Both are made of dehydrated garlic. Garlic powder has a very fine consistency, more like flour. Granulated garlic is coarser, more like the consistency of cornmeal. Keep in mind that because garlic powder has a finer consistency, the same amount of granulated garlic will be less potent.

Every teaspoon of garlic powder is equal to about two teaspoons of granulated garlic, which is something to keep in mind if your recipe calls for one or the other and you’re forced to make a substitution.

If you don’t have garlic granules, use garlic powder as a replacement. Being finely ground, you need only a small amount of garlic powder, if it is used as a substitute for the granulated form. If you need one tablespoon of granulated garlic, you can replace it with half a tablespoon of garlic powder.

The difference in these forms is merely texture, garlic powder having a flour-like consistency and granulated garlic being coarser, like fine cornmeal. Most reputable manufacturers sell 100% pure versions of both, but occasionally you will find additives to improve flow or prevent caking.

If you don’t have garlic powder you can substitute:

• Equal amounts of freshly minced garlic.
• OR – Use one medium sized fresh garlic clove for every 1/8 teaspoon needed.
• OR – Equal amounts of granulated garlic.
• OR – Alternatively use chopped shallots or onion.

It’s not an exact flavor comp, but you can use half the amount of garlic powder in place of onion powder. Garlic powder adds a garlicky flavor, of course, but it mimics some of the savory quality of onion powder. Again, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in place of 1 teaspoon onion powder.

Peel and thinly slice the garlic into ⅛ inch pieces. Place garlic slices onto dehydrator racks without overlapping pieces. Once fully dried, place the garlic in a blender or food processor and blend until a fine powder is achieved. Use a fine mesh strainer to sift the blended powder before placing in storage container.

Common Onion Powder Substitutes

1. Onion Flakes. Onion flakes are a great substitute for onion powder.
2. Jarred Minced Onion. Jarred minced onion is another similar ingredient to onion flakes.
3. Granulated Onion. Granulated onion and onion powder are very similar.
4. Fresh Onion.
5. Onion Salt.
6. Onion Paste.
7. Chopped Chives.
8. Scallions.

Onion powder, on the other hand, comes from onions that have been dried (either air-dried, dehydrated, or freeze-dried) and then crushed to varying degrees, from flakes to powder. No texture, no water, and a more concentrated oniony punch. And just like with fresh onions, the flavor of onion powder varies, too.

TAKEAWAY. It’s important to first “wake up” the dormant flavor-producing enzyme in garlic powder by hydrating it—and to avoid heating the powder before doing so since that will destroy the enzyme.

Choose spice packs that do not have salt – you can add salt to taste later. Spices are built well enough to provide us with flavor and portability without adding additional elements.