Why is Chicken Stock cubes classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is labelled NOVA 4 because it is a highly processed food that combines multiple refined ingredients such as salt, starch, vegetable fats (including palm oil), chicken fat, yeast extract, added sugar, and a small quantity of the antioxidant rosemary extract (E 392); these processed components, together with the manufacturing steps that create a concentrated cube, place it in the ultra-processed category.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 0.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the cubes have a negligible impact on blood-glucose levels, making them acceptable for diabetic diets, but the 0.93 g of salt per 100 g contributes a moderate amount of sodium that can add up quickly when reconstituted, so hypertensive individuals should use it sparingly and consider low-salt alternatives.

Is the celery present in Chicken Stock cubes a concern for people with celery allergy?

Yes, the ingredient list includes celery seed, which is a known allergen, and the product is labelled with a celery allergen warning; anyone with a confirmed celery allergy should avoid this stock cube.

Knorr • 80g

Chicken Stock cubes 8 x

Dried Products

Product Insights

Knorr Chicken Stock cubes (8 x 10 g) are concentrated bouillon cubes that provide a quick chicken broth base for cooking. They belong to the processed seasoning category (stock cubes) and carry a Nutri-Score of C and a NOVA 4 classification, reflecting their ultra-processed nature and inclusion of ingredients such as palm-derived vegetable fats, chicken fat, added salt (0.93 g per 100 g), a small amount of sugar, and the antioxidant rosemary extract (E 392). While they are low in fat, saturated fat and sugars and are free from gluten, artificial preservatives, MSG and artificial colours, the moderate salt level and the presence of allergens (celery and chicken) may be concerns for sodium-restricted or allergy-sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal7 kcal

Fat0.5 g

Saturated Fat0.4 g

Carbohydrates0.6 g

Sugars0.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Unlike the average processed product that contains about 33 g of sugar, 7 g of fat and 5 g of salt per 100 g, this chicken stock cube provides only 0.5 g of sugar, negligible fat and saturated fat, and 0.93 g of salt, making it a low-sugar, low-fat seasoning though its sodium level remains moderate.

Ingredients

Salt, starch, vegetable fats (palm, shea, sal), yeast extract, sugar, chicken fat (3%)[chicken fat, antioxidant (extracts of rosemary), flavourings, chicken (1%)[chicken, salt, antioxidant (extracts of rosemary), spices (turmeric, pepper, _CELERY_ seeds), lemon juice powder (maltodextrin, lemon juice), onion powder, parsley, caramel syrup, maltodextrin.

84%

35%

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