The 17 Best Substitutes For Onion Powder

The spices and condiments that we have in the pantry make our lives much easier when it comes to flavoring our kitchen. They’re cost-effective, they last forever, and it takes a little bit to get just the flavor you want.

One seasoning that adds a layer of spicy and delicious flavor to a dish is onion powder. While raw onions can be too spicy, onion powder tends to give you the flavor without the punch.

But what happens if you are going to take the onion powder and you have run out? Or maybe a recipe calls for onion powder but you have an allergy or intolerance to onion products. What are you going to do?

So what are the best substitutes for onion powder?  The best substitute for onion powder is dehydrated onion flakes. You can also use fresh onion, onion juice, onion salt, shallots, scallions, garlic powder or salt, fresh garlic, fennel bulbs, leeks, celery seeds or salt, onion dipping mix, black garlic powder or shallot infused olive oil.

Read on to learn more about onion powder and its uses, as well as why these substitutes work and how to incorporate them into your cooking.

What is onion powder?

Onion powder is a very fine, beige-colored seasoning that comes from grinding dehydrated onions into a powder.

Onion powder is a pantry staple and can be found in the spice and seasoning section of your local grocery store or online.

How do you use onion powder?

Being a seasoning and powder, onion powder can be used in many different ways.

When fresh onions are high in moisture and can be quite spicy at times, onion powder is a great addition when looking for that particular onion flavor without the texture or moisture that regular onions produce.

It is often used to season meats, making it a great addition to a dry rub for BBQ meat or a part of homemade taco seasoning.

Onion powder is a great addition to sauces or dressings for a smooth texture that raw onions can upset.

Onion powder is also a great seasoning for roasting almost any type of vegetable, including asparagus, broccoli, and potatoes.

The 17 Best Substitutes For Onion Powder

There are quite a few ingredients that can be used as a substitute for onion powder, but the texture and flavors vary greatly.

It’s important to consider texture, flavor, moisture level, and even color when choosing a substitute , as these factors can greatly affect your dish.

Without further ado, here are the 17 best substitutes for onion powder.

1. Dehydrated onion flakes

The best substitute for onion powder is dehydrated onion flakes (which is actually what ground onion powder is made of).

Dried onion flakes (may also be labeled “chopped onion”) are very small, chopped and dried pieces of onion.

Like onion powder, onion flakes have the powerful flavor of onion, but are more textured than the powdered form.

If you have a chopper in your kitchen and don’t mind one more step, you can even turn the dehydrated onion flakes into a powder (although that’s probably not necessary unless you’re really concerned with texture).

They are dry like onion powder, and therefore produce the same texture and flavor in the dish you add them to.

Dried onion flakes can be found at your local grocery store in the spice and seasoning aisle, online, and even in specialty grocery stores.

When substituting dried onion chunks for onion powder, you can use a one-to-one ratio, since their characteristics are that similar.

Onion flakes would be a good substitute for dressings, salad dressings, and seasoning vegetables and sauces.

2. Fresh onion

Another substitute for onion powder would be fresh onion, specifically yellow or white.

The best way to use fresh onion as a substitute would be to finely grate it, but you could also finely chop it if grating isn’t an option for you (just make sure you chop as small as possible).

Another option would be to use a food processor and puree the fresh onion into small pieces, being careful not to make a paste.

Fresh onion will give your dish the same onion flavor, but the characteristics of the vegetable make it very different from powder.

Fresh onion is full of moisture and has a greater flavor and is much spicier than onion powder.

Also, when grated or finely chopped, the onion’s texture will be grainy and/or stringy in whatever dish you add it to.

Because of these characteristic differences, it’s best to use fresh onion as a substitute in recipes where texture isn’t as much of an issue (that means not using it as part of a rub for your roast meat).

Fresh onion is a great substitute in sauces, stews, dips, and dressings.

For every tablespoon of onion powder, use about ½ cup of grated fresh onion.

3. Onion juice

Onion juice is exactly what it sounds like: …. onion in juice in a bottle.

More specifically, it’s onion juice with a little vinegar and salt in a bottle, and it’s a good substitute for onion powder.

As onion powder comes from dehydrated onion flakes, it can upset the stomach of those who have difficulty digesting onion meat.

Therefore, onion juice can be a substitute that helps to avoid digestion problems, since it is only the liquid that comes from the onion.

However, keep in mind that it is a completely liquid form. Where fresh onion had bits of moisture that could affect a dish, this liquid does even more.

If you’re using onion juice as a substitute, it’s best to start small and work your way up . Since it also includes vinegar, too much onion juice can ruin the dish.

Because it is a liquid, onion juice is a great substitute for sauces, soups and stews, dressings, and sauces.

We do not recommend using it in stews, or in the dressing of meats or vegetables.

4. Salt onion

Onion salt is a seasoning made up of equal parts onion powder and salt.

Because of this mix, onion salt tends to be a bit lighter in color than onion powder, but it’s often found next to it in the spice and seasoning aisle of the grocery store.

Texture-wise, onion salt is the closest thing to onion powder, as it is a finely grated powder.

However, due to the salt content of onion salt, you should be careful how much you use as a substitute if you also include salt in the dish.

If you want to use a one-to-one ratio of onion salt to onion powder (which is great and will give you that oniony flavor you’re after), it’s important to remove the extra salt.

Just remember that it will increase the salt content in the dish, so add the onion salt before adding any regular salt.

Onion salt works best as a substitute in roasted vegetables, meat dishes, stews, sauces, and dressings.

5. Shallots

Shallots are part of the onion family, but they are much smaller and have a different shape than an onion. The onion is rounder, while the shallot is more oval.

Shallots have a copper or rose gold colored exterior with an onion-like texture, with a very light purple or sometimes slightly green interior.

They are a cross in texture and flavor between onion and garlic, with hints of both when raw or cooked.

Compared to onions, shallots have a slightly milder flavor and are not as potent as yellow or white onions.

You do have to worry about texture if you’re using a shallot as a substitute, and they’re also a bit moist, so they’re best used in sauces, soups and stews, casseroles, and salads.

Because they are milder in flavor, you need about 2 small shallots for every tablespoon of onion powder. 

6. Chives

Chives, also known as green onions or scallions, are another substitute for onion powder.

They are long and thin, with a crisp white underside, and the rest (and most) of the vegetable is dark green on top.

The entire chive is edible, although the texture varies throughout the vegetable.

The bottom is crunchy and has a slight crunch to it, while the top is a bit more delicate and almost papery.

The lower white part of the spring onion can be cooked, but the upper green part is best served raw.

Chives tend to taste a bit milder and sweeter than other onions or onion powder, so you may need a large amount of chives to get the onion flavor you’re after.

Since chives do best without heat, they work best as a substitute for dressings, sauces, and salads.

7. Chives

Chives are a readily available substitute for onion powder. They are like chives, in appearance and taste, but have some differences.

The chive is almost like the little brother of the chive: its coloration is exactly the same, white background and dark green top, but the chive is usually much smaller in height and width.

The entire chive part is edible and tastes like a milder version of chives. They have onion notes with a bit of sweetness and grass.

Chives are mostly used as a garnish on dishes, bringing a bright and fresh element to a dish. They do not work well when heat is applied.

Since chives do not do well when heat is applied to them, they work best as a substitute for salads, sauces, and dressings. 

In addition, since its flavor is extremely mild, you have to plan on using a fairly large amount of chives to achieve the onion flavor that onion powder produces.

A good rule of thumb would be about 1 bunch of chives for every tablespoon of onion powder.

8. Garlic powder

Although the flavor profile of garlic powder is a bit different, it still works as a substitute for onion powder.

Garlic powder and onion powder look almost identical. Both are light beige in color and are ground into a very fine powder.

Like onion powder, garlic powder is made by grinding pieces of dehydrated garlic, so they have nearly identical textures.

It does have hints of garlic, but when mixed into certain recipes in place of onion powder, the garlic powder tends to work well, and the flavor works with the other ingredients.

Compared to other substitutes on the list, this one works best if texture is your biggest concern . Powdered garlic dissolves just as easily as powdered onion, unlike fresh onion or onion juice.

Since all of the above is related to onion in some way, garlic powder is a great substitute for those who cannot consume onion.

Powdered garlic can be used in a one-to-one ratio and works well for dressings, salad dressings, and seasoning vegetables and sauces.

9. Garlic salt

Garlic salt is just like garlic powder, except it’s made mostly with salt and only chunks of garlic powder.

Garlic salt is similar in color to garlic powder, but is slightly lighter and more like onion salt.

The ratio of garlic salt is approximately ¾ salt to ¼ garlic powder, which makes it have hints of garlic, but it tastes predominantly salty.

The texture is similar to that of onion powder, it is extremely fine, making it a good substitute in recipes where texture is a major concern.

Just like using onion salt, you should be careful how much garlic salt you use as a substitute if you also include salt in the dish.

A one-to-one ratio of onion powder and garlic salt works, but be sure to reduce the amount of traditional salt in the recipe or you risk having an overly salty dish.

Garlic salt works best as a substitute in roasted vegetables, meat dishes, stews, sauces, and dressings.

10. Fresh garlic

Garlic is one of those ingredients that everyone seems to have on hand, so it makes a good substitute for onion powder.

Garlic is from the same family as onions, so it still has some of the pungency of onions, but without the high level of “spiciness” that onions can sometimes carry.

However, garlic still packs a similar punch and profile, making it a decent substitute for onion powder if you’re in a pinch.

Fresh garlic doesn’t hold as much moisture as a fresh onion or shallot would, so you won’t have to worry about that when using it as a substitute.

However, you will have to worry about the texture, as fresh garlic will be thicker and more noticeable than onion powder.

When you use it as a substitute, be sure to chop it finely so that it is as small as possible . Do not mash it, as it will form a paste.

Although garlic has a texture, since it does not have much moisture it can be used in many ways.

Use it when a homemade dressing or condiment calls for it (just add it first then follow with spices), add it to dressings, soups and stews, casseroles, sauces and much more.

Although it can be used in many ways, remember that it will not taste the same as onion powder, so use it accordingly.

11. Fennel bulbs

Fennel is a celery-like plant with a large, circular, white bottom sprouting long green celery-like stalks. It also has dill-like leaves sticking out of the top.

When uncooked, fennel tends to have a mild licorice or star anise flavor, and as it cooks the flavor becomes much milder.

The whole part of the fennel is edible, and is extremely crunchy when raw, like celery, but becomes soft and pliable when cooked.

If used as a substitute for onion powder, it is best to use it cooked only, as the raw licorice flavor can upset the dish.

However, when cooked, the flavor mellows out and becomes a bit more onion-like.

Since fennel has a particular flavor and works best when cooked, substituting onion powder is best in hot dishes such as casseroles or soups and casseroles.

If the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of onion powder, use only ½ tablespoon of fennel.

12. Leeks

Leeks are a large, long vegetable that closely resemble chives.

While the chive looks like the little brother of the chive, the leek looks like its big brother being white on the bottom and dark green on top.

Its texture is similar to that of chives, in that it is crunchy on the bottom and a little more delicate and easy to tear on the top.

Leeks taste very similar to onions, but are usually a bit milder and sweeter. They can also be eaten cooked or raw.

The biggest concern about using leeks as a substitute is their texture , so keep that in mind when using it.

Leeks work best as a substitute in soups and stews, casseroles, and salads.

To substitute, use 1 cup of chopped leeks in place of 1 tablespoon of onion powder.

13. Celery Seeds

Celery seeds are exactly what they sound like: the seeds that make celery stalks grow.

They are small bulbs that are a bit crunchy when bitten into and have an earthy, bitter celery flavor.

Although the celery seeds will not give you the onion flavor of onion powder, they will give an onion-like coating or aroma to this dish.

Celery seeds work best when cooked or “roasted,” so it would be best to use them only in recipes that call for heat or sautéing. 

Use celery seeds in soups and stews, casseroles, and even hot sauces.

14. Celery salt

Celery salt is a seasoning consisting of a mixture of ground celery seeds and salt.

It is a fine powder, like onion powder, but with a salty celery flavor.

Like celery seed, it doesn’t necessarily taste like onion, but it can contribute an aromatic flavor similar to adding onion powder to a dish.

It is mostly salt, with a ratio of about ¾ salt to ¼ ground celery seed, so be careful when using celery salt in your recipes.

Be sure to reduce the salt content if you use celery salt. 

Celery salt works best as a substitute in dressings or sauces.

15. Onion Soup Mix and Dips

It may seem strange, but if you need to substitute the onion powder, you can try using an onion soup and gravy mix.

Traditionally used to make French Onion Dip, French Onion Soup, or toss with some meat in a slow cooker, onion soup and gravy mix tastes extremely oniony, even though it is quite salty.

It is usually a medium or dark brown color with pieces of dehydrated onion.

Although it tastes a lot like onion and onion powder (which is actually an ingredient in this substitution) compared to the other items on this list, the onion soup and salsa mix has a long list of ingredients that includes corn syrup, yeast extract and soy sauce.

These added ingredients can be a problem for allergy sufferers.

If you decide to use the onion soup mix and gravy, be careful about the additional salt you plan to add. Use ½ tablespoon for every tablespoon of onion powder. 

Use as a substitute in dry rubs, sauces, dressings, and as a seasoning for grilling vegetables.

16. Black garlic powder

Black garlic powder is a mixture of salt, black garlic, regular garlic, onion, and other spices.

It is dark black in color and tastes a bit like garlic and onion with a great “umami” flavor.

It is a finely ground powder that can be dissolved like the other powders and salts on this list.

Unlike the other ingredients on this list, however, it does contain some sugar, so it also tends to be a bit sweet.

Although it could work as a substitute, the sweetness could affect your overall dish. 

If you are using black garlic powder as a substitute, use it in dried dressings, salad dressings, vegetable seasonings, and sauces.

Use about ½ tablespoon of black garlic powder for every tablespoon of onion powder.

17. Shallot Infused Olive Oil

Shallot-infused olive oil is at the bottom of the list because it should really be used as a substitute of last resort.

It is a good substitute for those who suffer from an intolerance to onion and garlic, since it is designed to be easy to digest for those who have problems with these ingredients.

It’s an olive oil, so it’s made predominantly with oil and a bit of shallot to give it an onion essence.

If you decide to use it, anticipate the possibility of having to add more seasonings or spices to achieve the desired flavor.

Since it is an oil, it would work best in sauces, dressings, or as a coating on meats and vegetables before cooking.

Instead of substituting onion powder directly, use it in place of regular flavored oil or other fat in a recipe to give it the onion aroma.