Why is Oxo Beef classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Because the cube is made from refined wheat flour, maize starch, added beef fat, and a suite of industrial ingredients, it meets the criteria for ultra-processed foods; the additives include the flavor enhancers monosodium glutamate (E621) and disodium guanylate (E627), the colorant ammonia caramel (E150a), and a small amount of added salt.

How does the high salt content in Oxo Beef affect a hypertensive or sodium-restricted diet?

With about 18 g of salt per 100 g, a typical serving can provide well over 300% of the recommended daily sodium limit, which may raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk for people with hypertension or those on a low-sodium diet.

Is the wheat flour in Oxo Beef safe for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease?

No; the primary ingredient is wheat flour, which contains gluten, so the product is not suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Oxo • 12 Cubes

Oxo Beef

Dried Products

Product Insights

Oxo Beef is a dehydrated bouillon cube that belongs to the condiments PNNS group and is intended to be rehydrated as a savory broth. It is an ultra-processed product (NOVA 4) without a Nutri-Score label, containing wheat flour, maize starch, beef fat, high sodium (about 18 g per 100 g), flavor enhancers such as MSG and disodium guanylate, and the color additive ammonia caramel. While it provides negligible sugar and added minerals like calcium and iron, the excess salt and the presence of animal fat and synthetic additives limit its overall healthfulness.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal265 kcal

Fat4.9 g

Saturated Fat2.4 g

Carbohydrates35.7 g

Sugars2.2 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for similar dried products, Oxo Beef contains virtually no sugar (about 0 g vs. 33 g), lower fat (about 4.5 g vs. 7.1 g) but markedly higher salt (about 18 g vs. 5.4 g).

Ingredients

Wheat Flour (with added Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin). Salt, Maize Starch, Yeast Extract, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium Guanylate), Colour (Ammonia Caramel), Beef Fat (4.5%), Autolysed Yeast Extract, Dried Beef Bonestock, Flavourings, Sugar, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Onion Powder.

84%

35%

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