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7 Amazing Substitutions for Turmeric

You’re making a curry and you realize you don’t have turmeric — the distinctive, aromatic yellow spice that delivers tons of flavor to curries, noodle dishes, and grilled chicken. So what else can you swap into your recipe as substitutions for turmeric?

Below are seven good substitutes for turmeric that you can use in a pinch (pun intended), plus useful background on what turmeric is and why it’s so distinctive. You can lean on that info for cocktail party conversations with your foodie friends.

Best substitutions for turmeric

1. Turmeric paste

Vital Sunshine Turmeric Paste for Golden Milk and Turmeric Tea – Organic Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper to Aid Inflammation, Support Digestion and Enhance Joint Mobility (42 Servings)
  • HELPS WITH INFLAMMATION: Pure turmeric curcumin is heated and combined with healthy fats and black pepper to produce curcuminoids which help increase absorption of inflammation reducing properties. Organic turmeric powder is blended with powerful ingredients such as black pepper and ginger that produce piperine and circumin which may enhance the body’s overall natural ability to aid joint soreness and discomfort, and support muscle health.
  • ENHANCES JOINT MOBILITY: Our Turmeric paste is formulated and enhanced with Bioperine which helps improve joint and muscle performance and aid in its recovery which is vital for those with active daily routines. This Turmeric golden paste also supports and promotes healthy muscle functions, bone health, and immune support.
  • SUPPORTS DIGESTION: Because of our formulation’s naturally occurring antioxidant properties, our Turmeric with ginger greatly helps in revitalizing your metabolism, and increase your body’s absorption and bioavailability intake which contribute to a healthy digestion. Adding a small amount of our Turmeric Paste to Turmeric tea or other Herbal Tea also helps in aiding mild stomach pain, balancing your digestive fluids to prevent acid reflux and helping soothe other digestive issues.
  • BETTER TASTING: Turmeric by itself can be bitter and unpleasant to some, so we combined it with honey, coconut oil, ceylon cinnamon and black pepper to improve its taste. Vital Sunshine turmeric paste is healthy, simple and easy to work with. Whether you are making turmeric tea, golden milk, turmeric latte, or any of your favorite recipes, our paste won’t clump up and mixes easily.
  • USA MADE ORGANIC TURMERIC: Vital Sunshine turmeric curcumin with black pepper is made in the USA and tested by a 3rd party testing facility to ensure transparency and maintain quality. Vital Sunshine Turmeric Paste is organically pure and free from any heavy metals including lead, and formulated with the highest standards to always contain a powerful blend of organic ingredients for maintaining your health.

Yes, it’s obvious. You can swap in turmeric paste for powdered turmeric. Chances are, if you don’t have the powder, you won’t have the paste either. But if you find yourself asking a neighbor for this ingredient, you might as well inquire about turmeric paste or powder.

Here’s why. Most people keep turmeric powder in the pantry, while turmeric paste lives in the refrigerator.  Checking both places may reveal that you (or your neighbor) actually do have turmeric on hand.

Indian turmeric powder in a bowl and wooden spoon.

Note that turmeric paste and powder aren’t the exactly same thing. Your recipe may need some adjustments as a result. Turmeric paste includes turmeric plus added ingredients including oil, pepper, and other spices. You will need to use more paste than powder to get the turmeric-intensity the recipe needs. But those other ingredients will impact flavor too.

For best results, start by substituting turmeric paste in the same quantity as powder. Taste, and add more paste until you like the result.

2. Mustard powder

Judee’s Yellow Mustard Powder 8 oz – Non-GMO, Keto-Friendly, Vegan – Made from Organic Yellow Mustard Seeds – Great for Seasoning, Dry Rubs, Pickling Spices, and Making Mustard Paste
  • Strong and pungent flavor to use for ground sausage, burgers, and salads
  • Great for making your own hot mustard or chipotle seasoning for an extra kick
  • Made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and shipped in a standup, resealable pouch to ensure freshness
  • Ingredients: Organic Yellow Mustard Seed Powder
  • Since 2009, Judee’s has been dedicated to providing fresh, allergy-conscious ingredients, great for your recipes and even better for your family

Mustard powder is another great substitute for turmeric. This is another vibrant yellow powder that’s often used alongside turmeric in many eastern dishes.

You won’t get the same turmeric flavor from mustard, unfortunately. But the mustard’s sweet and spicy character should blend nicely with other eastern ingredients.

Start by swapping in mustard with a 1:2 ratio (that is, use half the amount of turmeric advised in the recipe). Then taste and add more mustard as needed.  

3. Saffron

Golden Saffron, Finest Pure Premium All Red Saffron Threads, Grade A+ Super Negin Non-GMO Verified. For Tea, Paella, Rice, Desserts, Golden Milk and Risotto (2 Grams)
  • GRADE 1 SUPER NEGIN SAFFRON THREADS – Our SUPER NEGIN Grade Saffron. 100% Pure, and Fresh Threads in Standard Food-Safe Tin Packages. Hand-picked Saffron Comes Directly from Farms. Golden Saffron is the real taste of saffron with no impurities, additives, MSG, or toxins
  • LAB TESTED IN USA AND NON-GMO VERIFIED – Golden Saffron is Lab Tested in the USA with ISO 3632. Our saffron got the highest levels of Crocin (Color 280+ ) Safranal (Aroma 37+) and Picocrocin (Flavor 99+). Golden Saffron is Non-GMO Project Verified.
  • GOLDEN SAFFRON IS PERFECT ADDITION TO ENHANCE ANY RECIPES – Golden Saffron can be used to add amazing taste, color, and flavor to any dish. Our saffron is perfect for Tea, Paella, Pasta, Lamb or Chicken Tagine, Biryanis, cakes, Moussaka, Saffron Aioli, Puddings, Rice, Curries, Stews, Casseroles, Risottos, Chicken kebab, Golden Milk and any other recipes
  • 100% PURE AND FRESH – Golden Saffron is completely natural and does not contain any forms of artificial preservatives. It is 100% organically produced and carefully harvested by hand and packaged in food-safe tins for maximizing the freshness and shelf life
  • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – We do offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee so, if you are not 100% satisfied with the product send us a message and we will do our best to provide the highest quality of customer service, also we are here to answer any question related to saffron and our product and recipes so do not hesitate to send us a message.

Marco Polo’s comparison of turmeric to saffron was spot-on. Sweet and floral saffron makes a nice turmeric alternative — at least according to taste. Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, so you may not want to make this substitution for economic reasons.

Still, if you have extra saffron lying around, it has a full flavor profile that’s suitable for many cuisines and dishes. It is more subtle than turmeric, so you may need to use more of it. Start with the recommend measurement for turmeric and then add more saffron to suit your taste.

4. Ginger

Simply Organic Ground Ginger Root, 1.64 Ounce, Non ETO, Non Irradiated, Non GMO, Complements Both Sweet & Savory Dishes
  • ORGANIC GINGER ROOT – Don’t let its mellow yellow color fool you. There’s nothing mellow about the taste of our Ground Ginger. It’s got seriously potent flavor that’s warm, aromatic and spicy-sweet, yet earthy. Nothing here but real ground ginger root (Zingiber officinale). No GMO’s. No ETO (considered carcinogenic by the EPA). Not irradiated. Certified Organic by QAI. Kosher Certified by KSA.
  • DELICIOUS AND VERSATILE – Simply Organic ground ginger root is a versatile spice that goes way beyond gingerbread and other baked goods. This ginger is finely ground for ease of use – just add it to whatever you’re making. Experience it’s lively and flavorful taste in vegetables, pork, chicken, and beef dishes.
  • PURE AND POTENT FLAVOR – Simply Organic believes in pure and potent flavor grown at the source, and ginger root is a spicy root that can lend strong flavoring to any food or drink. Bring a warm and spicy-sweet flavor to all of your favorite dishes with ground ginger root.
  • ORGANIC FROM PERU – Our ginger root is grown and processed in Peru. Our rigorous standards mean that we know precisely what you’re getting, and from where. This product is ground from dried ginger root, which is kosher and certified organic. All of our products are grown and processed without the use of toxic pesticides, irradiation, or GMO’s.
  • ABOUT US – Simply Organic is a 100% certified organic line of spices, seasoning mixes, and baking flavors. Our pure, potent spices, seasonings and extracts bring real bite to everything you make, eat and share. Our goal, through our Simply Organic Giving Fund, is to help the millions of food insecure by not only providing funds and support to make organic food more accessible, but also in developing the next generation of leaders in sustainable and socially just organic agriculture.

Often used in conjunction with turmeric, ginger is another spice that’s ubiquitous — if you cook a lot, you probably have some lying around. (Blog Chef pro tip: Keep fresh, peeled ginger in the freezer so it’s always on hand!)

Ginger, like mustard powder, is a mainstay in many eastern dishes that also call for turmeric. It’s spice level and taste are unique — and comes from a chemical compound called gingerol that’s found only in ginger.

Turmeric plus common substitutions for turmeric.

Whatever your recipe calls for, add half the quantity of ginger when substituting for turmeric.

5. Paprika

Simply Organic Smoked Paprika, 2.96 Ounce, Organic Paprika, Warm, Mildly Tangy, Hint of Sweetness, Kosher, No ETO, Non GMO
  • PAPRIKA – Our Ground Paprika contains nothing but pure, organic ground paprika (Capsicum annuum). It’s that simple. Warm, mildly tangy, with subtle notes of tomato and just a hint of sweetness. Bright, sassy color and an easy, enticing aroma. No GMOs. No ETO (considered carcinogenic by the EPA). Not irradiated. Certified Organic by QAI. Kosher Certified by KSA.
  • A VERSATILE INGREDIENT – Simply Organic paprika pairs well with egg, bean, and potato dishes. It also works well with roasted and grilled meats. You can also add this to the flour used for poultry, meats, seafoods, and salad dressings!
  • SUSTAINABLY SOURCED – We source organic paprika peppers from our partners in Spain, Peru and Isræl to give you consistently high-quality, potently flavored paprika in every single bottle. There are no artificial additives or chemicals used at any step of growing or processing. Our unique blend is non-irradiated, 100% Kosher, and organic certified.
  • PURE AND POTENT FLAVOR – Simply Organic believes in pure and potent flavor grown at the source. Our rigorous standards mean that we know precisely what you’re getting, and from where. All of our products are grown and processed without the use of toxic pesticides, irradiation, or GMOs.
  • ABOUT US – Simply Organic is a 100% certified organic line of spices, seasoning mixes, and baking flavors. Our pure, potent spices, seasonings and extracts bring real bite to everything you make, eat and share. Our goal, through our Simply Organic Giving Fund, is to help the millions of food insecure by not only providing funds and support to make organic food more accessible, but also in developing the next generation of leaders in sustainable and socially just organic agriculture.

Paprika is made from dried red pepper — specifically the ground fruit pods of the Capsicum annum species of pepper. It adds a lovely red color, plus a nice spice to your dish. There are also smoked paprika powders that layer the spice with an intense smokiness.

Portion the paprika more liberally than turmeric as its flavor is more subtle.

6. Curry powder

McCormick Curry Powder, 1.75 Oz
  • McCormick Curry Powder contains 11 herbs & spices, perfectly blended
  • Blends earthy depth with sweet spices for bold Indian flavor and golden color
  • No need to buy spices separately and measure out your own mix
  • Non GMO
  • Add to curries, pilafs, vegetables, deviled eggs and chicken or lamb dishes

Curry powder (or curry paste) is a blend of spices used for thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent. It contains turmeric, but not as a primary ingredient. Many curry powders are a mash-up of cardamom, coriander, cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger, mace, and cinnamon.

For spicy meat dishes, curry powder is a natural turmeric substitution. However, the flavor profile of curry is more complex than that of turmeric. So be conservative to start when swapping in curry powder for turmeric, then use your taste to achieve the right flavor.  

7. Annatto seeds

Annatto Ground – 2.75 oz
  • Badia Annatto Ground
  • 2.75 oz
  • Kosher, Gluten Free, Hala, No-MSG, Sodium Free
  • Annatto is found in the pulp that covers the seeds of a native Caribbean tree
  • Used as a dye for a variety of dishes as rice, vegetables, meat stews and fish

Annatto seeds come from the achiote tree native to tropical regions in the Americas. This is a last resort substitute as annatto is quite different from turmeric. It’s sweet, peppery, and nutty. That combo will spice up your dish, but not in the same way as turmeric. This is a good substitute if you don’t need spice, but still want whatever you’re making to be full of flavor.

When you don’t have turmeric

When you don’t have turmeric on hand, there are still options. Although ubiquitous in many cuisines, it isn’t absolutely essential when it comes to spicing up your cooking or adding coloring. With some creative thinking, you can make the best of what’s already in your pantry.

Turmeric FAQs


What is turmeric?

Known for its distinct yellow color, turmeric is a great universal spice for cooking. Turmeric’s first documented use was 4000 years ago in India’s Vedic culture. It was even used for religious purposes. It spread around the world over the ensuing millennia, eventually being traded in China and the West Indies. In the 13th century, the famous explorer Marco Polo compared its qualities to those of saffron.

Does turmeric have health benefits?

Turmeric is full of antioxidants, which can be beneficial for health. Turmeric has played a significant role in traditional medicine. Its compounds are also being studied in modern medicine, with 3000 research papers about compounds found in turmeric being published in the last 25 years.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that turmeric may offer these seven health benefits:

1. Reduces inflammation
2. Improves memory
3. Pain reduction
4. Antioxidant properties
5. Lowers risk of heart disease (by minimizing inflammation and oxidation)
6. Combats depression
7. Slows cancer growth

What does turmeric taste like?

Turmeric has a unique and pungent flavor. It has a warm and bitter taste, with earthy and peppery undertones. Some say turmeric’s flavor is like ginger’s but more bitter.  The bitterness can be reduced or balanced by adding other spices such as cumin, cinnamon, or coriander.

Also, cooking enhances turmeric’s natural flavor. Use it in savory dishes for a depth of flavor that can highlight other ingredients and add a beautiful complexity to your dish.

You can also use turmeric in sweet treats. The yellow spice adds an interesting twist to cakes and cookies.

Last update on 2023-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API