Umami substitutes
Umami substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce
Same amount as the umami
Fermented soybean sauce with intense umami flavor.
The best substitutes for umami are soy sauce, miso paste, or other umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, or nutritional yeast, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of umami | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy saucecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Miso pastecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Mushroomscooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tomatoescooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Nutritional yeastcooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Fish saucecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Soy sauce
similar taste, different texture
Fermented soybean sauce with intense umami flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, stir-fries
More salty, similar umami depth.
Miso paste
similar taste, different texture
Fermented soybean paste with intense umami flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, soups, stir-fries
More concentrated, similar umami depth.
Mushrooms
similar taste, different texture
Fresh or dried mushrooms with natural umami flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, soups, stews
More texture, similar umami depth.
Tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Fresh or canned tomatoes with natural umami flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, soups, stews
More texture, similar umami depth.
Nutritional yeast
similar taste, different texture
Deactivated yeast with intense umami flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, sauces, soups, stir-fries
More concentrated, similar umami depth.
Fish sauce
similar taste, different texture
Fermented fish sauce with intense umami flavor.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces, stir-fries
More salty, similar umami depth.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use soy sauce instead of umami?
Yes, soy sauce is a good substitute for umami. It has intense umami flavor and can be used in most recipes that call for umami.
What's the difference between umami and soy sauce?
Umami is a taste sensation, while soy sauce is a specific ingredient that provides umami flavor. Soy sauce is one of the best sources of umami.
Can I use miso paste instead of umami?
Yes, miso paste can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor profile. It has intense umami flavor and can be used in most recipes.
Why is umami so popular in cooking?
Umami is popular in cooking because it adds depth, savoriness, and helps enhance the flavors of other ingredients. It's also a traditional ingredient in many cuisines.
Tips for substituting umami
6 tips- Umami adds depth and savoriness to dishes
- Umami can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Umami pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Umami works well in marinades and sauces
- Umami can be used to make broths and stocks
- Store umami-rich ingredients in a cool, dry place