Substitute for Chai Spice Blend - Best Alternatives
Warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, and black pepper traditionally used in Indian tea.
Substitutes
Pumpkin Spice — 1:1 (add a pinch of black pepper). Pumpkin spice shares cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with chai but lacks cardamom and black pepper. Add a pinch of each for a closer match.
Garam Masala — 1/2 tsp garam masala + 1/2 tsp cinnamon per 1 tsp chai spice. Garam masala contains cardamom, clove, and pepper like chai spice but in savory proportions. Adding extra cinnamon balances the warmth for baking applications.
Allspice — 3/4 tsp allspice per 1 tsp chai spice. Allspice naturally tastes like a combination of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, covering many of chai's key flavor notes in a single spice.