Pantry & condiments
Vegan alternative to chicken-broth instant noodles: the best substitutes
Everything you need to replace chicken-broth instant noodles with a plant-based substitute — which one to use, the exact ratio, and the mistakes that ruin the result.
Short answer
Key takeaways
- Best all-round swap: Vegan ramen packs (direct swap).
- Ratio: 1:1.
- Pro tip: Keeping a jar of miso and a bag of dried shiitake turns any plain noodle block into a real broth in 4 minutes.
- 2 tested vegan alternatives to chicken-broth instant noodles in total.
Why chicken-broth instant noodles isn't vegan
Seasoning sachets contain chicken powder.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Vegan ramen packs | Direct swap |
| Plain noodles + miso + kombu | Better and cheaper |
How to substitute chicken-broth instant noodles, step by step
- 1
Pick the right substitute for the job
For most recipes use Vegan ramen packs — direct swap. If you need a different texture, Plain noodles + miso + kombu works for better and cheaper.
- 2
Measure using the correct ratio
1:1. Weigh rather than eyeball it — small errors show up much faster when replacing chicken-broth instant noodles.
- 3
Adjust the method
Keeping a jar of miso and a bag of dried shiitake turns any plain noodle block into a real broth in 4 minutes.
- 4
Taste and correct
Plant swaps are usually a little less salty and less rich than chicken-broth instant noodles. Season at the end and add acid (lemon, vinegar) or umami (miso, nutritional yeast) if the dish tastes flat.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swapping by volume when the recipe measures chicken-broth instant noodles by weight — check the ratio above first.
- Using a sweetened or flavoured version in a savoury recipe.
- Ignoring the method change: Keeping a jar of miso and a bag of dried shiitake turns any plain noodle block into a real broth in 4 minutes.
- Assuming every packaged product labelled "plant-based" is vegan — some still contain milk powder, honey or egg. Scan the barcode to be sure.
Conversion ratio
1:1.
Pro tip
Keeping a jar of miso and a bag of dried shiitake turns any plain noodle block into a real broth in 4 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to chicken-broth instant noodles?
- Vegan ramen packs is the closest all-round swap — direct swap. 1:1.
- Why isn't chicken-broth instant noodles vegan?
- Seasoning sachets contain chicken powder.
- How much do I use instead of chicken-broth instant noodles?
- 1:1.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Keeping a jar of miso and a bag of dried shiitake turns any plain noodle block into a real broth in 4 minutes.
Not sure if a product contains chicken-broth instant noodles?
Scan any barcode with VeggieOS for an instant vegan verdict and better swaps — 100% free, no paid plans.
Try VeggieOS free — no paid plans