How much sugar is in Knorr chicken bouillon?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Knorr's US website, the granulated chicken bouillon boasts 0 grams of total sugars per serving. This often surprises consumers who later find "sugar" listed among the ingredients, revealing a discrepancy that exists due to regulations on nutritional rounding. This article explores the truth behind how much sugar is in Knorr chicken bouillon, the purpose it serves, and what ingredient-conscious shoppers should know.

Quick Summary

While nutrition labels often show 0g sugar per serving, many Knorr chicken bouillon products contain sugar and/or maltodextrin. This minimal amount is legally rounded to zero, but it's present for flavor and stability.

Key Points

Minimal Per Serving: Most retail Knorr chicken bouillon products list 0g of sugar per serving due to nutritional rounding, as the amount is less than 0.5 grams.
Sugar in Ingredients: "Sugar" and other sugar derivatives like "maltodextrin" are included in the ingredients list of many formulations for flavor balance and texture.
High Sodium Content: The sodium level is a much more significant nutritional factor in Knorr bouillon than the minimal sugar, often exceeding 500mg per serving.
Regional Variations: The specific ingredients and sugar content can differ between Knorr products sold in different countries or for professional versus retail use.
Hidden Sugars: Consumers should check the full ingredient list for maltodextrin and other sugar-related additives, especially if monitoring carbohydrate intake.
Functional Role: Sugar in bouillon serves multiple purposes, including enhancing flavor, binding ingredients, and aiding preservation, not just providing sweetness.

Understanding Nutritional Labeling and the '0g Sugar' Claim

One of the most common points of confusion for consumers reviewing Knorr chicken bouillon is the nutritional panel. Specifically, seeing a "0g total sugars" claim while also spotting the word "sugar" on the ingredients list. The key to this puzzle lies in the regulations governing nutritional labeling. Food manufacturers are permitted by regulatory bodies like the FDA to declare 0g of a nutrient, including sugar, if the amount per serving falls below a specific threshold. For sugar, this threshold is less than 0.5 grams per serving. Since bouillon is used in small quantities to flavor a large volume of liquid, the tiny amount of added sugar becomes nutritionally insignificant on a per-serving basis, even though it's technically still present.

The Purpose of Sugar and Other Carbohydrates in Bouillon

So, if the amount of sugar is so small, why is it added in the first place? In the complex world of food science, sugar and similar ingredients like maltodextrin play crucial roles beyond just sweetness.

Flavor Balancing: Sugar is a critical component in balancing the overall flavor profile of bouillon. The combination of salt, fat, chicken flavor, and a hint of sweetness creates a more rounded and savory taste, preventing the product from tasting solely salty or one-dimensional.
Binding and Texture: Ingredients like maltodextrin, derived from starch, are added to aid in binding the ingredients together and preventing caking. This ensures the bouillon cube or powder dissolves smoothly and consistently when added to hot water.
Color Enhancement: Ingredients like caramel color, which can be made from a sugar base, are often included to give the broth a richer, more appealing color.

A Comparison of Knorr Chicken Bouillon Products

It's important to note that sugar content can vary significantly across different Knorr products and regional markets. A direct comparison highlights these differences:


Product Type	Market	Sugar per Serving	Sugar per 100g (Approx.)	Ingredients Note
Knorr Chicken Bouillon Cubes	US	0g	Varies*	Lists 'Sugar'
Knorr Granulated Bouillon	US	0g	Varies*	Lists 'Sugar'
Knorr Chicken Bouillon Cubes	Canada	0g	Varies*	Lists 'Sugars (sugar, maltodextrin)'
Knorr Professional Chicken Powder	UK	Varies**	18.0g	Lists 'Sugar' and Maltodextrin

Due to rounding, the 'per 100g' value is not displayed on consumer packaging.
* Professional products are sold in larger quantities, and serving sizes differ.*

High Sodium: A More Significant Nutritional Consideration

While the sugar content in retail Knorr chicken bouillon is minimal, the sodium level is considerably high and represents a more significant nutritional factor for many consumers. For instance, the US chicken bouillon cube contains 1040mg of sodium per half-cube serving. Similarly, the US granulated bouillon contains 540mg of sodium per 3/4 tsp serving. This high sodium content is essential for flavor and preservation, but it's a key detail to consider, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Reading the Fine Print: Identifying Different Sugars

Consumers who are particularly vigilant about sugar, such as those with diabetes or on specific diets, should know what to look for beyond the simple "sugar" ingredient. Other carbohydrate-based ingredients contribute to the overall sugar content, even if they aren't explicitly labeled as such on the nutrition panel due to rounding.

Maltodextrin: A common additive derived from starch, it can contribute to the sugar content and texture.
Dextrose or Corn Syrup Solids: Other ingredients used for similar purposes that can increase overall carbohydrate and sugar levels.

When evaluating a bouillon product, the most transparent source of information is always the ingredients list, which cannot legally hide the presence of these components, unlike the nutrition facts panel.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In conclusion, while the total sugar in a single serving of retail Knorr chicken bouillon is minimal enough to be rounded down to zero, sugar is consistently listed as an ingredient in many formulations. This is done to improve the product's flavor profile, texture, and stability. Consumers concerned about hidden sugars should always check the ingredients list and be aware of similar carbohydrate additives like maltodextrin. Ultimately, while sugar content is low, the high sodium levels are a far more pressing nutritional consideration for most people. Making an informed decision means considering the complete picture of all ingredients and nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The '0g sugar' claim is due to legal nutritional rounding, which allows manufacturers to list a zero value if the amount of sugar per serving is less than 0.5 grams.

The minimal amount of sugar per serving is less of a concern than the high sodium content, which should be the primary nutritional focus for most consumers.

These ingredients are added to round out the savory flavor profile, act as binders for texture, and help prevent caking in the product.

While the sugar per serving is minimal, the presence of sugar, maltodextrin, and corn starch adds carbohydrates. Strict keto or low-carb dieters should check the full ingredients list and be mindful of their total intake.

No. Different product formulations exist across regions and for professional use, and ingredients can vary. Always check the ingredients list on the specific product packaging.

The most reliable source is always the nutritional information and ingredients list printed on the physical product packaging you purchase, as formulations can be updated.

For many, the high sodium level is a more significant health consideration than the minimal sugar. Bouillon is typically very high in sodium and should be used with moderation, especially by those with blood pressure concerns.