People making homemade crackers
For savoury biscuits, a stock cube can add a brothy flavour. Whether it works depends on the other ingredients in the dough and how much salt you’ve already planned to add.
Who is this choice for?
People comparing pack sizes
If you also use stock in other savoury recipes, check the net weight and number of cubes to find a pack size that suits the way you cook.
Households keeping an eye on salt and allergens
Ingredients vary from one product to another. The ingredient list and allergen information for the specific product matter more than the range name alone.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether you’re making sweet biscuits or savoury crackers. For savoury dough, consider the cube’s flavour, pack size and ingredients.
| What to check | Look for | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Type of stock and how well it goes with the ingredients in the dough. | If I’m making crackers with mild ingredients, I want to know whether a vegetable, chicken or meat flavour will give me the result I’m after; around 29% of consumers prioritise this flavour match. |
| Pack size | Net weight and number of cubes in the pack. | If I’m making several batches or other savoury dishes, I want a quantity I can use up; pack size comes before other criteria for around 36% of consumers. |
| Salt and ingredients | The salt information, ingredient list and allergen statements for the exact product. | If the dough already contains salty ingredients or I need to avoid an allergen, I check the ingredients before choosing; around 35% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing sweet biscuits with savoury biscuits
A stock cube adds savoury seasoning, which can make cookies or sweet shortbread taste quite different from what you expect.
Only consider using one in explicitly savoury recipes, such as crackers or savoury shortbread.
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Assuming “organic” means low in salt
Organic production methods don’t, on their own, tell you how much salt a stock cube contains. Knorr’s “no salt” range meets a different criterion from an organic label.
Read the salt information for each product and take account of the other salty ingredients in your recipe.
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Overlooking allergens in seasoning
Depending on the product, ingredient lists and precautionary allergen statements may mention wheat, celery, soya, milk, eggs or fish, among other allergens.
If you’re cooking for someone with an allergy, check the label on the specific product and batch you’re using, including any “may contain” statements.
Stock cube brands to consider
MAGGI
The range includes KUB OR, as well as vegetable and chicken stock cubes and an organic option.
- Carrefour France’s product listing for its organic stock cube says it can be dissolved or crumbled into a recipe.
- That same product contains wheat and celery and carries precautionary statements for possible traces of eggs, fish, milk and soya.
Knorr
Knorr offers several types of stock, including a range labelled “no salt”.
- The “no salt” range lets you look for a product based on this specific criterion, which you should confirm on the label of the one you choose.
- Allergen information varies: Carrefour France lists several possible allergens on its product page for a Knorr beef stock cube.
Carrefour Original
This own-brand range includes vegetable, beef and pot-au-feu stock cubes.
- These different flavours give you options to compare for a savoury recipe.
- Check the pack size and ingredients of the product you choose rather than assuming them from the brand.
ECO+ / Marque Repère
E.Leclerc sells dehydrated stock and stock tablets in different pack sizes under these brands.
- The net weight and number of tablets shown on the products make it easy to compare pack sizes.
- The ECO+ product page viewed on E.Leclerc’s website lists soya and celery, as well as several possible traces. Check the exact product label.
Bio Village
The range includes organic chicken stock tablets.
- The organic label helps you identify a product by its production method.
- E.Leclerc’s product page for this stock lists 38,2 g of salt per 100 g of product as sold. An organic label is no substitute for checking the nutrition information.
Stock cubes for savoury recipes
These Joybuy stock cubes are worth considering for a savoury recipe if their flavour works with your crackers. They aren’t intended for sweet biscuits; check the ingredients and adjust the seasoning in your recipe.
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MAGGI KUB 25% Less Salt Vegetable, stock cubes 120g
Worth considering for savoury dough if a vegetable flavour suits your recipe. The pack size is listed as 120 g; check the salt content and allergens on the label before seasoning your dough.
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Maggi Classic Chicken Stock Cubes 80g
For savoury recipes where a chicken flavour works well. The net weight is listed as 80 g; check the salt content and allergens on the pack before adding a cube to your dough.
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Calnort Lamb, stock cubes 10g x 36
Only consider these if a lamb flavour suits your savoury crackers. The title lists 10 g units; check the pack size, salt content and allergens on the packaging.
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Maggi Kub Or, stock cubes 128g
For seasoning a savoury recipe when this stock’s flavour works with the other ingredients. The net weight is listed as 128 g; for dough, check the product’s salt content and allergens rather than relying on a figure for prepared stock.
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Calnort Chicken, stock cubes 10 gr
Worth considering for savoury crackers with ingredients that go well with a chicken flavour. The title lists a 10 gr cube; take the salt in the cube and the other ingredients into account when adjusting the seasoning.
Frequently asked questions
Can you add a stock cube to sweet biscuits?
It’s generally not suitable for biscuits that are meant to taste sweet. Stock cubes are used to season savoury dishes, so for cookies or sweet shortbread, stick to the ingredients specified in the recipe.
How can you stop crackers becoming too salty when using a stock cube?
First check the amount of salt listed for the cube or portion you plan to use, then adjust the salt you add to the dough. Bear in mind any other salty ingredients too: nutrition information for prepared stock may not reflect the amount that ends up in your crackers.
Which allergens should you check for in a stock cube?
Read the ingredient list and any “may contain” statements for the exact product. Depending on the product, listings published by Carrefour France and E.Leclerc mention allergens such as wheat, celery, soya, milk, eggs or fish. This list is no substitute for checking the label on the cube you’re using.
Is organic stock always lower in salt?
No. An organic label doesn’t determine the salt content. E.Leclerc’s product page for Bio Village chicken stock lists 38,2 g of salt per 100 g of product as sold; compare the salt information for the products you’re considering.