Out of Vegetable broth, one case
Vegan vegetable broth substitute: plant-based alternatives
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Mushroom broth
Same amount as the vegetable broth
The best vegan vegetable broth substitutes are mushroom broth (1:1 ratio), water with seasonings, or vegan bouillon cubes. These provide excellent flavor while maintaining plant-based integrity.
- Best for —
- Mushroom dishes
One casethe full vegetable broth card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mushroom brothMushroom dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Water + seasoningsCooking grains | 1 cup water + ½ tsp salt + herbs per 1 cup vegetable broth |
| 3 | Vegan bouillon cubes/powderQuick cooking | 1 cup water + 1 vegan bouillon cube per 1 cup vegetable broth |
| 4 | Miso brothAsian dishes | 1 cup water + 1 tbsp miso paste per 1 cup vegetable broth |
| 5 | Coconut waterAsian dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | Vegetable stockAll vegan cooking | Same amountWorks |
Mushroom broth
earthy, umami, rich · similar texture
Rich, earthy broth made from mushrooms and vegetables
- Best for
- Mushroom dishes, Hearty soups, Risotto, When you want umami flavor
Good for vegan recipes. Adds deep, earthy flavor and umami richness.
Water + seasonings
mild, customizable · similar texture
Simple, customizable vegan substitute
- Best for
- Cooking grains, Soups, When you want to control flavor, Emergency substitute
Most basic vegan substitute. Add herbs, spices, and salt to taste.
Vegan bouillon cubes/powder
concentrated, salty
Convenient vegan broth substitute
- Best for
- Quick cooking, When you need instant flavor, Large batch cooking, Emergency substitutions
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Check labels to ensure they're vegan. Very convenient but may be high in sodium.
Miso broth
umami, savory · similar texture
Umami-rich broth made from fermented soybeans
- Best for
- Asian dishes, When you want umami flavor, Soups, Risotto
Adds deep umami flavor. Whisk miso into hot water until dissolved.
Coconut water
sweet, mild · similar texture
Natural liquid from young coconuts
- Best for
- Asian dishes, Light soups, When you want natural sweetness, Smoothies
Much sweeter than vegetable broth. Best for specific flavor profiles.
Vegetable stock
similar taste and texture
Homemade or store-bought vegetable stock
- Best for
- All vegan cooking, Soups, Sauces, Grains
Essentially the same as vegetable broth. Check labels for vegan certification.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan cooking requires plant-based alternatives that provide similar flavor and functionality to vegetable broth. The substitutes must maintain the umami and savory qualities while being completely plant-based.
Tips for substituting vegetable broth
10 tips- For vegan cooking, mushroom broth provides the most umami flavor
- For quick vegan cooking, use vegan bouillon cubes or powder
- For Asian vegan dishes, miso broth adds excellent umami flavor
- For light vegan dishes, coconut water can work for specific applications
- For homemade vegan broth, simmer vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs
- For vegan risotto, use mushroom broth or miso broth for best results
- For vegan soups, any of these substitutes work well as the base
- For vegan sauces, use a flavorful substitute like mushroom or miso broth
- Always check labels to ensure substitutes are truly vegan
- For vegan baking, water with seasonings works best for most applications
Notes on vegetable broth
- Use a combination of different vegan broths for complex flavor
- Add nutritional yeast for cheesy, umami flavor
- Use seaweed or kelp for extra umami depth
- Add soy sauce or tamari for savory flavor
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best vegan substitute for vegetable broth?
Mushroom broth is the best vegan substitute for vegetable broth. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. It provides rich, earthy flavor and umami depth that works well in vegan cooking.
Can I use mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, mushroom broth works excellently as a substitute for vegetable broth in vegan recipes. It adds deep, earthy flavor and umami richness that enhances many dishes.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth in vegan cooking?
You can use mushroom broth, water with seasonings, vegan bouillon cubes, miso broth, or coconut water. Choose based on the flavor profile you want and the specific dish you're making.
Can I use miso instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, miso paste mixed with water creates an excellent vegan substitute for vegetable broth. Whisk 1 tablespoon miso paste into 1 cup hot water until dissolved.
Are bouillon cubes vegan?
Some bouillon cubes are vegan, but not all. Check the ingredients list to ensure they don't contain animal products. Look for brands that specifically label their products as vegan.
Can I use coconut water instead of vegetable broth?
Coconut water can work as a substitute, but it's much sweeter than vegetable broth. It's best for specific dishes like Asian-inspired recipes or when you want a light, sweet flavor.
How do I make vegan vegetable broth at home?
Simmer vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs in water for 30-45 minutes. Strain and use as needed. You can also add seaweed for extra umami flavor.
What's the difference between vegetable broth and vegetable stock?
Vegetable broth and vegetable stock are essentially the same thing. Both are made by simmering vegetables in water. The terms are often used interchangeably in vegan cooking.