Core Ingredients Found Across All Oxo Cube Flavours
While the exact recipes differ depending on the flavour, most Oxo cubes share a foundation of common ingredients that provide structure, taste, and a long shelf-life. Understanding these core components is the first step to knowing what ingredients are in Oxo cubes.
Common Base Ingredients:
- Salt: Serving as both a flavour enhancer and a preservative, salt is often the most prominent ingredient in stock cubes. The high sodium content is a key characteristic of these products.
- Wheat Flour and/or Starch: Flour or maize starch is commonly used as a filler and binding agent, holding the compressed cube together. It contributes to the cube’s structure and acts as a thickener when the stock is prepared.
- Flavour Enhancers: The savoury, umami flavour characteristic of stock cubes is largely due to flavour enhancers. The most common is monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621), often used in combination with disodium guanylate (E627) or disodium 5'-ribonucleotides.
- Yeast Extract: Another source of umami, yeast extract is a natural flavouring agent that provides a rich, meaty depth to the cubes, sometimes in addition to MSG.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar is typically included to balance the intense salty and savoury flavours.
- Colouring: Ingredients like ammonia caramel (E150c) are used to provide the stock with a consistent and appealing colour.
Specific Ingredients for Different Oxo Cube Flavours
Beyond the core ingredients, each Oxo cube variant has a unique set of flavourings to create its distinctive taste profile.
What's in an Oxo Beef Cube?
Oxo beef cubes are crafted with specific components to deliver a rich, beefy taste. The formula includes:
- Beef Fat and Dried Beef Bonestock: These are central to providing the authentic beef flavour.
- Beef Flavourings: A blend of artificial and/or natural flavourings reinforces the meaty taste profile.
- Onion Powder: Contributes an aromatic, savoury base note.
- Acidity Regulator: Lactic acid (E270) is added to provide a subtle tang.
Breaking Down the Oxo Chicken Cube
For a savoury chicken stock, Oxo cubes include:
- Chicken Fat and Concentrated Chicken Extract: These are the primary sources of the chicken flavour.
- Dried Glucose Syrup and Potato Starch: These are often used as fillers and binders, working alongside the wheat flour.
- Onion Extract: Adds a background layer of flavour.
The Composition of the Oxo Vegetable Cube
The vegetarian-friendly Oxo cubes use plant-based ingredients to mimic a hearty broth:
- Dried Vegetables and Herbs: This is the main flavour base, including dried tomato, onion extract, and herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay.
- Palm Oil: Used as the fat component and a binder.
- Celery: Flavourings containing celery are present in many vegetable cube recipes.
- Black Pepper Extract: Provides a hint of warmth and spice.
A Comparison of Standard Oxo Cubes
This table highlights the key differences in formulation between the main Oxo cube flavours, focusing on flavouring components and potential allergens.
| Feature | Standard Beef Cube | Standard Chicken Cube | Standard Vegetable Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Flavour Base | Beef fat and dried bonestock | Chicken fat and concentrated chicken extract | Dried vegetables, herbs, and oils |
| Primary Fat Source | Beef Fat (4.5%) | Chicken Fat (3-4%) | Palm Oil |
| Savoury Enhancers | MSG, Disodium Guanylate, Yeast Extract | MSG, Yeast Extract | MSG, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides, Yeast Extract |
| Flour/Starch | Wheat Flour, Maize Starch | Wheat Flour, Dried Glucose Syrup, Potato Starch | Salt, Potato Starch, Wheat Flour |
| Gluten Status | Contains Gluten | Contains Gluten | Contains Gluten (often contains barley) |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | No | No | Yes (typically suitable for vegetarians) |
Important Allergen and Dietary Considerations
As the ingredient lists show, Oxo cubes are not suitable for every dietary need. Here are the key points to be aware of:
Gluten Content
Standard Oxo cubes across all flavours contain wheat flour, and therefore, gluten. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. For those requiring a gluten-free option, the brand's stock pots are a viable alternative, as they are formulated to be gluten-free.
High Sodium
All stock cubes, including Oxo, are high in salt, which is a major preservative and flavour component. Those monitoring their sodium intake for health reasons should be mindful of this. Oxo does offer reduced-salt versions, but even these contain a significant amount of sodium.
Flavour Enhancers
The inclusion of flavour enhancers like MSG and yeast extract can be a concern for some individuals. While MSG is considered safe by food authorities, some people report sensitivity, experiencing temporary symptoms such as headaches or flushing.
Vegetarian and Vegan Suitability
The beef and chicken cubes are explicitly not vegetarian or vegan due to their fat and meat extract content. The standard vegetable cubes are generally suitable for vegetarians but contain ingredients like palm oil and potential allergens such as celery and barley. It is essential to read the label carefully for specific ingredients and dietary information. The official Oxo website confirms it offers a vegan beef stock cube as part of its line.
Conclusion: Decoding Your Stock Cube
In summary, what ingredients are in Oxo cubes varies significantly between flavours, but common components include salt, starch-based fillers, flavour enhancers like MSG and yeast extract, and various fats. Beef cubes contain beef fat and bonestock, chicken cubes have chicken fat and extract, while vegetable cubes rely on dehydrated vegetables, herbs, and palm oil. A key takeaway is that standard Oxo cubes contain gluten, making them unsuitable for those with coeliac disease, though gluten-free stock pots are available from the brand. While offering a convenient flavour boost, the high salt and additive content should be considered for health and dietary reasons. Understanding the ingredient list is crucial for making the best choice for your cooking needs.
Common Questions About Oxo Cubes
What is the main ingredient in an Oxo cube? Salt is typically the most prominent ingredient by weight in a standard Oxo cube, serving as a preservative and primary flavour agent. Other main components include wheat flour and flavour enhancers.
Do Oxo cubes contain MSG? Yes, standard Oxo beef, chicken, and vegetable cubes contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other flavour enhancers like disodium guanylate or disodium 5'-ribonucleotides.
Are Oxo cubes gluten-free? No, standard Oxo stock cubes are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour and sometimes barley. However, the brand's stock pots are explicitly stated to be gluten-free.
Are there any vegan Oxo cubes? Yes, in addition to the standard vegetarian-friendly vegetable cube, Oxo has introduced a meat-free beef stock cube specifically for vegans.
Why are Oxo cubes so salty? The high salt content in Oxo cubes is crucial for preserving the product and for acting as a powerful flavour enhancer. Salt brings out the savoury notes from the meat and vegetable extracts and is a defining characteristic of most stock cubes.
What are autolysed yeast extract and yeast extract? Both are derivatives of yeast used to enhance flavour and create a savoury, meaty taste, known as umami. Autolysed yeast extract is a more specific form where the yeast's own enzymes break down its proteins, releasing flavour compounds.
What is the difference between Oxo cubes and stock pots? The primary difference is consistency and gluten content. Oxo cubes are a compressed, solid form containing gluten from wheat flour, while stock pots are a concentrated liquid paste, and the brand explicitly states they are all gluten-free.
How can I reduce my sodium intake when using Oxo cubes? To lower sodium, you can opt for the reduced-salt versions of Oxo cubes. Alternatively, use half a cube and supplement the flavour with fresh herbs and spices, or consider making your own homemade stock.
Why does the vegetable cube contain celery? Celery is a key aromatic ingredient in many traditional stocks and broths, providing a distinct, savoury flavour profile that is replicated in the vegetable Oxo cube.
Are there any artificial preservatives in Oxo cubes? Oxo states that some of its products contain 'no artificial preservatives,' but it is important to check the individual product packaging as formulations can vary. Flavour enhancers and high salt content act as preservation methods.
What is the function of the additives in Oxo cubes? Additives such as colourings (like ammonia caramel) and acidity regulators (like lactic acid) are included to ensure consistency, improve visual appeal, and balance the flavour profile of the stock cubes.
Do Oxo cubes contain fat? Yes, the beef and chicken cubes contain beef and chicken fat respectively, which contributes to the overall flavour and mouthfeel of the stock. The vegetable cubes contain palm oil.
Can I use Oxo cubes as a seasoning instead of making stock? Yes, you can crumble an Oxo cube directly into dishes like stews, stir-fries, or gravies to add a concentrated burst of flavour without dissolving it in boiling water first.
What was the original Oxo product? The brand originally launched with beef stock cubes in 1910, following the development of concentrated meat extract in the mid-19th century.
Does Oxo make stock cubes for other flavours besides beef, chicken, and vegetable? Yes, Oxo has expanded its product line over the years to include other flavours and recipes, such as Chinese Recipe and Indian Recipe stock cubes.
