Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from dried thyme or oregano (sometimes hyssop), sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. The name refers both to the blend and to the wild herb plant (Origanum syriacum) that forms its base. The flavor is tangy, herbal, nutty, and earthy — a combination that is both bright and savory. Za'atar is used across Lebanese, Palestinian, Israeli, Syrian, and Jordanian cuisines.
It is most commonly mixed with olive oil and spread on flatbread (manaqeesh), used as a dip for bread and vegetables, sprinkled over hummus, rubbed onto chicken and fish, or stirred into labneh. Za'atar has an incredibly versatile flavor that works in both raw and cooked applications. Its combination of herbal, citrusy, and nutty notes makes it unique among spice blends.
When substituting za'atar, the key components to replicate are the herbal base (thyme/oregano), the sour tang (sumac), and the nutty texture (sesame). You can approximate this blend quite well with common pantry ingredients.
■Best Substitutes for Za'atar
| Substitute | Flavor Match | Swap Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade blend (see below) | Very close match | 1:1 |
| Dried thyme + sesame + lemon zest | Herbal, nutty, bright | 1 tsp thyme + 1/2 tsp sesame + 1/4 tsp zest per 1 tsp za'atar |
| Dried oregano + sumac | Herbal and tangy | 1/2 tsp each per 1 tsp za'atar |
| Dukkah | Nutty, herbal, earthy | 1:1 (less tangy) |
| Italian seasoning + sumac | Herbal, tangy | 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning + 1/4 tsp sumac per 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme alone | Herbal base only | 1:1 (add lemon juice separately) |
| Sumac alone | Tangy only | 1/2:1 |
Quick homemade blend: Mix 2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted), 1 tsp sumac, pinch of salt. Optional: 1/2 tsp dried marjoram.
■How to Choose the Right Substitute
For za'atar mixed with olive oil as a bread dip or spread, making a quick homemade blend is easy and worth the small effort. Dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and a pinch of salt combined with olive oil gives you an authentic result in under five minutes.
For spice rubs and seasonings on chicken or fish, dried oregano combined with sumac provides the herbal-tangy profile. If you do not have sumac, add a small amount of lemon zest and a pinch of ground coriander to dried thyme for a reasonable approximation.
■Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for za'atar on manaqeesh (flatbread)?
Make a quick homemade blend: dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt in olive oil. This is essentially the authentic recipe and tastes nearly identical to packaged za'atar.
What can I substitute for za'atar on chicken?
Dried oregano mixed with a small amount of sumac and sesame seeds makes a very good rub for chicken. Alternatively, use Italian seasoning mixed with sumac and a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking.
Can I leave out za'atar entirely?
In dips and spreads, yes — substitute with a mix of dried thyme and olive oil, finishing with lemon juice for brightness. In more complex dishes, the herbal-tangy profile will be missed but other herbs can fill the gap.
Is za'atar the same as thyme?
Za'atar as a spice blend contains thyme (or a related herb called za'atar hyssop) as its base, but it is not the same as plain thyme. The blend includes sumac, sesame, and salt, making it significantly more complex than thyme alone.
Can I substitute sumac for za'atar?
Sumac is one component of za'atar but does not replace the whole blend. It adds tartness but lacks the herbal and nutty elements. Use sumac only when the tangy component is what you need most.