Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. This leads many people with gluten-related disorders to follow a strict gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods and products containing gluten.
Bouillon cubes are a popular pantry staple used to add flavor to soups, stews, rice, pasta, and more. But with bouillon cubes varying in ingredients between brands and types, consumers need to scrutinize labels carefully. So do bouillon cubes contain gluten?
The Short Answer
The short answer is: some bouillon cubes contain gluten, while others are gluten-free. Most bouillon cube brands make both gluten-containing and gluten-free varieties.
So you’ll need to read ingredient labels closely to determine if a specific bouillon cube product contains gluten. Don’t assume a cube is gluten-free based on the brand name alone.
Breaking Down Bouillon Cube Ingredients
Bouillon cubes, also known as stock cubes or broth cubes, are compressed, dehydrated cubes of concentrated flavor. To use them, you simply dissolve the cubes in hot water to create an instant flavorful broth or stock.
While recipes vary between brands, most bouillon cubes contain some combination of the following ingredients:
– Salt
– Sugar
– Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
– Yeast extract
– Animal or vegetable stock
– Dehydrated vegetables like onion and carrot
– Chicken or beef fat
– Herbs and spices for flavor
Some bouillon cubes also contain anti-caking agents, natural flavors, starch, and wheat-derived ingredients. It’s these last ingredients we need to watch out for in terms of gluten content.
Gluten-Containing Ingredients
Here are some of the most common ingredients found in bouillon cubes that contain gluten:
– Wheat flour
– Barley malt
– Wheat starch
– Wheat protein
– Wheat bran extract
– Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Any bouillon cube containing these ingredients or listing “wheat” in the ingredients label is not gluten-free and should be avoided by those following a gluten-free diet.
Potential Sources of Hidden Gluten
In addition to obvious wheat-derived ingredients, there are a few other potential sources of hidden gluten in bouillon cubes:
– Starch – Some bouillon cubes contain starch to prevent caking of the compressed cube. The source of this starch may be wheat.
– Natural flavors – While natural flavors themselves are gluten-free, they are sometimes derived from gluten-containing grains.
– Shared equipment – Even bouillon cubes made without gluten-containing ingredients can get cross-contaminated if manufactured on shared equipment with wheat-based products.
So if you see starch, natural flavors, or a shared equipment disclaimer on the label, reach out to the manufacturer to confirm the item is gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Ingredients
Fortunately, many bouillon cube brands now offer gluten-free varieties made without any wheat-derived ingredients. Here are some of the most common gluten-free ingredients found in bouillon cubes:
– Rice flour
– Cornstarch
– Potato starch
– Tapioca starch
– Soy sauce
– Cane sugar
– Tomato powder
– Yeast extract
– Vegetable or legume protein
– Sunflower oil
– Natural flavors
As long as none of the top allergens like wheat, barley, rye or malt are listed in the ingredients, the bouillon cube should be gluten-free. Of course, always verify this by contacting the manufacturer if concerned about potential cross-contamination.
Leading Bouillon Cube Brands
Now that we know what to look for, let’s examine some of the most popular bouillon cube brands and key details around their gluten-free options.
Knorr Bouillon Cubes
– Knorr is one of the most widely available and recognizable bouillon brands around the world.
– They offer several varieties of bouillon cubes, some gluten-free and others containing wheat-derived ingredients.
– Gluten-free varieties include their Vegetable Bouillon Cubes and Organic Chicken Bouillon Cubes.
– The Classic Chicken Bouillon Cubes contain wheat flour.
– Always verify latest ingredients as formulations can change over time.
Better Than Bouillon
– Better Than Bouillon makes a wide selection of paste bouillons.
– They have dedicated gluten-free facilities and use gluten-free ingredients for all their products.
– All varieties are labeled “gluten-free” on the packaging, including chicken, beef, vegetable, and mushroom.
– Their FAQ states all products are gluten-free to at least 5ppm.
Maggi Bouillon Cubes
– Maggi is owned by Nestle and popular worldwide.
– They offer bouillon cubes in chicken, vegetable, and beef flavors.
– The chicken and vegetable flavored cubes are gluten-free.
– The beef bouillon cubes contain wheat flour.
Edward & Sons Bouillon Cubes
– Edward & Sons are known for their vegan bouillon cubes made from sea vegetables.
– All their bouillon cubes are gluten-free and vegan.
– Flavors include Not-Chicken Bouillon Cubes, Not-Beef Bouillon Cubes, and Golden Bouillon Cubes.
– They’re a trusted gluten-free brand, widely available at health food stores.
Osem Bouillon Cubes
– Osem is a popular bouillon brand sold internationally.
– They make chicken and beef flavored bouillon cubes.
– The chicken cubes are gluten-free.
– The beef cubes contain wheat flour.
Rit Bouillon Cubes
– Rit offers an assortment of cubed bouillon products.
– Their chicken bouillon cubes contain wheat flour.
– However, their vegetable bouillon cubes are gluten-free.
– They also make gluten-free mushroom bouillon cubes.
Wyler’s Bouillon Cubes
– Wyler’s is a widely distributed brand in the US.
– They offer chicken and beef bouillon cubes.
– Both their chicken and beef bouillon cubes contain wheat flour.
– At this time, Wyler’s does not offer a gluten-free bouillon cube option.
Are Homemade Bouillon Cubes Gluten-Free?
Making your own homemade bouillon cubes is a great way to control the ingredients. This allows you to easily make them gluten-free.
Start with a homemade bone broth, vegetable broth, or stock. Simmer until highly concentrated. Then blend in some seasoning like sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
Next, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or bouillon cube molds. Freeze until solid, then pop out the cubes and store in an airtight container.
Now you have easy homemade gluten-free bouillon cubes to use anytime! Adjust flavors based on the recipe you’re using them in.
Precautions When Using Bouillon Cubes
If you need to follow a gluten-free diet, take these precautions with bouillon cubes to stay safe:
– Carefully read all ingredients on the label. Look for mentions of wheat, barley, rye, malt, and starch.
– Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns about ingredients or possible cross-contamination.
– Look for cubes certified gluten-free, ideally from a dedicated gluten-free facility.
– Know that formulas can change over time. Recheck ingredients regularly on products you buy repetitively.
– Watch out for shared kitchen equipment when using bouillon cubes at restaurants or other food establishments. Ask about their prep procedures.
– Make your own homemade bouillon cubes using gluten-free stocks when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about bouillon cubes and gluten:
Are Knorr bouillon cubes gluten-free?
Some varieties of Knorr bouillon cubes are gluten-free, while others contain wheat-based ingredients. You need to verify the ingredients list for the specific type of cube. Their Vegetable and Organic Chicken bouillon cubes are gluten-free.
Are Maggi bouillon cubes gluten-free?
Maggi Vegetable and Chicken flavored bouillon cubes are gluten-free. However, their Beef bouillon cubes contain wheat flour.
Does Better Than Bouillon contain gluten?
No, Better Than Bouillon products do not contain gluten. All their bouillon pastes are certified gluten-free to at least 5ppm.
Are bouillon cubes dairy free?
Most bouillon cubes are dairy-free, but always check labels. Some contain milk powder or butter. Vegetable and chicken based cubes are typically dairy-free.
Can bouillon cubes be frozen?
Yes, bouillon cubes can be frozen in an airtight container for up to several months. This helps them maintain optimal freshness and prevents clumping. Just be sure to thaw before use.
The Bottom Line
While many bouillon cube products contain gluten, there are ample gluten-free options available too. Just be diligent about checking labels for wheat-based ingredients. Look for gluten-free designations from trusted brands or make your own homemade cubes. With proper precautions, people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can still enjoy the convenience and flavor of bouillon cubes.
