How to Convert Spices and Thickeners from Grams to Teaspoons
Most ground spices weigh 2.2–2.6 grams per teaspoon, so 5 grams of nutmeg equals 2¼ teaspoons. Chart for paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, xanthan gum, cornflour and flour.
Most ground spices weigh 2.2–2.6 grams (g) per teaspoon (tsp). Five grams of ground nutmeg equals 2¼ tsp, 5 g of paprika equals 2.2 tsp and 5 g of ground black pepper equals 2.2 tsp.
Spices are light, so a 1 g error changes the spoon amount by almost ½ tsp. Use the weights below from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) FoodData Central database.
How to Convert Spices from Grams to Teaspoons
To convert spices from grams to teaspoons, divide the grams by the weight of 1 tsp of that spice.
| Spice | 1 tsp weight | 1 g in teaspoons | 5 g in teaspoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground nutmeg | 2.2 g | 0.45 tsp | 2.27 tsp |
| Paprika | 2.3 g | 0.43 tsp | 2.17 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 2.3 g | 0.43 tsp | 2.17 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2.6 g | 0.38 tsp | 1.92 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 2.1 g | 0.48 tsp | 2.38 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1.8 g | 0.56 tsp | 2.78 tsp |
| Ground turmeric | 3.0 g | 0.33 tsp | 1.67 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 3.1 g | 0.32 tsp | 1.61 tsp |
| Onion powder | 2.4 g | 0.42 tsp | 2.08 tsp |
| Chili powder | 2.7 g | 0.37 tsp | 1.85 tsp |
| Dried oregano (leaves) | 1.0 g | 1.00 tsp | 5.00 tsp |
How Many Teaspoons Is 5 Grams of Nutmeg?
5 grams of ground nutmeg is 2¼ teaspoons. One whole nutmeg seed weighs 5–7 g and grates into 2–3 tsp of ground nutmeg.
How to Convert Paprika and Black Pepper
To convert paprika and black pepper, divide the grams by 2.3. Both spices weigh 2.3 g per level teaspoon.
- 1 g paprika or ground pepper = 0.43 tsp
- 2 g paprika or ground pepper = 0.87 tsp
- 10 g paprika or ground pepper = 4.35 tsp (1.45 tbsp)
Whole black peppercorns weigh 2.9 g per tsp. Coarse-ground pepper weighs 2.5 g per tsp.
How to Convert Thickeners from Grams to Teaspoons
To convert thickeners from grams to teaspoons, divide the grams by the thickener’s weight per teaspoon.
| Thickener | 1 tsp weight | 1 g in teaspoons | 10 g in teaspoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xanthan gum | 3.0 g | 0.33 tsp | 3.33 tsp |
| Cornflour (cornstarch) | 2.7 g | 0.37 tsp | 3.70 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2.6 g | 0.38 tsp | 3.85 tsp |
| Arrowroot powder | 2.7 g | 0.37 tsp | 3.70 tsp |
| Unflavored gelatin powder | 3.1 g | 0.32 tsp | 3.23 tsp |
| Guar gum | 2.8 g | 0.36 tsp | 3.57 tsp |
In the United Kingdom (UK), “cornflour” means cornstarch. US cornflour is finely ground cornmeal, a different product. The flour calculator covers flour types.
How Much Xanthan Gum to Use
Use xanthan gum by these 4 amounts per 1 cup (120–140 g) of gluten-free flour:
| Recipe | Xanthan gum per cup of flour |
|---|---|
| Cookies | ¼ tsp (0.75 g) |
| Cakes and pancakes | ½ tsp (1.5 g) |
| Muffins and quick breads | ¾ tsp (2.25 g) |
| Yeast bread | 1–1½ tsp (3–4.5 g) |
Thicken sauces with ⅛–¼ tsp (0.4–0.75 g) of xanthan gum per 1 cup (240 mL) of liquid.
How Much Cornflour to Thicken a Sauce
Use 1 tbsp (8 g) of cornflour per 1 cup (240 mL) of liquid for a medium sauce. Mix the cornflour with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of cold water before adding the slurry to hot liquid.
Why Do Ground and Whole Spices Weigh Differently?
Ground and whole spices weigh differently, since particle size changes the air space in the spoon. Whole black peppercorns weigh 2.9 g per tsp, and ground black pepper weighs 2.3 g per tsp. Packed or old ground spices clump and weigh 10–20% more per spoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teaspoons is 5 grams of paprika?
5 grams of paprika is 2.17 teaspoons, a little more than 2 tsp.
How many teaspoons is 1 gram of black pepper?
1 gram of ground black pepper is 0.43 teaspoons, a little less than ½ tsp.
How many grams is 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum?
1 teaspoon of xanthan gum is 3 grams (0.11 oz).
How many teaspoons is 10 grams of flour?
10 grams of all-purpose flour is 3.85 teaspoons, about 1¼ tbsp.
Read the main grams to teaspoons guide for sugar, salt and liquid conversions.