Are OXO stock cubes bad for you?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a survey by Freja, 64% of people use a stock cube as their number one method for adding flavour to meals, yet 79% are unaware that salt can make up to 50% of its weight. This raises important questions about the health implications of these convenient cooking staples. Many people unknowingly consume a significant portion of their daily recommended salt intake from stock cubes alone.

Quick Summary

The healthiness of OXO stock cubes depends on consumption frequency and a person's health status, primarily due to their high sodium and processed ingredient content. While generally recognized as safe in moderation, excessive intake can lead to elevated blood pressure and other health issues. Healthier alternatives like homemade broth or low-sodium options are widely available.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: A major health concern with OXO stock cubes is their high sodium content, which can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
Contains MSG: Flavour enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG) are present, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals, although it is generally recognized as safe.
Minimal Nutritional Value: Stock cubes are a highly processed flavouring and offer very little in the way of beneficial nutrients, unlike homemade broth.
Healthier Alternatives Available: Better alternatives include homemade stock for superior flavour and health, low-sodium stock cubes, or natural herbs and spices.
Moderation is Key: Occasional, moderate use is unlikely to cause harm, but daily, heavy consumption is not recommended for health.
Read Labels: Always check product labels, especially for salt content, as it can be deceptively high based on serving size.
Convenience vs. Health: The primary trade-off is convenience for a higher degree of processing and less control over ingredients.

The composition of a stock cube

To understand whether OXO stock cubes are bad for you, one must first look at what they are made of. A typical OXO beef stock cube lists salt, wheat flour, maize starch, flavour enhancers (including monosodium glutamate, or MSG), colour (caramel), yeast extract, and beef fat among its primary ingredients. While these components are safe in small quantities, their concentration in a single cube is the main cause for concern.

High sodium levels

The most significant health drawback of regular stock cubes is their extremely high sodium content. A single standard beef stock cube can contain around 900mg of sodium, roughly 39% of the recommended daily intake of 2,300mg for the average adult. Overconsumption of sodium is linked to several health problems:

High Blood Pressure: Excess sodium causes the body to retain more water, increasing blood volume and subsequently elevating blood pressure.
Heart Disease and Stroke: Prolonged high blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Kidney Strain: The kidneys must work harder to filter excess sodium from the bloodstream.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

OXO stock cubes, like many processed foods, contain MSG (E621) and other flavour enhancers like disodium guanylate (E627). MSG is a well-known flavour enhancer that provides a savoury, 'umami' taste. While the FDA classifies MSG as 'generally recognized as safe,' some individuals report sensitivity to it, experiencing temporary side effects such as headaches, flushing, or nausea, known as 'MSG symptom complex'.

Lack of nutritional value

Beyond flavour, stock cubes offer minimal nutritional benefit. Unlike homemade stock, which can contain beneficial minerals and collagen, stock cubes are primarily salt and additives. As a result, they add flavour without contributing any significant nutrients to your meal. The beef flavour, for instance, comes from a combination of flavourings and enhancers, not a substantial amount of actual meat extract.

Comparison: Homemade Stock vs. OXO Stock Cubes


Feature	Homemade Stock	OXO Stock Cubes
Ingredients	Whole ingredients like bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices.	Highly processed ingredients, salt, MSG, and flavourings.
Nutritional Content	Contains minerals, vitamins, and amino acids from slow-cooked bones and vegetables.	Low nutritional value; primarily salt and flavour enhancers.
Sodium Control	Completely controllable; allows for a genuinely low-sodium product.	Very high sodium content, requiring careful portion control.
Flavour Profile	Rich, deep, and complex flavour profile from natural ingredients.	Concentrated, intense flavour profile, often salty and one-dimensional.
Additives	None; all-natural ingredients.	Often contains flavour enhancers and artificial colours.
Convenience	Requires time and effort to prepare.	Quick and easy to use for a fast flavour boost.

Healthier alternatives to stock cubes

For those seeking a healthier way to add flavour to their cooking, several options exist:

Homemade Stock: Making your own stock from leftover meat bones and vegetable scraps is the healthiest and most flavourful option. It is also highly cost-effective.
Low-Sodium Stock Cubes: Many brands, including OXO, now offer lower-salt versions, which are a better choice for reducing sodium intake.
Bone Broth: Pre-made liquid bone broth provides a deeper flavour and more nutrients than stock cubes, although it is typically more expensive.
Herbs and Spices: Using a robust blend of herbs, spices, onion powder, and garlic powder can build flavour naturally without the added salt and additives.
Stock Concentrates or Pastes: Products like 'Better than Bouillon' offer a paste-like consistency and can be less salty and more flavourful than standard cubes.

Conclusion

While OXO stock cubes are not inherently 'bad' for you when consumed in moderation, their primary ingredients—high levels of sodium and flavour enhancers like MSG—pose a risk if used excessively. The convenience they offer comes at a nutritional cost, lacking the vitamins and minerals found in homemade stocks. For a truly healthy diet, minimizing the consumption of processed foods like stock cubes is recommended. Opting for homemade alternatives or specifically choosing low-sodium and natural flavourings is the best way to enhance your meals while protecting your long-term health.

For more information on the impact of salt intake on cardiovascular health, you can visit the British Heart Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary health concern is the high sodium content. A single cube contains a significant portion of the recommended daily salt intake, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if overconsumed.

Yes, standard OXO stock cubes contain flavour enhancers, including monosodium glutamate (E621) and disodium guanylate (E627). While generally safe, some individuals may experience sensitivity to these additives.

Yes, low-sodium versions of OXO stock cubes are a better option for those looking to reduce their salt intake without sacrificing convenience. However, they may still contain other processed ingredients.

Homemade stock is almost always healthier. It allows complete control over ingredients and sodium levels, contains more natural nutrients, and avoids the processed additives found in stock cubes.

Yes, OXO produces specific vegetable stock cubes that are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is essential to check the packaging to ensure the product aligns with dietary requirements.

Good natural alternatives include homemade stock or broth, stock concentrates or pastes, and using a blend of herbs and spices to build flavour naturally.

For most healthy individuals, using stock cubes occasionally is fine, especially when diluted properly and balanced with a low-sodium diet. Daily or excessive use should be avoided to prevent consuming too much sodium.