Cardamom Pods vs Cloves

A side-by-side guide to substituting Cloves for Cardamom Pods (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 3.0 clove of Cloves for every 1 pod of Cardamom Pods.

Side-by-side

Cardamom Pods

Base unit: pod

Read the full guide: Cardamom Pods

Cloves

Conversion: Use 3.0× as much (3.0 clove per 1 pod)

Tags: budget

Notes: Much more pungent; start with 3 whole cloves per 1 pod and adjust. Adds warmth and depth but different spice character; best in spice blends.

Read the full guide: Cloves

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When to use Cloves instead of Cardamom Pods

Much more pungent; start with 3 whole cloves per 1 pod and adjust. Adds warmth and depth but different spice character; best in spice blends. The conversion is use 3.0× as much (3.0 clove per 1 pod).

Common questions

Can I substitute Cloves for Cardamom Pods?

Yes — Much more pungent; start with 3 whole cloves per 1 pod and adjust. Adds warmth and depth but different spice character; best in spice blends. Ratio: Use 3.0× as much (3.0 clove per 1 pod).

What's the conversion ratio for Cardamom Pods to Cloves?

Use 3.0× as much (3.0 clove per 1 pod). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Cardamom Pods and Cloves interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Much more pungent; start with 3 whole cloves per 1 pod and adjust..

Is Cloves a better substitute than other options for Cardamom Pods?

Cloves is one of the options SubSwap lists for Cardamom Pods. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Cardamom Pods substitutes.

Looking for more Cardamom Pods substitutes beyond Cloves?

See all Cardamom Pods swaps →