Does OXO Have MSG in It? The Truth About Your Stock Cubes

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Food labelling can often be confusing, with ingredient lists containing scientific names that sound unfamiliar. When it comes to the popular UK brand OXO, many consumers ask the question, "Does OXO have MSG in it?" The straightforward answer is that yes, many OXO stock cubes and gravy granules do contain added monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Quick Summary

This article details which OXO products contain MSG by analyzing their ingredient lists. It explains what MSG is, its role as a flavour enhancer, and how to identify it on product packaging. Information is provided on the safety of MSG and alternatives for those wishing to avoid it. Specific ingredient comparisons for various OXO product lines are included to offer clarity.

Key Points

MSG Present in Most Traditional OXO Products: A review of product ingredients confirms that most traditional OXO stock cubes (Beef, Chicken, Vegetable) and gravy granules contain added monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Identifying MSG on Labels: On ingredient lists, MSG is often listed by its full name, monosodium glutamate, or its E-number, E621.
Yeast Extract is Another Flavour Enhancer: Many OXO products also contain yeast extract, which naturally contains glutamates and contributes to the umami flavour.
Consider Alternatives to Avoid MSG: Alternatives include purchasing MSG-free stock from other brands, choosing specific OXO variations (if available) without MSG, or making homemade stock for complete control.
MSG Is Considered Safe by Regulatory Bodies: Leading health organizations, including the FDA and EFSA, classify MSG as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for human consumption.
Decades of Research Debunk 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome': The stigma surrounding MSG is largely based on anecdotal reports, and extensive scientific research has found no conclusive link between moderate MSG intake and adverse health effects for the general population.

Understanding MSG in Your OXO Products

For many home cooks, OXO has been a kitchen staple for decades, relied upon for adding a robust, savoury depth to everything from stews to gravies. The secret behind this intense flavour often comes down to flavour enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG). While the presence of MSG is clearly declared on ingredient lists, many people overlook this detail. Let's break down the role of MSG and exactly where you can find it within the OXO product range.

What Exactly is MSG?

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods, including tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and human breast milk. It is used in cooking and food manufacturing as a flavour enhancer to add the savoury, umami taste. The commercial MSG used in products like OXO is produced through the fermentation of starches or sugar cane, a process similar to how yogurt or vinegar are made.

Which OXO Products Contain MSG?

It's important to remember that not all OXO products are the same, and their ingredient formulations can vary. However, a review of common OXO product ingredients confirms the use of MSG as a flavour enhancer in most of their traditional stock cubes and gravy granules.

OXO Beef Stock Cubes: Contain flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (E621) and disodium guanylate (E627).
OXO Chicken Stock Cubes: The ingredient list for these includes monosodium glutamate (E621).
OXO Vegetable Stock Cubes: These also contain monosodium glutamate (E621) and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635).
OXO Original Gravy Granules: Flavour enhancers in this product include monosodium glutamate (E621), disodium guanylate (E627), and glutamic acid (E620).

Alternatives and Options for Avoiding MSG

For those who wish to avoid MSG, whether due to sensitivity or personal preference, there are alternative options available. You can opt for competitor brands that explicitly state they do not use MSG, or choose OXO's specific product variations that are formulated without it. For example, some 'Reduced Salt' or 'Organic' lines may have different recipes. However, the most reliable method for an MSG-free broth is to make your own stock from scratch using fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and meat or bones. This allows for complete control over all ingredients.

The Role of Yeast Extract and Other Flavour Enhancers

Beyond MSG, OXO products often contain other flavour-enhancing ingredients, most notably yeast extract. Yeast extract naturally contains glutamate and can contribute to the umami flavour profile. However, if a product contains yeast extract and also uses MSG, the ingredient panel must explicitly list monosodium glutamate by name or its E-number (E621). This is a crucial detail for consumers with sensitivities or those seeking to minimize their intake of added flavour enhancers.

Is MSG Harmful? A Look at the Science

The perception of MSG as being harmful largely stems from anecdotal reports and the historical controversy surrounding "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," a condition that has been extensively studied and debunked by numerous health authorities. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classify MSG as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).

Scientific evidence suggests that the human body metabolizes added MSG and natural glutamate in food identically. While a small percentage of the population may experience mild and temporary reactions to large doses of MSG consumed without food, for the vast majority, moderate consumption is not a health concern. The EFSA has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for glutamic acid and glutamates (E620–E625) at 30 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Comparison: OXO Stock Cubes vs. Alternatives


Feature	OXO Stock Cubes	Make-Your-Own Stock	Competitor MSG-Free Cubes
Convenience	Excellent: Pre-measured and dissolves easily.	Poor: Requires time, ingredients, and preparation.	Excellent: Simply dissolve in hot water.
Added MSG	Present in most traditional varieties (Beef, Chicken, Vegetable).	None (unless added by choice).	None (confirmed by product labelling).
Sodium Control	Limited control, though 'Reduced Salt' options exist.	Complete control over sodium content.	Varies by brand; often a selling point.
Gluten Content	Most contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free.	Can be made gluten-free with careful ingredient selection.	Many brands offer certified gluten-free options.
Ingredients	A blend of flavourings, starches, and fats.	Fresh vegetables, meat/bones, herbs, and spices.	Uses yeast extract or other non-MSG flavourings.
Taste Profile	Strong, consistent, and savoury flavour due to enhancers.	Varied, fresh flavour depending on ingredients.	Aims for a natural, savoury taste without added MSG.

Conclusion

For consumers asking, "Does OXO have MSG in it?", the answer is definitively yes for most of its traditional stock cubes and gravy granules. This is not a hidden fact but is clearly listed in the ingredients, often as 'monosodium glutamate' or its E-number, E621. For those seeking to avoid MSG, reading the label is the first and most important step. Many alternatives exist, from different brands offering MSG-free products to making your own stock entirely from scratch. Given the scientific consensus on its safety, the choice to consume or avoid MSG in OXO is ultimately a personal one based on dietary preferences and sensitivities. Being an informed consumer empowers you to make the best decisions for your kitchen and health.

This article is for informational purposes only. For medical advice, consult with a qualified healthcare professional. You can read more about MSG's safety from authoritative sources like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Most traditional OXO stock cubes, including Beef, Chicken, and Vegetable flavours, as well as the Original Gravy Granules, contain added monosodium glutamate. Checking the ingredient list on the specific product packaging is the most reliable way to confirm.

The E-number for monosodium glutamate is E621. This is the code food manufacturers use for MSG on ingredient lists in many regions.

No, yeast extract is not the same as MSG. Yeast extract is an ingredient that naturally contains glutamates, which contribute an umami flavour. Added monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a specific, isolated flavour enhancer that is listed separately on the ingredients if present.

No, MSG content can vary. While traditional versions contain it, some 'Reduced Salt' or other special varieties may have different formulations. Always check the ingredient list for the specific product you are buying.

You can find MSG-free options from some brands, and some OXO products (like stock pots) may be gluten-free, but traditional OXO cubes are not. For both, it is essential to read the labels carefully. For a guarantee, making stock from scratch is the best option.

MSG is added to intensify and enhance the savoury, umami flavour profile of the food. It creates a richer, more robust taste, especially in processed foods like stock cubes and gravy mixes.

Avoiding added MSG requires vigilance in reading ingredient labels. In addition to monosodium glutamate (E621), be aware of other potential sources of concentrated glutamate, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast extract, and some 'natural flavourings'.