When homemade isnt an option, the pros turn to these trusty alternatives.

Which one is the best?

Always purchase unsalted stock so that you’re able to control the seasoning in your final dish.

Southern Living Homemade Chicken Stock in jars ready to use

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Lawrence Weeks, owner & executive chef ofNorth of BourbonandEnsoinLouisville, Kentucky, is also team Brodo.

It comes frozen and is made of high quality, and not from concentrate.

you’re able to tell it comes from a skilled craftsman, says Weeks.

Swanson Broth and Stock

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Another reason its her top choiceits sustainably made.

Its the only land-to-market verified bone broth in the country, explains Steffan.

It doesnt have a bunch of added ingredients, and the flavors are clean and tasty.

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

What makes Roli-Roti the chefs pick?

A lot of times, that feeling is lost when using bouillon or boxed stocks, explains Iaconis.

Its the best stock base, in my opinion, he says.

Better Than Bouillon jars on grocery store shelves

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Mushroom Powder

Laurence Faber, chef and owner ofPotchkeinKnoxville, Tennessee, swears by mushroom powder.

I am obsessed with it, he says.

So it works great in Southern cooking as well as Asian dishes.

Lemon-pepper shrimp scampi in green and blue bowls

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I love making some things vegetarian during the holidays, so that everyone can enjoy them, he says.

The jars are shelf-stable until opened and can be easily found in any Asian grocery store or on Amazon.