Is There a Bouillon Without Maltodextrin?

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, maltodextrin can negatively impact the intestinal microbiome, creating challenges for those with gut health concerns. For this reason and others, many people seek bouillon without maltodextrin, a common filler and thickener in processed foods. This guide explores commercial options and provides simple, clean recipes to create your own flavor-rich, additive-free bouillon.

Quick Summary

This article explores commercially available bouillon options and homemade recipes for those avoiding maltodextrin. It covers brands that offer cleaner alternatives and details how to create your own version using simple, whole ingredients, catering to various dietary needs.

Key Points

• Clean Brands Exist: Yes, there are commercial bouillon brands available that do not contain maltodextrin, such as Edward & Sons and Massel.

• Homemade is the Best Option: For complete control over ingredients and sodium, making your own bouillon powder from nutritional yeast and spices is the most effective approach.

• Maltodextrin Affects Gut Health: This common additive can alter gut bacteria balance and potentially suppress the growth of beneficial probiotics.

• High Glycemic Index: Maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index than table sugar, leading to sharp blood sugar spikes that can be problematic for some individuals.

• Label Reading is Essential: Always check product labels, as ingredient formulations can change and maltodextrin may be listed under different sources.

• DIY Recipes are Simple: Creating your own bouillon is straightforward, requiring a few common pantry ingredients and a spice grinder or blender.

• Choose Premium Alternatives: For store-bought options, look for organic or whole-food-based bouillon from brands that explicitly state they are free of additives.

Navigating the Quest for Maltodextrin-Free Bouillon

For many health-conscious consumers, avoiding maltodextrin is a priority due to its high glycemic index and potential negative effects on gut bacteria. A quick glance at ingredient labels on most conventional bouillon products reveals this starchy additive, used for thickening, binding, and extending shelf life. The good news is that viable alternatives exist, from specialized store-bought brands to simple DIY versions made at home. The journey begins with careful label reading and ends with a flavorful, additive-free stock.

Why Bouillon Often Contains Maltodextrin

Bouillon is designed for convenience, and maltodextrin plays a key role in achieving that goal. This highly processed powder serves several functions:

• Stabilizer and thickener: Maltodextrin helps bind powdered ingredients and gives broths a creamy texture.
• Cost-effective filler: It increases the product's volume at a low cost, a significant advantage for manufacturers.
• Flavor carrier: Its neutral taste allows it to carry other flavorings effectively, ensuring a consistent product.
• Preservative: By absorbing moisture, it prevents caking and extends the shelf life of powdered mixes.

Commercial Bouillon Brands Without Maltodextrin

Finding a pre-packaged bouillon free of maltodextrin requires vigilance, but several reputable brands offer cleaner ingredient lists. Some use alternative starches or natural flavor boosters like nutritional yeast to achieve a rich taste and texture.

• Edward & Sons: This brand offers a line of "Not-Chick'n" and "Not-Beef" bouillon cubes, including low-sodium options. Their focus is on cleaner ingredients, making them a popular choice for those avoiding additives.
• Massel: Another brand known for its gluten-free and MSG-free stock and bouillon products. Massel offers powder and cube formats with a strong emphasis on natural ingredients.
• Better Than Bouillon (Organic Line): While their conventional products may contain corn-derived additives, the organic concentrated bases are often a cleaner alternative. It is still crucial to read the label of any specific product, as formulations can vary.
• GoBio!: This brand provides organic bouillon cubes that are gluten-free and non-GMO, offering a cleaner option for many recipes.

How to Make Your Own Maltodextrin-Free Bouillon

For complete control over ingredients, making bouillon powder at home is the best solution. Homemade versions are rich in flavor and free from industrial additives. Here is a simple, versatile recipe using pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup sea salt or Himalayan pink salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: Add all dry ingredients to a blender or spice grinder.
2. Process: Pulse or blend until a uniform, fine powder forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Store: Transfer the finished powder to an airtight jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
4. Use: For broth, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of the powder in 1 cup of hot water. Use it as a seasoning for rice, soups, and sauces.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Bouillon

Feature	Store-Bought Bouillon (Conventional)	Store-Bought Bouillon (Clean Brands)	Homemade Bouillon
Maltodextrin	Often included as a thickener and filler.	Explicitly excluded by certain brands like Edward & Sons and Massel.	None, full control over all ingredients.
Ingredient Control	Limited; can contain hidden additives and flavor enhancers.	High; often uses organic or whole-food based alternatives.	Complete; tailor flavors and salt content to personal preference.
Cost	Typically the lowest per serving.	Higher than conventional options due to premium ingredients.	Often the most cost-effective long-term, using bulk ingredients.
Freshness	Varies; designed for long shelf life.	Good, with a focus on stable, natural ingredients.	Maximize freshness by making small batches as needed.
Customization	Zero.	Minimal, flavors are pre-set.	Infinite; add more herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast as desired.

The Impact of Maltodextrin on Health

Beyond simple avoidance for clean eating, understanding the health implications provides context for why many people seek alternatives. Maltodextrin's high glycemic index (GI), which is even higher than table sugar, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, posing a risk for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. Moreover, some studies suggest that maltodextrin consumption may negatively alter the balance of gut bacteria, potentially increasing the risk of certain digestive issues and inflammatory conditions.

For those sensitive to specific starches, maltodextrin's origin is also a factor. While often derived from corn in the U.S., it can also come from wheat, potatoes, or rice. Though the processing is meant to remove proteins, including gluten, those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease should be cautious about potential trace amounts. Opting for certified gluten-free products or a DIY approach eliminates this risk entirely.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Choice Awaits

For those seeking bouillon without maltodextrin, the path forward is clear and flavorful. Whether you choose to invest in a premium, additive-free brand like Edward & Sons or Massel, or you prefer the ultimate control of crafting your own blend from scratch, delicious and healthier options are abundant. Eliminating this common filler allows you to enjoy richer flavors while prioritizing your dietary needs and gut health.

For more in-depth information on food additives and their effects, the NIH offers extensive research, such as their work on maltodextrin and the intestinal environment, which is highly informative.

Keypoints

• Yes, there are bouillon options without maltodextrin: Look for clean-label brands such as Edward & Sons, Massel, or the organic lines of Better Than Bouillon.
• Maltodextrin is a common filler and thickener: It is used in conventional bouillon for cost-effectiveness and to extend shelf life.
• Homemade bouillon is the best alternative: Making your own from nutritional yeast, herbs, and spices gives you complete control over ingredients and sodium.
• Maltodextrin can impact blood sugar: With a higher glycemic index than sugar, it can cause rapid blood glucose spikes.
• It may negatively affect gut health: Research suggests maltodextrin can alter gut bacteria balance, suppressing probiotics.
• Label reading is crucial: Always check ingredients, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities, as the source starch may vary.
• Healthier options are available: Both commercial and DIY methods provide tasty, additive-free alternatives for clean eating.

FAQs

Question: Why do so many brands put maltodextrin in their bouillon? Answer: Manufacturers use maltodextrin because it is an inexpensive and versatile additive that acts as a stabilizer, thickener, and filler, helping to improve a product's texture, prolong its shelf life, and carry flavors effectively.

Question: How can I tell if a bouillon cube has maltodextrin? Answer: The only way to know for certain is to read the ingredient list on the product's packaging. Maltodextrin must be declared as an ingredient, and if it is present, it will be listed there.

Question: Is homemade bouillon powder expensive to make? Answer: No, making homemade bouillon powder is often more cost-effective in the long run. The initial cost for bulk herbs and nutritional yeast might seem higher, but it yields a large batch that far surpasses the volume and freshness of store-bought alternatives.

Question: Is bouillon without maltodextrin automatically healthier? Answer: While removing maltodextrin eliminates a highly processed carbohydrate with a high glycemic index, the overall healthiness of a bouillon depends on all its ingredients, including sodium levels and other additives. Always check the full nutrition label.

Question: What is a simple substitute for maltodextrin in cooking? Answer: For thickening, natural alternatives to maltodextrin include arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or coconut flour. For flavor, nutritional yeast is a popular choice for savory, maltodextrin-free seasoning.

Question: Where can I find specific brands that sell bouillon without maltodextrin? Answer: Check health food stores, organic grocers, and online retailers for brands like Edward & Sons, Massel, or GoBio! Always review the specific product's ingredient list before purchasing, as formulas can differ.

Question: Is maltodextrin gluten-free? Answer: In the U.S., maltodextrin is typically made from corn and is considered gluten-free. However, it can sometimes be derived from wheat, and while processing is intended to remove gluten, trace amounts might remain. For severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease, verifying the source and opting for certified gluten-free products is safest.

Citations

Laudisi F., Di Fusco D., Dinallo V., Stolfi C., Di Grazia A., Marafini I., et al. (2019). The food additive maltodextrin promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress–driven mucus depletion and exacerbates intestinal inflammation. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol., 7, 457–473. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.09.002. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6409436/]

101 Cookbooks (2022). Homemade Bouillon Powder. 101cookbooks.com. [https://www.101cookbooks.com/homemade-bouillon-powder/]

Edward & Sons (n.d.). Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes, Low Sodium, 8 Cubes. iherb.com. [https://pk.iherb.com/pr/edward-sons-not-chick-n-bouillon-cubes-low-sodium-8-cubes/117038]

WebMD (2023). What Is Maltodextrin?. webmd.com. [https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-maltodextrin]

Broth of Life (2017). Top 5 Dangers of Maltodextrin. brothoflife.com.au. [https://www.brothoflife.com.au/blogs/blog/top-5-dangers-of-maltodextrin]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do so many brands put maltodextrin in their bouillon?

Manufacturers use maltodextrin because it is an inexpensive and versatile additive that acts as a stabilizer, thickener, and filler, helping to improve a product's texture, prolong its shelf life, and carry flavors effectively.

How can I tell if a bouillon cube has maltodextrin?

The only way to know for certain is to read the ingredient list on the product's packaging. Maltodextrin must be declared as an ingredient, and if it is present, it will be listed there.

Is homemade bouillon powder expensive to make?

No, making homemade bouillon powder is often more cost-effective in the long run. The initial cost for bulk herbs and nutritional yeast might seem higher, but it yields a large batch that far surpasses the volume and freshness of store-bought alternatives.

Is bouillon without maltodextrin automatically healthier?

While removing maltodextrin eliminates a highly processed carbohydrate with a high glycemic index, the overall healthiness of a bouillon depends on all its ingredients, including sodium levels and other additives. Always check the full nutrition label.

What is a simple substitute for maltodextrin in cooking?

For thickening, natural alternatives to maltodextrin include arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or coconut flour. For flavor, nutritional yeast is a popular choice for savory, maltodextrin-free seasoning.

Where can I find specific brands that sell bouillon without maltodextrin?

Check health food stores, organic grocers, and online retailers for brands like Edward & Sons, Massel, or GoBio! Always review the specific product's ingredient list before purchasing, as formulas can differ.

Is maltodextrin gluten-free?

In the U.S., maltodextrin is typically made from corn and is considered gluten-free. However, it can sometimes be derived from wheat, and while processing is intended to remove gluten, trace amounts might remain. For severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease, verifying the source and opting for certified gluten-free products is safest.