What are the ingredients in Oxo veg stock cube?

Oxo, a brand with over a century of history, offers a convenient way to add flavor to dishes with its vegetable stock cubes. A closer look at the ingredients reveals whether they suit various dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Oxo vegetable stock cubes contain salt, potato starch, wheat flour, and flavour enhancers. Other key components include vegetable extracts, herbs, palm oil, and yeast extract. The cubes are highly processed and not gluten-free.

Key Points

• Core Components: Standard Oxo veg stock cubes contain salt, potato starch, wheat flour, and flavour enhancers like MSG.

• Allergen Alert: The standard cubes are not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour and barley.

• Flavour Boosters: Onion extract, tomato powder, and dried herbs, along with MSG and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides contribute to the flavor.

• Organic Alternative: An Organic Oxo version is available without added MSG but may still contain celery.

• High Salt Content: Oxo veg stock cubes are high in salt, which should be considered when monitoring sodium intake.

• Vegan Friendly: The standard Oxo vegetable stock cubes are suitable for vegans.

Core Ingredients of the Standard Oxo Vegetable Stock Cube

The standard Oxo vegetable stock cube is designed to add flavor. Ingredients are listed by weight on packaging. They typically start with salt. Other components include potato starch, wheat flour (making it not gluten-free), dried glucose syrup, and flavour enhancers like Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (E621) and Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635). Flavour is also provided by yeast extract (containing barley), onion extract/flavouring, tomato powder, dried herbs (parsley, thyme, bay), flavourings (containing celery), palm oil, and sugar.

Comparison: Standard vs. Organic Oxo Veg Stock Cubes

Oxo also offers an organic version. The table below highlights key differences.

Ingredient Category	Standard Oxo Veg Stock Cube	Organic Oxo Veg Stock Cube
Bulking Agents	Salt, Potato Starch, Wheat Flour, Dried Glucose Syrup	Sea Salt, Potato Starch, Corn Starch
Fat	Palm Oil	Palm Fat*
Flavour Enhancers	Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides	None (No Added MSG)
Vegetable Content	Onion Extract, Tomato Powder	Vegetable Powders (Onion, Celeriac, Parsnip), Dried Carrot, Tomato Powder, Carrot Juice Powder
Herbs & Spices	Dried Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, Bay), Black Pepper Extract	Dried Parsley, Ground Spices (Turmeric, Mace), Ground Bay Leaf, Ground Black Pepper
Other Flavourings	Yeast Extract (contains Barley), Flavourings (contain Celery)	Yeast Extract (contains Wheat)
Dietary Information	Contains Gluten, Contains Celery, Suitable for Vegans	Organic, No Added MSG, Contains Gluten, Contains Celery

*Ingredients marked with an asterisk are certified organic.

How Stock Cubes are Made

Stock cubes are typically made by mixing dry ingredients with fat and then compressing and wrapping the mixture. This process creates a concentrated product.

Nutritional and Allergen Considerations

Standard Oxo vegetable stock cubes are not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease due to wheat and barley. Both standard and organic versions contain celery. Both varieties are high in salt. The organic version is an MSG-free option. Always check packaging for current ingredients and allergens.

Conclusion

Standard Oxo veg stock cubes contain salt, starches, flavour enhancers like MSG, and vegetable flavourings. They are vegan but not gluten-free. The organic version offers an MSG-free alternative. Understanding the ingredients helps make informed culinary choices.

For more information, consult the manufacturer's website {Link: oxofoods.com https://oxofoods.com/oxo-vegetable-stock/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Oxo vegetable stock cubes vegan?

Yes, the standard Oxo vegetable stock cubes are suitable for vegans, as stated on the product packaging by the manufacturer.

Are Oxo vegetable stock cubes gluten-free?

No, the standard Oxo vegetable stock cubes contain wheat flour and yeast extract from barley, making them unsuitable for individuals with a gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

What is MSG and is it in Oxo vegetable stock cubes?

MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate, is a flavour enhancer. The standard Oxo veg stock cubes contain MSG, but the organic version does not.

Can I use Oxo vegetable stock cubes in soups?

Yes, Oxo vegetable stock cubes are suitable for soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces. Dissolve one cube in hot, boiling water or crumble it directly into the cooking.

What gives Oxo vegetable stock its main flavour?

The main flavour comes from a combination of salt, flavour enhancers (like MSG), and various dried ingredients, including onion extract, tomato powder, yeast extract, and a mix of herbs such as parsley and thyme.

Does Oxo vegetable stock contain celery?

Yes, the standard Oxo vegetable stock cube contains flavourings derived from celery, which is highlighted as a common allergen on the packaging.

Is the organic version of Oxo vegetable stock better?

The organic version may be preferred for those avoiding MSG, as it contains no added MSG. However, both the standard and organic versions are high in salt.