The 13 Greatest White Pepper Substitutes, with One Bonus at the Finish

Many French meals use creamy sauces, and white pepper adds the proper amount of pepper flavor without the dark flecks of black pepper. It gives the light-colored sauce a delicious and faultless appearance. It’s also common in many Asian cuisine.

But what if you don’t have white pepper for the light-colored meal you’re cooking, or if you want a less powerful pepper flavor?

The following are the 13 Best White Pepper Substitutes.

1. The spice black pepper
2. Peppercorns, green
3. Pink Chili Peppercorns
4. Green bell peppers
5. Chili Pepper
6. Paprika
7. Cumin, ground
8. Powdered Turmeric
9. Ginger powder
10. Mustard Seed
11. Chili Flakes in Red
12. Nutmeg
13. Mixture of Peppers

Spice is not often used in many household kitchens, thus it is understandable if your kitchen does not always include white pepper.

White pepper is often used to season light-colored meals like pasta carbonara and macaroni salad. It enhances the flavor and creates the balance in taste that only pepper can supply, making the foods seem more delectable and visually attractive.

When you want something milder than black pepper, white pepper is an excellent option. Some think white pepper is gentler than black pepper, while others say it is a little harsher.

However the case may be, both sides agree that white pepper has a less nuanced taste than black pepper.

4 teaspoon pepper powder. It is advantageous to have white pepper on hand at all times in case the meal you are preparing calls for it. If you have white peppercorns and the recipe calls for ground white pepper, you just need to crush or pound half a teaspoon to make 3 teaspoons.

13 Best White Pepper Substitute

Here are some alternatives to white pepper to think about. Take notice that you must choose one that complements the flavor of the meal that you are creating. Some of the replacements may introduce or have hints of other tastes that will clash with the meal.

Black Pepper

The white, green, and black peppercorns are the fruits (dried berries) of the piper nigrum plant. The color of the peppercorns is determined by the level of ripeness at the time they were picked, processed, and dried.

Black pepper has a stronger taste than white pepper and may provide a more powerful spicy sensation. In terms of flavor, it is an excellent alternative for white pepper.

But, you must decrease the quantity of white pepper you normally use in half. If you do not reduce the quantity of black pepper specified in the recipe, it may overshadow your food.

Because of the existence of the black particles, the look of the light-colored dish will become less attractive. Pink peppercorns are the berries of the Peruvian and Brazilian pepper plants.

White pepper should not be substituted in meals that rely greatly on its taste. Otherwise, the food may taste very different.

Green Peppercorns

Green peppercorns are often difficult to come by. If you don’t have white pepper and are out of green peppercorns, you may use these as a replacement.

Since green peppercorns have a milder flavor, you’ll need to use more to get the same flavor strength as white pepper. Keep in mind that green peppercorns should only be used if black pepper will make your food seem unappealing. Otherwise, black pepper is preferable.

To equal the taste strength of the white pepper in the recipe, double the number of green peppercorns. You may make necessary changes.

Pink Peppercorns

Pink peppercorns are the berries of the Peruvian and Brazilian pepper plants. In hotter temperatures, these trees flourish. A reddish or pink-colored husk surrounds the small, peppercorn-like seed within each pink peppercorn.

Pink peppercorns have a little peppery and delicious flavor. They are spicier and have a similar taste profile to white pepper. Pink peppercorns are excellent substitutes or additions to dishes that call for wine or vinegar, as well as fish and other shellfish. Pink peppercorns may also be used to curries and salads if desired.

Pink peppercorns have a peppery, spicy flavor that does not overshadow the meals you prepare. These peppercorns are aromatic, with a rosy, sweet-tart flavor.

Green Peppers

Green peppers come in many types and are the best option for white pepper in some dishes since they improve the flavor even more.

Green peppers might be a great complement to any meal if you don’t mind adding extra color and texture. It works well in stir-fries, dips, and soups.

You may make powder out of dried green pepper by grinding it. Green peppers have a moderate, somewhat sweet flavor. To get the desired flavor, add it gradually to your food.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper, a fiery pepper that can readily provide a punch of heat to any meal, is commonly found in the spice section of grocery shops as finely powdered powder. It’s a hotter alternative to white pepper. Nonetheless, the red hue may have a little impact on the aesthetic of your food.

Since cayenne peppers are spicy, you only need a pinch to make up for the lack of white pepper. You may tweak the flavor and add extra if necessary.

Paprika

Paprika, like cayenne pepper, has a stronger flavor than white pepper and, owing to its red color, may somewhat alter the look of your meal.

Paprika’s taste strength ranges from sweet and mild to quite fiery. Because of how they were processed, certain paprikas have a smokey taste.

Since paprika is hotter than white pepper, you may substitute it with a pinch and adapt the flavor to your liking.

Ground Cumin

The taste of ground cumin is moderate and fragrant. Yet, it is not the first thing that springs to mind when seeking for a white pepper alternative.

Cumin has a toasty, somewhat sweet taste with a nuttiness undertone. If your cuisine also calls for chili flakes, cumin is the best substitute for white pepper.

Cumin may enhance the inherent spicy taste of chili flakes while also adding a pleasing earthy undertone.

Replace half a teaspoon of ground cumin for each teaspoon of white pepper in the recipe. You may customize the flavor to your preference.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric and ginger are quite similar, and both are excellent alternatives for white pepper. Turmeric, like ginger, has a moderate spice and taste profile. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits and a high nutritional content.

While it is a decent option for white pepper, it has a more distinct flavor that blends nicely with other components in your recipe.

Turmeric has an earthy, pungent flavor. It’s a frequent ingredient in Indian curries. Take notice that India produces and provides over 80% of the world’s turmeric. When using turmeric as a substitute for white pepper, start with a pinch. When necessary, increase the quantity.

Ground Ginger

Ginger has a somewhat sweet and peppery flavor, as well as a spicy and pungent scent. White pepper and ground ginger have a similar appearance.

A sprinkle of ground ginger enhances mild, creamy sauces. To ensure that it does not overshadow the meal, add a bit at a time. It’s a tasty accent to savory foods.

Ground Mustard

At first look, mustard seeds seem to be an unexpected substitute for white pepper, but powdered mustard has a mild flavor that may compensate for the lack of white pepper. Powdered mustard’s light color and taste may be a decent substitute for white pepper in your white sauce, but it may give your meal a yellowish tint.

If you’re making a meal with cheese, butter, or meat, you may choose to start with ground mustard as a white pepper substitution. Ground mustard pairs nicely with the other components suggested.

Replace the white pepper with a pinch of ground mustard. You may make changes based on your preferences.

Red Chili Flakes

Red chili flakes provide a spicy touch to your food, so use them sparingly as a replacement for white pepper. It has the same texture as white pepper but no additional flavors or sauces. It works well as a replacement for white pepper.

Red chili flakes have a somewhat earthy taste and a moderate level of spiciness. To get the desired flavor intensity for your meal, add the chili flakes a bit at a time.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is often used on Thanksgiving in the United States, as well as in England and continental Europe. It is a decent replacement for white pepper due to its mild taste.

The tastes of nutmeg are woody, sweet, and somewhat nutty. Since nutmeg is highly fragrant, it is best to use less than a teaspoon.

Too much nutmeg may result in soapy or bitter baked items, beverages, or dishes. If you’re replacing white pepper with it, start with a pinch and modify from there.

While nutmeg may be used in both sweet and savory recipes, you should not use more than a teaspoon to be safe. Nutmeg overdose may produce dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea.

It may also have an impact on the healthy functioning of your brain. Nutmeg includes a chemical called myristicin, which has comparable effects to opioids and may get you euphoric.

Pepper Mix

You may also try some of the pepper mixtures available at grocery shops. Lemon pepper, Cajun spice, and more flavors are available. Keeping a variety of pepper blends on hand may be useful, particularly if you cook most of your meals at home.

A pepper combination might assist compensate for the taste that your food requires. It may be used in place of white pepper or any other spice you may be missing. Add a bit at a time to acquire the flavor you want for your food.

Create Your Own Blend of Spice

You may even make your own spice mix that you can use if a spice, such as white pepper, is lacking. You may experiment with the various spice mixes that you need depending on the recipes that you often prepare.

If you want to create a quick, tasty salad dressing or a simple dip for your vegetables, try the spice mix recipe below.

Ingredients required:

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tsp. celery seed

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon oregano

2 tbsp dried basil1 tbsp

2 tbsp parsley (dry)

Just combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl before placing the completed spice mixes in a jar. Use the spice mixture as required.