Aromat Powder Substitutes

Aromat is a popular seasoning powder that has been used in kitchens worldwide since 1952.

With its savory, umami taste, Aromat can transform the flavor of eggs, vegetables, meats, pasta and more. But what if you find yourself out of this versatile seasoning when a recipe calls for it?

Have no fear - there are plenty of aromat powder substitutes available to help you recreate that tasty flavor profile in your dishes.

Table of Contents

A Closer Look at Aromat Powder

To understand how to mimic Aromat seasoning, it helps to first examine what gives it such a distinctive savoriness. Here are some of the key characteristics of this popular condiment:

MSG - Many versions of Aromat contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which provides that savory umami taste. MSG is controversial, with some claiming adverse effects while others insist on its safety. The good news is umami flavor can be achieved without MSG!
Yeast extract - Often included in Aromat, yeast extract adds depth of flavor. Substitutes like nutritional yeast and marmite contain natural glutamates that provide savory notes.
Herbs and spices - Ingredients like onion, garlic, turmeric and celery seed give Aromat its richness. Dried herbs are an easy way to mimic this blend of flavors.
Salt - Salt makes up a significant portion of Aromat, enhancing overall flavor. When selecting a substitute, salt content must be considered depending on dietary needs.

With this breakdown in mind, we can now explore alternatives that will provide the right blend of tastes to take the place of Aromat in recipes.

Handcraft Your Own Aromat Substitute

One of the best ways to replicate the Aromat experience is to create your own custom blend using ingredients you have on hand. This allows you to control the exact combination of flavors and tailor it to your personal tastes.

Here are two easy homemade Aromat seasoning substitute recipes to try:

Savory Herb Blend

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon celery seed
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir or shake to fully blend. Store in an airtight container.
Use just like you would Aromat - sprinkle on eggs, meat, vegetables, pasta dishes, etc. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon at first and adjust amount to suit your tastebuds.

This homemade recipe mimics Aromat's herbaceous flavors. Play around with the measurements as you like to perfect the balance. Dried parsley, rosemary or tarragon would also make tasty additions.

Umami Seasoning Blend

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon mushroom powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions:

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined.
Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve freshness.
Sprinkle over foods in place of Aromat to provide savory, umami-rich flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if needed.

Nutritional yeast gives this blend a cheesy, umami boost while the mushrooms enhance savoriness. Feel free to experiment with different proportions to find your perfect aromatic blend.

Key Takeaway: Making your own DIY aromat substitute allows full control over the flavor profile. Herbs, spices, yeasts and salts are easy ways to mimic aromat's taste at home.

Store-Bought Alternatives to Aromat Seasoning

Don't have time to blend your own aromatic spices? Not to worry, there are several pre-made products that can stand in for Aromat:

Vegeta - A popular Eastern European seasoning mix very similar to Aromat. It contains salt, yeast extract, vegetables, spices and natural flavors.
Maggi Seasoning - This Mexican condiment combines salt, corn maltodextrin, spices and yeast extract for umami flavor.
Accent Flavor Enhancer - Accent contains monosodium glutamate, so mimics Aromat's MSG taste. Use sparingly as it is pure MSG.
Bragg Sprinkle - A seasoning blend of onion, garlic and herbs without MSG. It boasts a sodium-free alternative to Aromat.
Spike Seasoning - Spike is an all-purpose blend of salt, herbs and spices. Choose from original, lemon-pepper or vegetarian options.
Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning - For a budget-friendly choice, this simple blend of dried mushrooms, onion and seaweed brings savory umami flavor.

When selecting a pre-made alternative, check the ingredients list and nutrition label. Compare salt content and watch for allergens that may be present in spices. Start with less than recipes call for and adjust seasoning to taste.

Key Takeaway: Convenient pantry staples like Vegeta, Maggi and Bragg provide tasty shortcuts to replicating aromat's signature savory profile.

Cooking with Aromat Substitutes

Aromat livens up so many recipes across cuisines. Here are some delicious ways to use homemade blends or commercial seasoning substitutes in place of Aromat powder:

Eggs

Aromat takes basic scrambled or fried eggs to the next level. Recreate that flavor boost with:

1/4 tsp umami seasoning per egg
Pinch of Spike original or lemon pepper for fried eggs
Sprinkle of Bragg sprinkle in scrambled eggs

Roasted Vegetables

Coat veggies in olive oil and add aromat substitutes before roasting:

1/4 tsp homemade savory herb blend per cup of veggies
Sprinkle of Maggi on top of finished roasted vegetables

Steamed Greens

Umami powder makes steamed broccoli or kale irresistible:

1/2 tsp Trader Joe's Umami Seasoning sprinkled on top
Light dusting of Accent (MSG) for flavor enhancement

Meat Dishes

Use Vegeta instead of aromat on chicken, beef or pork before cooking. Start with 1/4 tsp per pound of meat.
Add pinch of Spike vegetarian or 1/2 tsp savory herb blend to hamburger patties.

Pastas and Grains

Boost flavor of pasta, rice or quinoa with aromat stand-ins:

stir Maggi into tomato sauce for pasta, about 1/4 tsp per cup of sauce
Mix 1 tsp homemade umami blend into fried rice or risotto
Add Bragg sprinkle to cream sauces or macaroni and cheese, about 1/8 tsp per serving

FAQs

What's the closest thing to actual Aromat powder?

For the most similar taste and texture, Vegeta or Maggi seasoning powders are near equivalents to traditional Aromat. They contain similar ingredients like yeast extracts, vegetables, and MSG.

Is there an aromat substitute without MSG?

Yes, Bragg Sprinkle provides MSG-free umami flavor. Homemade blends let you avoid MSG while still getting savory tastes from nutritional yeast, dried mushrooms, etc.

What's the best salt-free aromat alternative?

Bragg Sprinkle is a sodium-free seasoning that comes closest to Aromat's flavor profile. For homemade blends, you can leave out added salt and rely on salty ingredients like garlic powder or mushroom powder for flavor.

Can I use garam masala as an Aromat substitute?

Not exactly - garam masala is an Indian spice blend that contains warm spices like cinnamon, cumin and cardamom. It won't mimic the savory umami taste of Aromat powder.

Is there a keto-friendly Aromat seasoning substitute?

Yes! Make your own blend using salt, nutritional yeast, onion and garlic powders. Or use a ready-made option like Spike Seasoning, which is low-carb. Just check labels to avoid added sugars.

Conclusion

Aromat seasoning powder may be a beloved pantry staple, but there are many ways to recreate its savory umami deliciousness without the exact original. Homemade blends give ultimate control over ingredients and flavors. Or utilize convenient spice mixes like Vegeta and Bragg Sprinkle to closely mimic that aromatic taste.

The key is experimenting with different aromat substitutes to find your perfect match. Adjust amounts starting small until the flavor profile suits your tastebuds. Soon you'll discover a world of options for enhancing your cooking when you run out of go-to Aromat powder.