How to Make Homemade Bouillon Powder Substitute
This homemade bouillon powder substitute is a lifesaver if you’ve ever reached for a bouillon cube only to find an empty box in your pantry. Packed with incredible flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a great way to create a savory base for soups, stews, and sauces without relying on store-bought cubes filled with artificial flavors and hydrogenated oils.
A Homemade Bouillon Powder Substitute is a versatile and flavorful addition to any kitchen. Made with wholesome ingredients like nutritional yeast, turmeric, and garlic powder, it offers a healthier alternative to store-bought options. This customizable blend is perfect for creating savory broths, enhancing soups, or seasoning your favorite recipes while avoiding artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

Why Make Your Own Bouillon Powder?
Store-bought bouillon cubes and powders often contain artificial ingredients, caramel color, and hydrogenated oils. You can skip the artificial flavors and create a seasoning blend tailored to your taste by making your own bouillon powder. Plus, you’ll save money and avoid trips to the grocery store.
Homemade chicken bouillon powder is versatile, shelf-stable, and a great substitute for bouillon cubes. It works wonders in everything from spicy curries to rich soups and even vegan recipes with a quick flavor swap. The best part? You probably already have most of the pantry staples needed.
Ingredients for Homemade Bouillon Powder
This recipe calls for high-quality ingredients to ensure a rich flavor:
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor or spice grinder: To blend ingredients into a fine powder.
- Airtight container: Store your bouillon powder in a cool dark place for up to a couple of months.
- Measuring spoons: Precision is key for the perfect flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Measure out all your dry ingredients. If dehydrated vegetables are used, ensure they’re completely dry before grinding.
Step 2: Blend to a Fine Powder
Add all the ingredients to a food processor or spice grinder. Pulse until everything is reduced to a fine powder form. This step is crucial for even seasoning.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Sample a small amount and adjust the seasoning blend to your taste. Add more garlic powder, salt, or black pepper as needed.
Step 4: Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer your homemade bouillon powder to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool dark place to maintain its delicious flavor.
How to Make Broth Using the Bouillon Powder
Making a rich and flavorful broth with your homemade bouillon powder is incredibly simple:
- Measure: Combine 1 teaspoon of bouillon powder with 1 cup of hot water for a basic broth.
- Mix: Stir until the powder dissolves completely.
- Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more powder for a stronger flavor or extra water for a milder taste.
- Enhance: Add vegetables, herbs, or a splash of white wine for extra depth, depending on the recipe.

This broth can serve as a base for soups, stews, and risottos or even as a flavorful cooking liquid for grains like rice or quinoa.
Troubleshooting Tips
Taste as you go and make small adjustments to ensure your bouillon powder suits your palate perfectly. Not every batch will turn out perfect on the first try, but here’s how you can adjust it to match your flavor preferences:
- Too Salty: Reduce the amount of salt and balance it with a pinch of sugar or additional nutritional yeast.
- Lacks Umami: Boost the umami flavor by adding more nutritional yeast, mushroom powder, or soy sauce powder.
- Needs More Depth: To enhance the savory flavor, add a bit more garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme.
- Low Sodium Option: Reduce the salt or use a salt substitute to create a low-sodium version.
- Mild Spice Flavor: If the black pepper or other spices are too strong, cut their amounts in half and adjust to taste in your next batch.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade bouillon powder fresh and flavorful for a long time. Here are some tips:
Use Mason Jars or Glass Jars
Mason jars are an excellent choice for storing your bouillon powder. Their airtight seal ensures the powder stays dry and protects it from air and light.
Keep in a Cool, Dark Place
Store the jar in a pantry or cabinet away from heat sources and sunlight, as these can degrade the flavor over time.
Check for Freshness
Smell the powder to determine if it has lost its flavor. If the savory aroma has faded, it’s time to make a new batch.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, your bouillon powder can last up to a couple of months while maintaining its incredible flavor.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Homemade bouillon powder isn’t just about flavor—it’s packed with beneficial components:
- Nutritional Yeast: A powerhouse ingredient that’s a good source of B vitamins and a complete protein, making it an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians.
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric adds both color and health benefits to your bouillon powder.
- Garlic Powder: Offers immune support and brings a savory depth to your recipes.
Disclaimer: The health benefits mentioned are based on commonly known properties of the ingredients and are not intended as professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for specific dietary or health concerns.
How to Use Your Bouillon Powder
- Mix 1 teaspoon of your bouillon powder with 1 cup of hot water for a flavorful broth.
- Use it as a seasoning blend in your favorite recipes like soups, stews, or even rice dishes.
- Add extra flavor to vegan recipes or use as a chicken broth substitute.

Tips for Customizing Your Bouillon Powder
Vegan Option
Skip the dehydrated chicken meat and chicken fat, and focus on nutritional yeast and mushroom powder for a vegan bouillon powder.
Vegetable Broth Base
For a wholesome vegetable bouillon powder, use dehydrated vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
Extra Umami
Add white wine powder or amino acids for a deeper flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this as a substitute for store-bought cubes?
Absolutely! This bouillon powder is a great substitute for store-bought cubes or powders. Use about 1 teaspoon for every cup of water.
How long does this last?
It can last several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Is this healthier than store-bought options?
Yes! This homemade option is healthier with no artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils, or caramel color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade chicken bouillon powder is the backbone of this recipe for a flavorful broth that rivals any store-bought counterpart. It’s easy to make, packed with incredible flavor, and perfect for home cooks who love creatively using pantry staples. Whether you’re whipping up spicy curries or looking for a quick chicken stock substitute, this seasoning blend is a must-try.
Printable Recipe Card
Don’t forget to download the recipe card and keep it handy for a long time. Your homemade bouillon powder will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Homemade Bouillon Powder Substitute
A Homemade Bouillon Powder Substitute is a versatile and flavorful addition to any kitchen. Made with wholesome ingredients like nutritional yeast, turmeric, and garlic powder, it offers a healthier alternative to store-bought options. This customizable blend is perfect for creating savory broths, enhancing soups, or seasoning your favorite recipes while avoiding artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives.
Ingredients
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Measure out all your dry ingredients. If dehydrated vegetables are used, ensure they’re completely dry before grinding.
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor or spice grinder. Pulse until everything is reduced to a fine powder form. This step is crucial for even seasoning.
- Sample a small amount and adjust the seasoning blend to your taste. Add more garlic powder, salt, or black pepper as needed.
- Transfer your homemade bouillon powder to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool dark place to maintain its delicious flavor.
Notes
- Too Salty: Reduce the amount of salt and balance it with a pinch of sugar or additional nutritional yeast.
- Lacks Umami: Boost the umami flavor by adding more nutritional yeast, mushroom powder, or soy sauce powder.
- Needs More Depth: To enhance the savory flavor, add a bit more garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme.
- Low Sodium Option: Reduce the salt or use a salt substitute to create a low-sodium version.
- Mild Spice Flavor: If the black pepper or other spices are too strong, cut their amounts in half and adjust to taste in your next batch.
Final Thoughts
Making your own bouillon powder is a rewarding kitchen project and a fantastic way to ensure you’re cooking with wholesome, high-quality ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a versatile and delicious seasoning blend that enhances your meals while steering clear of artificial flavors and additives. Try this recipe, and you’ll never look at store-bought cubes the same way again!
If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
Here are some recommended posts that may Fancy your interest!
18 Homemade Pantry Mixes for Cooking & Baking
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Gain Access to the Freebie Library
Accessing the freebie library is easy and provides many helpful resources to boost creativity and organization. Inside, you’ll find a variety of free downloads like art prints, handy checklists, a cleaning list, a gardening journal, and much more. Whether you want to stay organized, inspired, or add charm to your home or work, these freebies are designed to help you along the way! Visit the library, pick what you need, and enjoy these exclusive resources today.
I had no idea you could make your own bouillon. I’m definitely going to try this!
Yes, it is so easy to do! Let em know what you think!
Yes, please! This is awesome! Totallymaking a batch because I’m tge person with the empty box!😁
Lol I am glad this post inspired you. 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Should I use 1 tsp. per cup?
Its 1 tablespoon per cup. I will add that to post!