Who are these options for?

People preparing several Italian dishes

If you’re serving pasta, risotto, vegetables or a sauce on the same evening, look for a stock cube whose recommended uses suit your recipes, then check the amount you’ll need before cooking.

People looking to manage their salt intake

If your menu already includes cheese, olives, cured meats or a ready-made sauce, compare the salt content per serving of reduced-salt and salt-free stock cubes.

People who pay close attention to ingredients

Before serving guests with dietary restrictions, check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact product. Another recipe from the same brand may have a different composition.

What should you look for first?

First, choose a flavour profile to suit your menu, then compare the salt content, ingredients and recommended amount with the dish you’re making.

Criteria What to check Who is it for?
Suitability for your menu Check which dishes are listed on the pack and whether Mediterranean herbs are included in the ingredients. If I’m making several recipes, I want a flavour that won’t overpower the dish; around 31% of consumers say this is their main priority.
Managing salt Know the difference between ‘reduced salt’ and ‘salt-free’, and compare the nutritional information for the stated serving size. If cheese or olives are on the menu, I’d like to be able to adjust the seasoning; around 25% of consumers prioritise managing their salt intake.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact pack. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know what’s in that particular stock cube; this is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.
Amount and storage Compare the number of cubes, the volume of water recommended per cube and the storage instructions after opening. I want to measure out enough stock for the meal and store any leftover cubes properly; around 19% of consumers prioritise this convenience.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing ‘reduced salt’ with ‘salt-free’

    A reduction in salt doesn’t mean the cube contains none. For example, Knorr states that its Salt-Free Vegetable variety contains 0.02 g of salt per serving; this figure doesn’t apply to its other recipes.

    Compare the ‘salt’ line in the nutritional information with the serving size it refers to, then taste your dish before adding any more seasoning.

  • Assuming ‘vegetable’ means allergen-free

    Recipes may contain celery or carry different ‘may contain’ warnings. Saying that ingredients are plant-based doesn’t, by itself, answer questions about allergens.

    For each guest concerned, check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the pack you’re using.

  • Leaving opened cubes in a damp cupboard

    Storage instructions vary by product. Auchan advises transferring any leftover cubes from its vegetable-flavoured stock into an airtight container after opening.

    Follow the instructions on your pack and keep the cubes away from heat and moisture.

Stock cube brands to consider

MAGGI

The range includes a Mediterranean vegetable stock cube with herbes de Provence, recommended for pasta, rice and ratatouille.

  • Auchan’s product listing for this variety states that the pack contains 8 cubes of 10 g and recommends one cube per half-litre of water.
  • This recipe contains salt and lists potential allergens, so check the details on the pack you choose.

Knorr

Knorr offers a vegetable stock for pasta and risotto, as well as a Salt-Free Vegetable variety.

  • Knorr states that its Salt-Free Vegetable variety contains 0.02 g of salt per serving.
  • The salt-free version has a different composition and flavour profile from the classic vegetable stock, so compare the two labels.

Carrefour Original

Carrefour offers dehydrated vegetable stock in a pack of 12 cubes of 10 g.

  • The product listing gives details of this variety’s ingredients.
  • It lists celery and possible traces of other allergens, so check the label before serving it to anyone affected.

Auchan

Auchan vegetable-flavoured stock comes in a pack of 12 cubes of 10 g, with suggested uses for pasta, rice and vegetables.

  • Auchan’s product listing gives the recommended amount and advises keeping leftover cubes in an airtight container after opening.
  • The recipe lists celery and soya, as well as possible traces of other allergens.

Marque Repère / Rustica (E.Leclerc)

E.Leclerc offers Rustica dehydrated cooking stock in a pack of 12 cubes, weighing 120 g in total.

  • The product listing provides the ingredients and nutritional information for the product as sold.
  • Check the recommended amount for your recipe and the information on the pack before using it instead of another stock cube.

Stock cubes on Joybuy

This selection features a reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, worth considering if you want to compare its added salt with that of a menu that’s already well seasoned. Its name doesn’t specify a particular use for pasta or risotto.

MAGGI KUB vegetable stock cubes, 25% less salt, 120 g

MAGGI KUB vegetable stock cubes, 25% less salt, 120 g

If other ingredients in the meal already contain salt, compare the salt content per serving you’ll use before adding this cube to your dish.

The pack contains 120 g. ‘25% less salt’ doesn’t mean ‘salt-free’: check the recommended amount, ingredients and allergens on the packaging too.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How many stock cubes do you need for risotto or a sauce?

Follow the recommended amount for the product you’re using rather than the instructions for another brand. Auchan’s product listings for its vegetable-flavoured stock and MAGGI Mediterranean vegetable stock recommend one cube per half-litre of water. For a sauce, check the instructions on your own pack and taste it before adding salt.

How should you store stock cubes after opening?

Follow the packaging instructions and keep the cubes away from heat and moisture. For its vegetable-flavoured stock, Auchan recommends putting any leftover cubes in an airtight container.

Is a vegetable stock cube automatically suitable for everyone?

No. The word ‘vegetable’ doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s allergens, possible traces or other dietary characteristics. The DGCCRF advises that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list; check the details on the exact pack before cooking for anyone with an allergy or dietary restriction.