Why is Oxo Reduced Salt Vegetable Stock Cubes classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The cubes are made from a blend of dried glucose syrup, starches, flours and numerous flavor enhancers that undergo extensive industrial processing, which places them in NOVA group 4. The label lists additives including monosodium glutamate (E621), disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635), palm oil, and various flavorings.

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

With 21.6 g of sugars and 14.8 g of salt per 100 g, the cubes can rapidly raise blood glucose and increase sodium intake, which may challenge blood‑sugar control for diabetics and elevate blood pressure for those with hypertension, so they should be used sparingly or avoided.

Is this stock cube suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, and other strict diets?

The product is certified vegan and vegetarian, but it contains wheat flour and barley‑derived yeast extract, so it is not gluten‑free; it also includes palm oil, which may be a concern for some strict vegan or sustainability‑focused consumers.

Oxo • 71g

Oxo Reduced Salt Vegetable Stock Cubes

Plant Based Foods And Beverages

Product Insights

Oxo Reduced Salt Vegetable Stock Cubes are vegan, vegetarian bouillon cubes marketed for making vegetable broth with 25% less salt. They belong to the seasonings and condiments dietary family, are classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), and contain additives such as monosodium glutamate (E621), disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635), palm oil, and a high amount of salt (14.8 g per 100 g). While the cubes provide 3 g of fiber and 18 g of protein per 100 g, they also deliver 21.6 g of sugars and 321 kcal, making them energy‑dense and high in sodium, with no Nutri‑Score assigned.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal321 kcal

Fat4.6 g

Saturated Fat2.2 g

Carbohydrates50.4 g

Sugars21.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average values for vegetable bouillon cubes, this product has roughly double the sugar and more than ten times the salt, while its fat and saturated‑fat levels are below the category averages.

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS (GREATEST FIRST): Dried Glucose Syrup, Potato Starch, Wheat Flour (with added Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Salt, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), Onion Extract, Flavourings, Palm Oil, Sugar, Yeast Extract (contains Barley), Tomato Powder, Dried Herbs (Parsley, Thyme), Black Pepper Extract.

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