Are Oxo cubes vegetarian? A detailed guide to the full range

Over 100 years after its inception, Oxo has expanded its product line to include meat-free options. However, whether all Oxo cubes are vegetarian depends entirely on the specific flavour and ingredients, as the traditional beef and chicken versions contain animal products.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Oxo stock cubes, detailing which flavours are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It explains the differences between traditional and meat-free variants and advises on how to check ingredients.

Key Points

• Not All Oxo Cubes Are Vegetarian: Traditional beef and chicken flavours contain animal products and are not plant-based.

• Vegetable Cubes Are Vegetarian/Vegan: The standard Oxo Vegetable Stock Cubes are suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.

• 'Meat Free' Range is Plant-Based: Oxo offers 'Meat Free' versions of its beef and chicken flavour cubes, which are suitable for vegans.

• Check the Label: Always read the product packaging carefully and look for 'Suitable for Vegans' or 'Meat Free' labelling to confirm suitability.

• Traditional vs. Plant-Based: The presence of 'meat extract' indicates a traditional, non-vegetarian cube, whereas yeast extract is a common vegetarian flavouring in plant-based versions.

• Stock Pots Vary: Like the cubes, Oxo's stock pots and other products must be checked individually as some contain animal products while others are plant-based.

• Label Reading is Key: The best way to avoid confusion is to look for explicit dietary claims on the packaging and ignore assumptions based on the flavour name alone.

Understanding the Different Types of Oxo Cubes

Oxo offers a variety of stock cubes, with a clear distinction between traditional meat-based flavours and dedicated vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Checking the packaging is essential.

Traditional Oxo Cubes

Traditional Beef and Chicken Oxo cubes contain meat ingredients and are not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. Historically, Lamb flavoured cubes also contained animal products.

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Oxo Cubes

Oxo has expanded its range with plant-based options. Vegetable Stock Cubes are made from vegetable stock, herbs, and spices, and are suitable for vegans. The 'Meat Free' flavoured cubes mimic beef and chicken tastes using yeast extract and other flavourings, without animal ingredients, and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

How to Identify Vegetarian and Vegan Oxo Cubes

Check the packaging for ingredient lists and labels.

Ingredient List: Look for 'meat extract' or 'bone stock'. Vegetarian options often use yeast extract.

Packaging Indicators: Clear labels like 'Suitable for Vegans' or 'Suitable for Vegetarians' are key.

Flavour Naming: 'Beef Flavour' or 'Chicken Flavour' without 'Meat Free' usually indicates animal ingredients.

Comparing Oxo's Stock Cube Ranges

Feature	Traditional Beef/Chicken	Vegetable Stock Cubes	Meat Free Beef/Chicken Flavour
Contains Animal Products?	Yes	No	No
Suitable for Vegetarians?	No	Yes	Yes
Suitable for Vegans?	No	Yes	Yes
Primary Flavouring	Meat juices, bone stock	Vegetable extracts, herbs	Yeast extract, seasonings
Packaging Label	'Beef' or 'Chicken'	'Vegetable'	'Meat Free Beef Flavour' or 'Meat Free Chicken Flavour'

Beyond Cubes: Oxo's Stock Pots and Seasonings

Oxo also offers stock pots and seasonings. Their suitability varies, with some containing meat and others like Garden Vegetable stock pots being plant-based. Always check individual product packaging.

The Importance of Label Reading for Vegetarians

Careful label reading is crucial due to the mix of animal-based and plant-based products within the brand. The 'Meat Free' naming aims to attract both plant-based diets and flexitarians. Check the official OXO website for detailed product information.

Conclusion

While not all Oxo cubes are vegetarian, the brand provides vegetarian and vegan options. Traditional meat flavours are not suitable, but vegetable stock cubes and 'Meat Free' variants are. Always check the label for 'Suitable for Vegans' or 'Meat Free' designations to confirm suitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific Oxo cubes are suitable for vegetarians?

The Oxo Vegetable Stock Cubes and the 'Meat Free' Beef and Chicken Flavour Stock Cubes are all suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Can vegans use the 'Meat Free' Oxo cubes?

Yes, the Oxo 'Meat Free' range, including the beef and chicken flavour cubes, are clearly labelled as suitable for vegans.

Do all Oxo cubes contain meat?

No, not all Oxo cubes contain meat. While the traditional beef and chicken versions do, the vegetable and 'Meat Free' variants are completely plant-based.

How can I tell the difference between vegetarian and non-vegetarian Oxo cubes?

The most reliable method is to look for clear labelling on the packaging. The vegetarian options will be marked 'Vegetable Stock Cubes' or 'Meat Free'. Always check the ingredients list for confirmation.

Do Oxo vegetable cubes contain any animal products?

No, Oxo vegetable stock cubes are free from animal-derived ingredients and are clearly labelled as suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Is the original beef Oxo cube vegetarian?

No, the original beef Oxo cube contains dried beef bonestock and other animal products, making it unsuitable for a vegetarian diet.

Where can I find vegetarian Oxo cubes?

Vegetarian and vegan Oxo cubes, including the vegetable and 'Meat Free' flavours, are widely available in most major supermarkets and online stores.