Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for vegetable broth
Best swap for vegetable broth: Mushroom broth, 1:1; deeper umami flavor.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Vegetable Broth?
The best swap for Vegetable Broth is Mushroom Broth, 1:1; deeper umami flavor. Another option is Water, 1:1; season dish more aggressively to compensate. A third option is Water with Bouillon, 1:1 made up to strength; the most available option. The table below also lists Chicken Broth, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Mushroom broth | 1:1; deeper umami flavor |
| Water | 1:1; season dish more aggressively to compensate |
| Water with bouillon | 1:1 made up to strength; the most available option How to use it: Dissolve 1 bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon broth granules in each cup of boiling water. |
| Chicken broth | 1:1 where the dish need not be vegetarian |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.