I usually use actual garlic cloves, but tried this as a sub when I ran out. The powder flies everywhere and sometimes you can't control the amount. I then bought the granules, and they are a bit stronger in garlic taste and can be controlled. I didn't find the flakes any better than the powder, either. So, if you need a substitute, the granules are the best. But try to keep "real" garlic instead.-- and beware of the "bad" Chinese garlic cloves being imported/sold in the U.S. ...