Substitutions

What can I use instead of herbes de provence?

Q: Can I use homemade blend instead of herbes de provence?

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 1 tsp dried thyme + 1 tsp dried savory or marjoram + 1/2 tsp dried rosemary + 1/2 tsp dried oregano. This rebuilds the blend from its actual components, so the proportions and the concentration land where the recipe expects them. Fresher than an old jar of the commercial blend, and you control whether lavender appears at all.

Q: Can I use italian seasoning instead of herbes de provence?

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 1 tbsp Italian seasoning. The two blends share thyme, oregano, rosemary and marjoram, so most of the herbal weight is the same. Italian seasoning adds basil and leaves out savory and lavender. Sweeter and less floral, and the dish reads Italian rather than French. On a roast chicken almost nobody would notice.

Q: Can I use dried thyme instead of herbes de provence?

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 2 tsp dried thyme. Thyme is the dominant herb in most versions of the blend, so on its own it delivers the bulk of what you were after at slightly lower volume. Simpler and more one-note. Perfectly good on potatoes or chicken, less interesting in a slow-cooked stew.

A southern French blend of dried herbs, typically thyme, savory, rosemary, oregano and marjoram, with lavender in many commercial versions.

What it does in a recipe: A ready-made Mediterranean herb base for roasts, grilled meat and vegetables, added early so the dried herbs can rehydrate. Pick the swap that covers that job — the ratios below are written so you can act on them without doing any arithmetic.

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Herbscategory

Quick answer

Homemade blend

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 1 tsp dried thyme + 1 tsp dried savory or marjoram + 1/2 tsp dried rosemary + 1/2 tsp dried oregano

All substitutes, best first

4 ways to replace herbes de provence

Homemade blend

Closest match

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 1 tsp dried thyme + 1 tsp dried savory or marjoram + 1/2 tsp dried rosemary + 1/2 tsp dried oregano

This rebuilds the blend from its actual components, so the proportions and the concentration land where the recipe expects them.

MethodCrush the rosemary before mixing so it is not splintery, and add a pinch of dried lavender only if you want the floral version.

Trade-offFresher than an old jar of the commercial blend, and you control whether lavender appears at all.

CookingBakingFryingVeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-free

Italian seasoning

Reliable

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

The two blends share thyme, oregano, rosemary and marjoram, so most of the herbal weight is the same. Italian seasoning adds basil and leaves out savory and lavender.

Trade-offSweeter and less floral, and the dish reads Italian rather than French. On a roast chicken almost nobody would notice.

CookingBakingVeganVegetarianDairy-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-free

Allergen checkBoth of these are packaged blends, and their non-herb components differ between brands — some use wheat-derived flow agents. Read the label before cooking gluten-free, and take a diagnosed allergy to the manufacturer rather than to a recipe site.

Dried thyme

Reliable

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 2 tsp dried thyme

Thyme is the dominant herb in most versions of the blend, so on its own it delivers the bulk of what you were after at slightly lower volume.

Trade-offSimpler and more one-note. Perfectly good on potatoes or chicken, less interesting in a slow-cooked stew.

CookingBakingVeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-free

Dried oregano and rosemary

In a pinch

1 tbsp herbes de Provence = 2 tsp dried oregano + 1 tsp crushed dried rosemary

These two cover the assertive and resinous ends of the blend's range, which is most of what registers in a roast.

Trade-offMore pungent and pine-heavy than the original, with none of its softness. Go lighter than the ratio suggests if the dish is delicate.

CookingFryingVeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-free

Worth knowing

Lavender is a modern and largely export-driven addition to this blend, not a traditional one. If a dish tastes soapy, the lavender is usually why.

At a glance

Herbes de Provence in summary

Category	Herbs
Job in a recipe	A ready-made Mediterranean herb base for roasts, grilled meat and vegetables, added early so the dried herbs can rehydrate
Suits	Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free, Soy-free
Swaps available for	Dairy-free Egg-free Gluten-free Nut-free Soy-free Vegan Vegetarian
Number of substitutes	4

More herbs

Bay leaf4 substitutes Curry leaves4 substitutes Dried basil4 substitutes Dried oregano4 substitutes Dried thyme4 substitutes Fresh basil4 substitutes

Cooking around an allergy? Diet tags here describe the ingredient itself, not any particular brand. Processed products change formulation without notice and shared production lines are common, so read the label on everything you use. A severe allergy is a medical matter — confirm with the manufacturer or your clinician rather than relying on a substitution chart.