Granulated Garlic vs. Garlic Powder

Main Difference

The main difference between granulated garlic and garlic powder is that granulated garlic has a coarse texture whereas garlic powder has a very fine texture.

Difference Between Granulated Garlic and Garlic Powder

Comparison Chart

Granulated Garlic Vs. Garlic Powder

Garlic is a popular seasoning in almost every food culture. This relative of the onion gives a pungent, savory flavor that is used in almost everything from stews to pickles. Granulated garlic and garlic powder are two forms of this spice that gives much of the flavor like fresh garlic, without the hassle of peeling and chopping the cloves. Both forms consist of dehydrated ground garlic. To manufacture these dehydrated forms, garlic cloves are first peeled and then minced. The minced garlic is then dried in ovens and ground to different degrees of fineness. Granulated garlic is closer in texture to cornmeal while garlic powder has a very fine texture than granulated garlic and is closer to cornstarch. Granulated garlic traps more air and contains less garlic per volume, whereas garlic powder traps less air and contains more garlic per unit volume. Granulated garlic does not form clumps when mixed with liquid but, garlic powder easily clumps and dissolve in liquid. Mostly, both forms are available in pure form in the market, but, some manufacturers also used additives to improve their flow or prevent caking. As both forms are made from dehydrated garlic so, they have a similar nutritional profile. But, the dehydration process causes the removal of much of the nutritional value of garlic, so neither form is as good as fresh garlic. However, they both still retain some important nutrients like vitamin B6 and iron.

What is Granulated Garlic?

Granulated garlic is minced dehydrated garlic. It is made up of dehydrated garlic cloves. It has a coarse texture and resembles that of cornmeal. Its production involves peeling, cleaning, dehydrating, and then mincing garlic. Some manufacturers also add anti-caking agents in it to avoid clumping. Its coarse, irregular garlic particles trap more air. So, it means that there is less garlic per unit volume, and it will take a few minutes before it releases its flavor into any dish. As it has larger granules, so, granulated garlic does not form clumps when mixed in a liquid. It is best for use in dressings, soup, sauces, and in other wet dishes. It is also best for barbeque rubs and spice rubs because it mixes more evenly with other spices. It is used as a preferable substitute for fresh garlic.

What is Garlic Powder?

Garlic powder is pulverized dehydrated garlic and is also known as “powdered garlic.” Garlic powder has a very fine texture that is similar to that of flour. To make this powder, real garlic cloves are first peeled then cleaned, dehydrated, and finely ground. Some manufacturers may also add a little anti-caking element in it to avoid clumping. Garlic powder traps less air because of its extra-fine consistency. So, this means that a volume of garlic powder gives a powerful flavor quickly. It forms clumps but dissolves easily when combined with the liquid. Garlic powder is best for marinades, in dishes with short cooking times, or for injecting flavor into the meat. It is also important as a condiment and is placed along with pepper and salt on restaurant tables. This powder form is more potent than the granulated form and provides a more intense garlic flavor.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is summarized that granulated garlic is minced dehydrated garlic with a coarse texture and contains less garlic per unit volume whereas, garlic powder is pulverized dehydrated garlic with fine texture and more garlic flavor per unit volume.