Vegetable broth substitutes
Vegetable broth substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth
Same amount as the vegetable broth
Rich, flavorful broth made from chicken bones and vegetables.
The best substitutes for vegetable broth are chicken broth, beef broth, water with seasonings, or bouillon cubes depending on dietary preferences and recipe requirements.
Vegetable broth is the savoury cooking liquid in a soup, a risotto or a pan of grains: it hydrates and thins the way water does, but it also brings salt, a mild herb-and-vegetable flavour, and the savoury depth that keeps the finished dish from tasting flat.
- The tweak —
- May need to reduce salt in recipe.
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationprimary
- Saltsecondary
- Umami & savory depthsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken brothsoups | Same amount |
| 2 | Beef brothhearty soups | Same amount |
| 3 | Water + seasoningscooking grains | 1 cup water + ½ tsp salt + herbs/spices per 1 cup vegetable broth |
| 4 | Bouillon cubes/powderquick cooking | 1 cup water + 1 vegetable bouillon cube per 1 cup vegetable broth |
| 5 | Mushroom brothmushroom dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | Coconut waterAsian dishes | Same amount |
Chicken broth
rich, savory, meaty · similar texture
Rich, flavorful broth made from chicken bones and vegetables.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- soups, risotto, grains, sauces, cooking vegetables
- Prep
- May need to reduce salt in recipe.
Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Richer flavor than vegetable broth.
Beef broth
rich, meaty, intense · similar texture
Hearty broth made from beef bones and vegetables with deep, rich flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- hearty soups, stews, grains, sauces, when you want rich flavor
- Prep
- May overpower delicate flavors.
Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Much richer and more intense than vegetable broth.
Water + seasonings
mild, customizable · similar texture
Simple combination of water with salt and herbs to add flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Misses
- Umami & savory depth — not covered
- Best for
- cooking grains, soups, when you want to control flavor, emergency substitute
- Prep
- Mix water with salt and herbs. Add bay leaves, thyme, or other herbs for flavor.
Most basic substitute. Add herbs, spices, and salt to taste.
Bouillon cubes/powder
concentrated, salty
Concentrated vegetable flavor in cube or powder form.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- quick cooking, when you need instant flavor, soups, sauces
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
- Prep
- Dissolve bouillon cube in hot water. Use 1 cube per cup of water.
Very convenient but may be high in sodium. Check labels for vegetarian/vegan options.
Mushroom broth
earthy, umami, mushroom · similar texture
Rich, earthy broth made from mushrooms and vegetables.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- mushroom dishes, soups, risotto, when you want earthy flavor
- Prep
- Good for mushroom-based dishes.
Great for vegetarian/vegan recipes. Has distinct mushroom flavor.
Coconut water
sweet, mild, coconut · similar texture
Natural liquid from young coconuts with mild, sweet flavor.
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Misses
- Salt — not covered
- Umami & savory depth — not covered
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- Asian dishes, smoothies, when you want natural sweetness, light soups
- Prep
- May need to adjust other seasonings.
Much sweeter than vegetable broth. Best for specific flavor profiles.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, chicken broth can work as a substitute, but it's not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. It will also add a meaty flavor that vegetable broth doesn't have.
What's the best vegetarian substitute for vegetable broth?
Mushroom broth or water with seasonings work well for vegetarian recipes. You can also use vegetable bouillon cubes or powder.
Can I make vegetable broth at home?
Yes, simmer vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs in water for 30-45 minutes. Strain and use as needed.
How long does vegetable broth last in the refrigerator?
Homemade vegetable broth lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store-bought broth lasts according to the expiration date.
Tips for substituting vegetable broth
10 tips- Choose your substitute based on dietary restrictions and recipe requirements
- For vegetarian/vegan recipes: use water + seasonings, mushroom broth, or vegetable bouillon
- For rich flavor: chicken or beef broth work well but aren't vegetarian
- For quick cooking: bouillon cubes or powder are most convenient
- For grains: any broth substitute works well for cooking rice, quinoa, etc.
- For soups: consider the flavor profile you want to achieve
- For risotto: chicken broth or mushroom broth work especially well
- For sauces: use a substitute that complements your main ingredients
- For Asian dishes: coconut water can work for light, sweet applications
- Always taste and adjust seasoning when using different substitutes