If you need fresh mint in a recipe, but don’t have any on hand, you’re in luck! There are many great substitutes that can give your food that same delicious flavor, nutrition, and texture. Here are some substitutes for mint including dried mint, peppermint, basil, lemon balm, parsley, cilantro, and oregano.

fresh mint leaves on countertop.
Fresh mint leaves (photo source: Canva).

Fragrant and delicious, mint is a popular culinary herb all over the world, adding a unique flavor and aroma to foods.

What’s more, it’s easy to grow at home – so easy that it can quickly take over your garden, so I like to grow mine in pots.

Types of Mint

The mint family has lots of different varieties, from the commonly known spearmint and peppermint to the more exotic apple mint, chocolate mint, and Mojito mint (often called cocktail mint). The type most commonly used in cooking is spearmint, which is often referred to as “garden mint.”

It has a mild, sweet taste that works well in all kinds of recipes – sweet or savory – whereas peppermint is better for desserts. That’s because it’s very high in menthol compared to spearmint, giving it a much stronger flavor and a cooling sensation on your tongue.

In this article I’ll focus on substitutes for spearmint, the variety most often called for in recipes.

Substitutes for Fresh Mint

Here’s a look at some common substitutes for garden mint in your recipes and how they compare.

1. Dried Mint

dried mint in bowl.
Dried mint.

Dried mint is a great substitute for fresh mint in your recipes, but it has a much more concentrated flavor.

It’s ideal for all cooked dishes, especially when you add it early in the cooking process. This allows it to rehydrate so that the flavor can infuse through the food. For the same reason, it works well as an alternative to fresh mint in teas, dressings, and marinades.

But it’s not suitable for garnishes or dishes like salads, which need the texture and bright flavor of fresh mint leaves.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around ½ teaspoon of dried mint.

2. Peppermint

fresh peppermint leaves on table.
Peppermint leaves.

Because of its high menthol content compared to spearmint, peppermint has a much stronger, spicier flavor and a cooling effect on the palate.

As a rule of thumb, only use it in dishes where you want the mint flavor to really stand out. 

This will usually be for drinks like teas or cocktails, or minty desserts where the sweetness helps balance its intensity.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around 2-3 fresh peppermint leaves.

3. Basil

bunch of fresh basil leaves.
Fresh basil.

Sweet and aromatic, basil makes a great substitute for mint in most recipes. 

Along with hints of mint, it has anise and pepper notes, giving it a warmth and freshness that blends well with a wide variety of dishes.

Sweet basil is the best type to use. It’s great in Mediterranean dishes, especially those containing cheese, tomatoes, or pasta. It also adds brightness to salads, sauces, and drinks.

If you’re feeling brave, try using it as an alternative to mint in desserts – its fresh, aromatic flavor with a hint of sweetness can add an interesting twist.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around 5-6 fresh basil leaves.

4. Lemon Balm

fresh lemon balm.
Lemon balm.

If you’ve ever rubbed fresh lemon balm leaves between your fingers you’ll know they release a wonderful, lemony fragrance.

But the great news is that they also have a mildly minty, zesty taste. That’s because lemon balm is actually a member of the mint family. It’s very easy to grow in home gardens.

It works well in drinks – adding a lovely citrussy twist – and tastes great in desserts, too. You can also use it in savory dishes that could benefit from lemon notes, especially chicken, fish, and vegetables.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around 5-6 fresh lemon balm leaves.

5. Flat Leaf Parsley

parsley bunch on table.
Flat leaf parsley.

While parsley doesn’t taste quite like mint, you can use it as a substitute by mixing it with a little lemon or lime juice. This gives it a bright, refreshing flavor and compensates for the lack of menthol.

Parsley is quite earthy compared to mint and doesn’t have any of its sweetness. I wouldn’t recommend it for dessert recipes and suggest you only use it in savory dishes, soups, and salads.

For cooked dishes, add it toward the end of the cooking time. This will help preserve its flavor and bright color.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around 5-6 fresh parsley leaves, plus a couple of drops of lemon/lime juice.

6. Cilantro 

fresh cilantro on table.
Cilantro.

Known as coriander leaves in some parts of the world, cilantro has quite a distinct citrussy/peppery taste that people tend to love or hate! 

But if you’re a fan, you can find that it works well as a mint substitute in dishes needing a bold flavor, especially in Asian, Indian, and Mexican cuisines.

Good examples include grilled dishes, salads, salsas, and curries.

Due to its unique flavor profile, however, cilantro isn’t a suitable alternative to mint in desserts or beverages.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around 10-12 fresh cilantro leaves.

7. Oregano

A closeup of an oregano plant.
Fresh oregano.

Last but not least on my list of the best mint substitutes is fresh oregano. 

While its slightly bitter, earthy flavor makes it unsuitable for sweet dishes – or for salads and drinks that rely heavily on a fresh, minty taste – it can be useful for adding aromatic qualities to cooked savory dishes.

I find it works best with stews and meat dishes, where it adds a pleasant warmth. Just bear in mind that it’s quite a bit more potent than mint, so you’ll need to use less in your recipes.

To substitute 5-6 fresh mint leaves, use around 1-2 teaspoons of fresh oregano leaves or 1/3 to 2/3 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Conclusions

When deciding on which substitutes for mint you are going to use, consider the type of recipe you’re preparing. While all of my suggestions are perfect for cooked dishes, stick to basil, lemon balm, parsley, or cilantro for salads. For desserts and drinks, peppermint, lemon balm, and basil are all great options.

And who knows – you may end up discovering that you prefer the unique flavor these delicious herbs bring to your dishes!

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.