Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for rosemary
Best swap for rosemary: Thyme, 1:1; lighter, earthier.
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 Rosemary?
The best swap for Rosemary is Thyme, 1:1; lighter, earthier. Another option is Dried Rosemary, use 1/3 the amount of fresh. A third option is Sage, use slightly less; more pungent. All 3 swaps are in the table below.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Thyme | 1:1; lighter, earthier |
| Dried rosemary | use 1/3 the amount of fresh How to use it: Add it early in cooking, crumbled in your palm; ground rosemary needs only 1/4 teaspoon per tablespoon of fresh. |
| Sage | use slightly less; more pungent |
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)
- University of Wyoming Extension, Spice It Up! Using Herbs and Spices (MP-121.3R) (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for rosemary