Why is Vegetable Stock Cube classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labelled NOVA 4 because it combines refined ingredients such as wheat flour, potato starch and palm oil with industrial additives like monosodium glutamate (E621) and disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635), as well as dried glucose syrup and flavorings, all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

How does the high salt content in this vegetable stock cube affect a hypertensive diet?

With 30.4 g of salt per 100 g, a single cube (approximately 1.4 g) adds roughly 0.4 g of salt, which can quickly exceed daily sodium limits for people with high blood pressure, potentially raising blood pressure and increasing cardiovascular risk if consumed regularly.

Is the wheat flour in this stock cube a concern for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, wheat flour is present and is highlighted as an allergen; the product therefore contains gluten and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

OXO • 142g

Vegetable Stock Cube

Dried Products

Product Insights

The Vegetable Stock Cube is a vegan-friendly, ultra‑processed bouillon (NOVA 4) designed for rehydrating into broth. It delivers modest protein (7.9 g/100 g) and low fat, but contains an extremely high salt level (30.4 g/100 g) and modest sugar, with no assigned Nutri‑Score. Belonging to the broths and stocks dietary family, it provides added calcium, iron, niacin and thiamin, yet includes palm oil and flavor enhancers (E621, E635) that may be concerning for some consumers.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal271 kcal

Fat4.6 g

Saturated Fat2.2 g

Carbohydrates49.1 g

Sugars10.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical dehydrated broths, this cube has far more salt (30.4 g vs 5.4 g per 100 g), lower sugar and fat, higher protein (7.9 g vs 5.4 g), and markedly less fiber.

Ingredients

For a tasty stock dissolve 1 cube in 190ml of boiling water. No artificial preservatives INGREDIENTS (GREATEST FIRST): Salt, Potato Starch, Wheat Flour (with added Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Dried Glucose Syrup, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), Onion Extract, Flavourings, Palm Oil, Yeast Extract (contains Barley), Tomato Powder, Sugar, Dried Herbs (Parsley, Bay, Thyme), Black Pepper Extract. ALLERGY ADVICE: For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold.

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