Top 10 vegetable stock applications in plant based meals

Robert Gultig

6 May 2025

Top 10 vegetable stock applications in plant based meals

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Written by Robert Gultig

6 May 2025

Introduction

Vegetable stock is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of plant-based meals to enhance flavor and add depth. In this report, we will explore the top 10 vegetable stock applications in plant-based meals, highlighting the companies that produce vegetable stock and the financial data associated with the industry.

1. Soups and Stews

Overview

One of the most common uses of vegetable stock is in soups and stews. Vegetable stock adds a rich and savory flavor to these dishes, making them more satisfying and delicious.

Industry Insights

Companies like Pacific Foods and Imagine Foods are leading producers of vegetable stock for soups and stews. The global market for soup is expected to reach $20.6 billion by 2025, driving the demand for vegetable stock.

2. Risottos

Overview

Vegetable stock is essential for making a creamy and flavorful risotto. The stock is slowly added to the rice, creating a velvety texture and rich taste.

Industry Insights

Brands like Kitchen Basics and Swanson offer high-quality vegetable stock for risottos. The risotto market is growing at a CAGR of 3.8%, increasing the need for vegetable stock in this application.

3. Gravies and Sauces

Overview

Vegetable stock is a key ingredient in making gravies and sauces. It adds depth and complexity to the flavors, enhancing the overall dish.

Industry Insights

Companies such as Better Than Bouillon and Massel are known for their premium vegetable stock for gravies and sauces. The global sauce market is projected to reach $63.8 billion by 2026, driving the demand for vegetable stock.

4. Rice and Quinoa Pilafs

Overview

Vegetable stock can be used to cook rice and quinoa pilafs, infusing the grains with a rich and aromatic flavor.

Industry Insights

Brands like O Organics and Trader Joe’s offer vegetable stock for rice and quinoa pilafs. The global rice market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5%, increasing the use of vegetable stock in this application.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fries

Overview

Vegetable stock can be used to add moisture and flavor to vegetable stir-fries, creating a more vibrant and tasty dish.

Industry Insights

Companies like Knorr and Herb-Ox are popular choices for vegetable stock in vegetable stir-fries. The global market for stir-fries is expanding, driving the demand for vegetable stock.

6. Vegan Gravy

Overview

Vegetable stock is a staple ingredient in vegan gravy, providing a rich and savory base for this plant-based sauce.

Industry Insights

Brands like Edward & Sons and Vogue Cuisine offer vegetable stock for vegan gravy. The growing trend of veganism is driving the demand for vegetable stock in this application.

7. Bean Dishes

Overview

Vegetable stock can be used to cook beans, adding flavor and moisture to dishes like bean soups, chilis, and stews.

Industry Insights

Companies like Kitchen Basics and Imagine Foods produce vegetable stock for bean dishes. The global market for beans is expected to reach $100.7 billion by 2025, increasing the use of vegetable stock in this application.

8. Veggie Burgers

Overview

Vegetable stock can be used to bind and flavor ingredients in veggie burgers, enhancing their taste and texture.

Industry Insights

Brands like Massel and Pacific Foods offer vegetable stock for veggie burgers. The plant-based meat market is growing rapidly, driving the demand for vegetable stock in this application.

9. Vegetable Casseroles

Overview

Vegetable stock can be used to cook vegetable casseroles, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Industry Insights

Companies like Swanson and Better Than Bouillon are popular choices for vegetable stock in vegetable casseroles. The global market for casseroles is projected to reach $16.2 billion by 2026, increasing the use of vegetable stock in this application.

10. Vegan Broths

Overview

Vegetable stock can be used to make vegan broths, providing a flavorful base for soups, sauces, and other dishes.

Industry Insights

Brands like Imagine Foods and Edward & Sons offer vegetable stock for vegan broths. The global market for plant-based foods is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9%, driving the demand for vegetable stock in this application.
In conclusion, vegetable stock plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and texture of plant-based meals across a variety of applications. Companies in the vegetable stock industry are capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based foods, offering high-quality products for consumers looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diets. As the plant-based food market continues to expand, the use of vegetable stock in plant-based meals is expected to rise, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in the industry.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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