Onion powder is a kitchen staple that adds rich, savory flavor to countless recipes, but what happens when you run out? 

Finding the right onion powder alternative ensures your dish still delivers the depth of flavor you need. Made from dehydrated onions, onion powder provides a concentrated taste without the texture of fresh onions, making it a convenient seasoning. 

However, you might need a substitute for many reasons. Whether you’ve run out mid-recipe, have dietary restrictions, prefer fresh ingredients over processed seasonings, or want a milder or stronger onion-like taste. Fortunately, several great alternatives can replicate its flavor. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best onion powder substitutes, how to use them, and which dishes they work best in.

The Best Onion Powder Substitutes

1. Dorot Gardens Chopped Sautéed Glazed Onions

Best for: Soups, sauces, casseroles, and quick-prep meals

If you want a hassle-free onion powder alternative, Dorot Gardens Chopped Sautéed Glazed Onions offers a rich, caramelized flavor without the prep work. Each frozen cube equals one teaspoon of onion powder, making it a perfect substitute. Since they’re pre-sautéed, they add instant depth and sweetness to dishes, saving you time while enhancing flavor.

2. Fresh Onion

Best for: Soups, stews, stir-fries, and sauces

Fresh onion is the most natural onion powder alternative, but since it contains moisture, it changes the texture of a dish. Use ¼ cup of chopped onion in a recipe for every teaspoon of onion powder.

To avoid chunks in smooth dishes, grate or blend the onion to make it closer to the powder’s consistency.

3. Onion Flakes

Best for: Dry rubs, seasoning blends, and soups

Dried onion flakes are dehydrated onions that are not ground into a fine powder. They provide the same flavor, just in a slightly larger form. For a similar taste, use one tablespoon of onion flakes per teaspoon of onion powder.

Grind the flakes in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to make it even closer.

4. Granulated Onion

Best for: Seasoning meats, dressings, and dips

Granulated onion is coarser than onion powder but finer than onion flakes. It works well as an onion powder alternative in most recipes. To substitute, use one teaspoon of granulated onion for one teaspoon of onion powder in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Chives

Best for: Salads, dips, and garnishes

Chives offer a mild onion flavor and work well in fresh dishes. Since they usually have a mild taste and don’t provide the same concentrated onion flavor, use one tablespoon of fresh chives per teaspoon of onion powder. They’re ideal for dishes where you don’t mind a bit of green color and freshness.

6. Leeks

Best for: Soups, sauces, and sautéed dishes

Leeks have a mild flavor, making them an excellent onion powder alternative. Dehydrate and grind them into a powder to use in dry rubs. Use ¼ cup of finely chopped leeks per teaspoon of onion powder.

7. Shallots

Best for: Sauces, vinaigrettes, and gourmet dishes

Shallots have a slightly sweet, onion-like taste. It can be used fresh or dried, depending on your dish. Use ¼ cup of finely minced shallots in recipes for every teaspoon of onion powder.

8. Scallions (Green Onions)

Best for: Asian dishes, fresh salsas, and stir-fries

Scallions provide a lighter, fresher onion taste. Use one tablespoon of chopped scallions per teaspoon of onion powder. They work best in fresh applications rather than dry spice blends.

DIY Onion Powder Alternative

If you prefer homemade options, you can make your onion powder substitute using fresh onions.

How to Make Homemade Onion Powder

1. Chop onions into small pieces.
2. Dehydrate them using an oven (at 150°F for several hours) or a food dehydrator.
3. Grind them in a spice grinder until they reach a fine powder consistency.
4. Store in an airtight container for up to six months.

This homemade version provides the same concentrated flavor as store-bought onion powder!