Crafting the Perfect Pho: Custom Seasonings That Capture Authentic Flavor

Few soups offer the balance of comfort and complexity quite like pho. Originating in Vietnam and now celebrated around the world, this aromatic noodle soup combines savory broth, tender noodles, and fresh herbs into a harmonious bowl of flavor. For food manufacturers and culinary brands, recreating pho’s signature taste starts with one thing - the seasoning blend.

At Carolina Ingredients, we partner with brands to craft custom seasoning blends that capture authentic flavor while meeting each product’s unique culinary and production goals - whether it’s the deep, comforting essence of pho or a bold new flavor concept.

Building the Base: Layers of Bold, Authentic Flavor

A great pho broth is a masterpiece of depth and dimension. Traditional recipes rely on ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, clove, ginger, coriander, and black pepper to create warmth and richness. Our R&D specialists work closely with clients to capture these authentic profiles while tailoring flavor intensity, color, and aroma to each brand’s unique application - whether it’s an instant soup mix, frozen entrée, or meal kit.

Through our custom seasoning development process, we can help you design blends that stay true to the roots of pho while aligning with today’s culinary trends. From umami-boosted beef broths to delicate vegan or chicken varieties, each blend is crafted to deliver both consistency and craveability.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation with Merisal Salt

Pho’s hallmark flavor comes from its balance - deep, savory broth contrasted by bright herbs and spices. Achieving that same balance in a seasoning system often requires innovation, especially when formulating for today’s health-minded consumers. That’s where Merisal Salt comes in.

This natural low-sodium alternative allows developers to reduce sodium without dulling the rich, layered notes that make pho so distinctive. When incorporated into your custom pho seasoning blend, Merisal Salt enhances umami depth while preserving the broth’s authentic character - a perfect solution for brands seeking both bold flavor and mindful formulation.

Merisal Salt also performs seamlessly in dry and liquid seasoning systems, making it ideal for large-scale manufacturing and foodservice pho applications alike.

From Idea to Bowl: Innovation Through Collaboration

Every pho blend we create begins in our state-of-the-art R&D lab, where culinary innovation meets technical precision. Our team of food scientists and flavor experts collaborate with your brand to develop, test, and perfect a seasoning blend that aligns with your goals - from sodium reduction and clean-label claims to shelf stability and sensory appeal.

Our commitment to sustainability ensures that the ingredients we source and the processes we use reflect responsible practices for a better tomorrow. Learn more about our efforts on our Sustainability page.

Partner with Carolina Ingredients

At Carolina Ingredients, we don’t just create seasonings - we create custom flavor solutions designed to help your brand stand out. Whether you’re introducing a new pho-inspired product line or refreshing an existing formula, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.

Discover how our custom seasoning development and Merisal Salt innovation can help you deliver delicious, lower-sodium pho that consumers will love. 

Contact our team today to get started!