Looking for Sage Substitutes? We’ll run the gamut for you on some spices/herbs you may have heard or thought of, and others not so much. What are the best sage alternatives to flavor your dish? Can you name the Canadian version of sage? Read on and find out!

Did you know that there are a number of spices that you can substitute for sage that will still provide that earthy and peppery taste you’re after? Or did you know that sometimes you can combine some of your favorite spices? Depending on what you’re cooking, there are several options to substitute sage leaves or ground sage seasoning.  

What is the Flavor of Sage?

Sage is earthy and peppery, with hints of eucalyptus, lemon, and mint. The taste may differ slightly depending on the varieties of sage including common, garden and cooking sage.

What Can I Use in place of Sage?

1. Marjoram

This perennial is cold-sensitive with pine and citrus flavors. Found mostly in Middle Eastern countries. Marjoram is used for seasoning soups, stews, salad dressings, sauces, and herbal teas.

2. Savory: The Canadian Version of Sage

Sometimes known as Summer Savory or Winter Savory, Summer Savory is a popular herb in Atlantic (East Coast) Canada. It is the main flavoring in dressing for many meat dishes.

Summer Savory has a much less bitter taste than Winter Savory. 

3. Oregano

This culinary herb is used for the flavor of its leaves. It’s more flavorful when dried than fresh, believe it or not. They say good quality must be strong enough to almost numb the tongue.

Oregano is used most in Italian cuisine.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is another member of the mint family, and dates all the way to 5000 BC.

Its leaves are used to flavor various foods such as stuffings and roast meats.

5. Thyme

This herb has culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. It’s best cultivated in hot and sunny locations with good drainage. Thyme is best matched with vegetables and meat.

6. Poultry Seasoning

Poultry Seasoning includes many of the spices listed above. You can find it at most grocery stores or order online. It’s mainly used to flavor chicken or turkey, it can also be applied to stuffing.

You can also mix and match and try making your own Poultry Seasoning.

7. Bay Leaf

This aromatic leaf is commonly used in cooking, but also used in different foods and recipes in different countries around the world.

Visit the international section of your local grocery store, or try a specific ethnic store, to try the different types of Bay Leaves from around the world.

8. Italian Seasoning

In a hurry or simply can’t be bothered with being creative in choosing your spices then Italian seasoning is the way to go. It is the perfect combination of basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and savory. If you’re making it fresh and want to spice it up a bit add a pinch of cilantro and red pepper flakes.

Dried Sage Substitute for Fresh Sage

Use one-third the amount of dried herb for the fresh herb called for in a recipe.

Can You Substitute Basil for Sage?

Yes! When dried correctly, basil is more potent in terms of flavor than sage.

You can use whole or shredded leaves when using Basil. 

It’s best served with tomatoes, cheeses, chicken, eggs, and vegetables.

Sage Substitute for Cleansing

Many indigenous groups have burned sage for centuries as a spiritual ritual to cleanse the room and promote healing. It’s known as smoke cleansing or smudging.  

Mugwort is a good substitute or you can try making your own cleansing bowl out of a combination of flowers and herbs.

Popular Recipe Using Sage

• Santa Maria Tri Tip
• Thanksgiving Stuffing
• Roasted Turkey