Organisers of group picnics
If you’re planning several dishes for a group, compare the number of cubes with the recommended amount before choosing a large box. Auchan lists MAGGI products with 32 cubes, as well as a promotional pack of 64 cubes.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Those in charge of preparing food for the group
If any guests avoid certain ingredients or need to consider allergens, check the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements for the product you choose. The recipe name alone isn’t enough to tell you whether it’s suitable for everyone.
Organisers of a one-off picnic
For a single meal or just a few dishes, a box of 8 to 18 stock cubes can help you avoid keeping a large quantity of one recipe for a long time. Still, check the recommended amount before estimating how many cubes you’ll need.
What should you check?
Start by counting how many dishes will use stock, then check whether the same recipe is suitable for everyone. The pack size, ingredients and purchasing options should all match the picnic you’re actually planning.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Number of cubes, net weight and recommended amount for each dish. | If I’m cooking several dishes for the group, I want to make sure I have enough cubes without buying a disproportionate amount. Around 33% of consumers put quantity at the top of their list. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the pack you choose. | When sharing a dish, I need to know whether the recipe meets my guests’ dietary requirements. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Salt and composition | The exact product variant and the ‘salt’ line in the nutritional information, compared on the same basis. | When seasoning several dishes, I want to control how much salt I add. Around 25% of consumers consider this their top priority. |
| Planning your purchase | Available pack sizes and collection or delivery options from your chosen retailer. | Before getting ready for the picnic, I need to be able to pick up a recipe that suits the group. This is the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the biggest box without counting how many dishes you’ll make
A box of 32 or 64 cubes could see you through several meals, but may leave you with leftovers after a one-off picnic, especially if the recipe won’t suit your next group of guests.
Estimate how many dishes you’ll make using the amount shown on the pack, then compare the number of cubes with the best-before date.
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Assuming a plant-based recipe is allergen-free
A recipe described as plant-based may contain wheat or carry warnings about other allergens. This is important when you’re sharing a meal.
Before using it for the group, read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements on the pack you’ve chosen.
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Choosing a catering-size pack for a one-off picnic
Nestlé offers 5 kg MAGGI Professional packs for food-service businesses. For a one-off occasion, you’ll also need to make sure you can use and store the entire quantity you buy.
Save this type of pack for regular, high-volume cooking, and take note of the storage instructions and best-before date.
Stock cube brands to know
MAGGI
The KUB range includes several recipes and pack sizes. Auchan lists a KUB OR product with 32 cubes, as well as a promotional pack of 64 cubes.
- Pack sizes to compare if you’re preparing several dishes or meals.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by recipe, so check the specific product and batch you choose.
Knorr
Knorr offers stock in various forms and has a range with no added salt.
- The no-added-salt option lets you identify a recipe to consider if added salt is a factor in your choice.
- Check the pack size, ingredients and allergens for the specific product rather than relying on the range name.
Carrefour
The Carrefour Original and Carrefour Bio ranges include stock cubes in various recipes. Depending on the product, packs of 8, 12 or 15 are available.
- These pack sizes let you choose an amount suited to a few dishes.
- Check the number of cubes and the recipe in each box before planning a meal for a group.
Auchan
The Auchan range includes its own-brand stock cubes as well as MAGGI and Knorr products, including Auchan packs of 12 cubes.
- The number of cubes and the product details can help you compare pack sizes.
- Check the details of the product you choose and the options available at your store.
Marque Repère, Rustica et Bio Village (E.Leclerc)
E.Leclerc lists Rustica stock cubes in packs of 12, as well as an 8-cube Bio Village vegetable stock product.
- These pack sizes may suit you if you’re only planning a few dishes.
- Compare the recipes and recommended amounts before choosing a box for the group.
Stock cubes on Joybuy
These two packs of stock cubes are worth considering if you’re making several dishes. Before deciding how many to bring to your picnic, check the recommended amount and the ingredients of the product you choose.
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Calnort Lamb, 36 stock cubes of 10 g
A pack to consider if you’re making several dishes with the same stock recipe.
The box contains 36 cubes of 10 g. Before cooking for the group, check the recommended amount and allergen information on the pack.
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MAGGI KUB OR, 128 g stock cubes
A pack to consider for several dishes, provided the recipe suits your guests.
The box weighs 128 g. Auchan lists a classic KUB OR product of this weight with 32 cubes. Check the number of cubes, ingredients and recommended amount on the box you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between two different pack sizes?
Compare the number of cubes and the recommended amount for each pack, then match them to the dishes you’re planning. The weight of the box alone won’t tell you how many dishes you can season.
Is a vegetable stock cube suitable for everyone?
No. A plant-based label doesn’t mean you can skip checking the recipe for allergens. Read the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the product you choose. The DGCCRF advises that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list of prepacked food.
Should I choose a stock with no added salt for a group meal?
Choose according to how much salt you want to add to your dishes, without assuming that one option will automatically suit everyone. Knorr offers a range with no added salt. To compare recipes, check the ‘salt’ line in the nutritional information on the same basis.
How should I store stock cubes bought in advance?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and check the best-before date before stocking up. MAGGI product information advises storing cubes in a cool, dry place. Follow the instructions for the specific box you buy.