People keeping an eye on fat
You use stock cubes in soups, rice dishes, vegetables or sauces and want to compare their fat content based on the same preparation.
Who are these criteria useful for?
People comparing pack sizes
You check the net weight and number of cubes to choose a pack suited to the amount of stock you make.
People mindful of salt and allergens
You also check the salt and ingredients list: a cube that meets your fat criteria may not suit your other dietary requirements.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start by comparing fat content on a like-for-like nutritional basis, then check the salt and ingredients in the specific recipe. Pack size and flavour can help you choose between cubes that meet your criteria.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | The amount listed per 100 g of dry product or per 100 ml of prepared stock, as well as the dilution. | If I want to limit the fat in my cooking, I need to compare values calculated on the same basis. Around 36% of consumers concerned would make this their priority. |
| Salt and ingredients | Salt per serving or prepared volume, followed by the ingredients and allergens in the recipe. | If salt or a particular ingredient affects my choice, a ‘reduced fat’ label isn’t enough. Around 29% of consumers concerned would prioritise this check. |
| Pack size | The net weight and number of cubes in the pack. | If I make stock regularly, I want to know how many cubes are in the pack I choose. Nearly 21% of consumers concerned would prioritise this criterion. |
| Flavour and use | The recipe, such as vegetable, chicken, beef or pot-au-feu, and the preparation instructions. | For a soup or slow-cooked dish, I look for a suitable flavour once I’ve checked my other criteria. Around 14% of consumers concerned would put this preference first. |
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Assuming ‘reduced fat’ means ‘no added salt’
These labels refer to different characteristics. Stock with no added salt should still be checked for its fat content, while reduced-fat cubes should also be checked for salt.
Compare fat and salt separately, using the same preparation basis for the products you’re comparing.
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Choosing based only on pack size
Net weight alone doesn’t tell you how many cubes are in a pack or how much stock you can make by following the instructions.
Check the number of cubes and recommended dilution, while keeping your nutritional criteria in mind.
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Overlooking allergens in the specific recipe
Ingredients and allergen warnings vary between stocks. A fat content that suits you won’t tell you whether allergens are present.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.
Brands worth knowing
MAGGI
The range includes KUB OR Dégraissé and reduced-fat stock cube varieties in beef, poultry and pot-au-feu flavours.
- According to the comparison published by MAGGI on the Carrefour product page, KUB OR Dégraissé contains 30% less fat than the average of the non-reduced-fat stocks used by the brand. The product page lists 0,5 g of fat per 100 ml of prepared stock.
- The KUB OR Dégraissé product page lists wheat and warns that it may contain traces of egg, milk, celery and mustard. Check the variety you choose.
Knorr
The Chicken Stock, described as low in fat, and the No Added Salt Vegetable Stock cater to different priorities.
- According to Knorr France, Chicken Stock contains 0,6 g of fat and 1,7 g of salt per serving; No Added Salt Vegetable Stock contains 1,3 g of fat and 0,02 g of salt per serving.
- The right choice depends on which criterion matters most to you. Check the ingredients lists for each recipe too.
Carrefour Original
Reduced-Fat Beef Stock is worth considering if you’re looking for this flavour in a cube labelled as having reduced fat.
- The Carrefour product page lets you identify a beef-flavoured recipe and check its ingredients.
- The ingredients include beef fat and beef extract, among other things, and the product may contain traces of certain allergens. Check the label if you avoid particular ingredients.
Auchan
The brand offers a reduced-fat pot-au-feu stock cube, intended for use in soups, rice, pasta and vegetables.
- According to the Auchan product page, its stated reduction of at least 30% in fat is calculated against Auchan’s standard stock.
- The product page lists 5,2 g of fat per 100 g of dry product, compared with less than 0,5 g per 100 ml of prepared stock. These figures aren’t directly comparable because they use different bases. The page also flags allergens and possible traces, so check these carefully.
Stock cube available on Joybuy
This vegetable stock cube is labelled as having less salt. If your priority is to limit fat, compare its nutritional information with that of reduced-fat stock cubes using the same preparation basis.
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MAGGI KUB 25% Less Salt Vegetable, 120 g
For seasoning soup or vegetables, this cube may suit anyone comparing a vegetable stock recipe with reduced-fat options.
Pack size: 120 g. The ‘25% Less Salt’ claim refers to salt, not fat. Check the nutritional values for the prepared stock before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare the fat content of two stock cubes?
Compare values given on the same nutritional basis, such as per 100 ml of prepared stock at the stated dilution. A value for the dry cube can’t be compared directly with one for diluted stock.
Does a stock cube with no added salt necessarily contain little fat?
No. The ‘no added salt’ claim doesn’t tell you how much fat the product contains. For its No Added Salt Vegetable Stock, Knorr France lists 0,02 g of salt and 1,3 g of fat per serving. Check both values separately.
Should you check salt if you’re mainly comparing fat content?
Yes, because fat content doesn’t tell you how much salt a product contains. According to the brand, Knorr Chicken Stock contains 0,6 g of fat and 1,7 g of salt per serving. Check both figures for the recipe you’re considering.
How should you store stock cubes after opening?
Follow the instructions on your stock’s packaging. For its reduced-fat pot-au-feu stock cube, Auchan recommends transferring the tablets to an airtight container after opening, if possible, and keeping them away from heat and moisture.