Umami Boosters: 5 Best Substitutes for Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powder might be your go-to for that deep, earthy kick in dishes.

Sometimes, you’ve gotta switch it up, and that’s okay.

We’re here to spill the beans on the top five stand-ins for mushroom powder.

Finding a substitute isn’t just about mimicking flavor.

It’s about keeping that umami richness front and center in your meals.

And guess what? We’ve found some killer alternatives.

These swaps are not only easy to find but also simple to use.

You won’t miss a beat in the kitchen. Ready to keep your cooking game strong, even without mushroom powder?

The 5 Best Substitutes for Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powder is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and umami flavor to various dishes.

However, if you run out of mushroom powder or are looking for alternatives, there are several substitutes available.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for mushroom powder, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Garlic Powder	Pungent and savory flavor; adds depth to dishes	Use an equal amount of garlic powder as a substitute for mushroom powder
Nutritional Yeast	Nutty and cheesy flavor; enhances umami taste	Use an equal amount of nutritional yeast as a substitute for mushroom powder
Make Your Own Mushroom Powder	Customizable blend of dried mushrooms; creates a homemade substitute	Use an equal amount of homemade mushroom powder as a substitute for store-bought mushroom powder
Onion Powder	Sweet and savory flavor; complements other spices and seasonings	Use an equal amount of onion powder as a substitute for mushroom powder
Sliced, Dried Mushrooms	Intense mushroom flavor; can be ground into a powder or rehydrated for texture and taste	Use an equal amount of sliced, dried mushrooms (ground into a powder) as a substitute for mushroom powder

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Garlic Powder

Alongside salt and black pepper, garlic powder is a common seasoning found in almost every kitchen.

In terms of taste, it is slightly acidic with a hint of nuttiness.

In fact, garlic powder is made from dehydrating mashed garlic cloves.

They are then ground into a fine onion-like powder instead of the granular form.

In terms of taste, it has a slightly more bitter taste than fresh garlic cloves.

Compared to its fresh counterpart, garlic powder is not as strong or pungent.

This can make it an ideal substitute for those who want a milder taste compared to other options on this list.

• Key Characteristics: Garlic powder has a pungent and savory flavor that can add depth to dishes. Although different from mushroom powder, it can enhance the overall taste profile.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of garlic powder as a substitute for mushroom powder. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of garlic flavor.

2 – Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast has a very distinctive taste.

This is often compared to cheese or even fish, which can be rather unpleasant for some people.

The yeast is naturally low in fat and sodium.

It also has high protein content and other health benefits, such as B-complex vitamins and folic acid.

Nutritional yeast is slightly nutty with a rather sweet aftertaste in terms of taste.

In fact, it often has an added hint of lemon juice to enhance its flavor.

While nutritional yeast is typically used as a vegan or vegetarian substitute for cheese, it can be rather expensive.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, it’s best to stick with either garlic powder or onion powder.

• Key Characteristics: Nutritional yeast has a nutty and cheesy flavor that enhances the umami taste in dishes. While not identical to mushroom powder, it can contribute to a rich and savory profile.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of nutritional yeast as a substitute for mushroom powder. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of umami flavor.

3 – Make Your Own Mushroom Powder

The great thing about mushroom powder is that it is very easy to make yourself.

To do this, simply follow the steps below:

• Use a food dehydrator or oven to dry your mushrooms at low temperatures for five hours.
• Once they are dried out, blend them into small pieces in your blender or food processor until you reach your desired consistency.
• Store your mushroom powder in an airtight container.

The preparation time is the only downside to using this method, but it certainly beats spending money on commercial products or even buying whole mushrooms that will be used for just one recipe.

• Key Characteristics: Making your own mushroom powder allows you to customize the blend using dried mushrooms of your choice. This homemade substitute can provide a concentrated mushroom flavor.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of homemade mushroom powder as a substitute for store-bought mushroom powder. Adjust the quantity based on the type of mushrooms used and your recipe requirements.

4 – Onion Powder

Onion powder is often used in dishes that already involve some onion.

This works particularly well in soups and sauces, where the onions are gradually cooked in the same dish.

Another benefit of using onion powder instead of fresh onion is that it won’t change the appearance of your food.

It is perfect for when you want to preserve the ‘visual appeal of a meal.

In terms of taste, onion powder is slightly sweet and rather mild.

It has a more ’rounded’ flavor with a less acidic aftertaste than garlic powder.

This means that it isn’t as good at enhancing other flavors in your dish.

While you can buy both mushroom and onion powder, they are also fairly straightforward to make yourself.

Simply dehydrate your onions in the oven or use a food dehydrator until they are dried out.

Then blend them into small pieces using your blender or food processor before storing them in an airtight container.

• Key Characteristics: Onion powder has a sweet and savory flavor that complements other spices and seasonings. While different from mushroom powder, it can add depth to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of onion powder as a substitute for mushroom powder. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of onion flavor.

5 – Sliced, Dried Mushrooms

While dried mushrooms are often used in cooking, they can also be successfully used in place of mushroom powder.

The best part is that they do not need to be dehydrated; simply slice the mushrooms thin and let them dry naturally for a few days before using them.

You may find that some pieces will stick together after drying.

This is particularly the case with the white variety, which is more likely to stick together than other types of mushrooms.

One way around this issue is to sprinkle them with some salt before setting them out to dry.

The biggest downside to using dried mushrooms for mushroom powder is that it takes a while for them to dry out completely.

If you’re looking for an alternative that will work in a pinch, it’s recommended that you either use onion powder or nutritional yeast.

• Key Characteristics: Sliced, dried mushrooms offer an intense mushroom flavor that can be ground into a powder or rehydrated for texture and taste. This option provides a direct mushroom substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of sliced, dried mushrooms (ground into a powder) as a substitute for mushroom powder. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired level of mushroom intensity.