Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for mint
Best swap for mint: Spearmint, most grocery-store mint is spearmint; 1:1.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Mint?
The best swap for Mint is Spearmint, most grocery-store mint is spearmint; 1:1. Another option is Dried Mint, use 1/3 the amount; less fresh flavor. The table below also lists Fresh Basil, Peppermint and Fresh Parsley with A Little Lemon Zest, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Spearmint | most grocery-store mint is spearmint; 1:1 |
| Dried mint | use 1/3 the amount; less fresh flavor |
| Fresh basil | 1:1; another mint-family herb, so it fills the same fresh role with a sweeter, more anise flavor |
| Peppermint | use about two thirds; far sharper menthol than the spearmint usually sold as plain mint |
| Fresh parsley with a little lemon zest | 1:1 parsley plus a pinch of zest; no menthol, but it keeps the dish bright and green |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for mint