flavor of the dish.

In other words, Garam Masala is best in meals with few or no other added spices.

Madras Curry Powder

When pulling out those Southeast Asia or Indian recipes, you want the heat with flavors citrus and herbs that Madras curry powder fulfills. It is a little different than regular curry powder in that it carries more heat from chili peppers and is a darker red.

Our Best Ingredient Substitutions

🥘 Recipes With Turmeric

Vegan Stewed Chickpeas — This 30-minute recipe is perfect for anyone on the go. It’s fast and can keep you full for a long time.

Chicken Coconut Curry — This recipe takes a little longer to prepare. Still, the explosion of flavors is definitely worth the wait.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Spelled Turmeric or Tumeric?

Both iterations of the word are correct. However, we use turmeric far more often than we do tumeric. Ultimately, it comes down to preference.

Is Turmeric Dangerous?

In small amounts, the spice turmeric is perfectly healthy. Consuming very large quantities is a different story, however.

Eating too much turmeric can lead to nausea and diarrhea. It may even cause stomach ulcers.

💡 Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for turmeric substitutes, there are many options for you to choose from. These spices include paprika, mace, saffron, and safflower.

Depending on the meal you’re preparing and what you have on hand, your choice will change. You can even create a combination of these spices to find your perfect turmeric match.

Related Posts

  • Best Oregano Substitutes
  • The Best Adobo Sauce Substitute
  • Best Five Spice Substitutes
  • The Best Mustard Seed Substitutes
Best Turmeric SubstitutesBest Turmeric SubstitutesBest Turmeric Substitutes
« How to Keep Turkey Warm
The Best Egg Yolk Substitutes »

About Ginny

Hi! My name is Ginny and I know how busy life can be! I am a mom working hard to prepare healthy meals for my family that is always on the go!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Search

pink box to join facebook printables group.

As Featured In

graphic showing all of the publications that feature Savor and Savvy.

Popular Posts

bowl of teriyaki chicken over a bed of white rice, two chopsticks and sprinkled with sesame seeds

Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This oven baked eggs recipe is an easy fix for rushed morning breakfasts! These eggs are baked in muffin pans and are ready in just 15 minutes.

How to Bake Eggs in Oven in Muffin Tin {15 Minutes Meal Prep}

How to Clean Stove Drip Pans Naturally

top down view of a desk with three printable pages on top.

Dot Grid Paper Printable for Bullet Journaling + Planners: U.S. Letter, 8×10, A4, A5, A6 and Pocket, Personal Sizes

Adorable pet care binder cover sheet with paw prints and a grey heat

Adorable Pet Care Binder FREE 12 Pages of Printable Worksheets

After cooking, the livers will be golden brown as shown on this air fryer tray

Air Fryer Chicken Livers

Several pages of worksheets from the medical binder over a marble background

Medical Binder Printables with Worksheets

This easy cilantro lime rice recipe will feed your chipotle cravings, without having to leave home! This easy side dish is the perfect addition to a homemade burrito bowl or any other simple meal requiring an extra kick of flavor.

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Contact

  • Contact
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.