Are Beef OXO Cubes Vegetarian? Everything You Need To Know

As more people adopt plant-based diets, a common question arises – are beef OXO cubes vegetarian? These flavorful little cubes have been staples in British cooking for over a century. With their rich, meaty taste, OXO cubes can transform bland dishes into hearty meals. But can vegetarians and vegans enjoy them too? In this in-depth article, we’ll uncover the ingredients in beef OXO cubes, alternatives for plant-based diets, and everything else you need to know.

A Brief History of OXO Cubes

OXO cubes were invented in 1910 by the Liebig Extract of Meat Company. The bouillon cubes were originally sold as a viscous brown liquid. But the company soon realized that dehydrating the liquid into cubes made transport and storage much easier.

The cubes were an instant hit in Britain. Their small size and portability allowed British soldiers to bring flavorful nutrition overseas during World War 1. Back home OXO cubes became a versatile cooking staple for families.

Today, OXO cubes continue to be a beloved British product. Over 28 million cubes are sold each year! The iconic brand is owned by Premier Foods, which also makes other favorites like Mr. Kipling Cakes.

What’s Actually In Beef OXO Cubes?

The ingredients in OXO beef cubes have changed over the years. But they still deliver that signature rich meaty taste.

Here are some of the most common ingredients found in beef OXO cubes

• Wheat Flour: The base of the cube.

• Beef Extract: Concentrated meat flavor.

• Yeast Extract: Adds depth of flavor.

• Beef Fat: Provides richness.

• Salt: For seasoning.

• Sugar: Balances savory flavors.

• Onion Powder: Extra flavor.

• MSG: Flavor enhancer.

• Colorings: Provide an appetizing brown color.

The beef extract and beef fat are what give OXO cubes their distinctly meaty taste. However, the presence of these animal-derived ingredients means that beef OXO cubes are not vegetarian or vegan.

Are There Vegetarian/Vegan Versions of OXO Cubes?

For over a century, OXO cubes contained animal products. But in recent years, vegetarian and vegan diets have exploded in popularity. Premier Foods responded by launching an exciting new product – meat-free OXO cubes!

These vegetarian-friendly cubes rely on mushrooms and yeast extract to recreate the savory umami taste of beef. They have a very similar ingredient list to the original. But beef extract and beef fat are replaced with vegetarian alternatives.

The meat-free cubes come in small boxes of 12 wrapped cubes. They can be used just like traditional OXO cubes to infuse plant-based dishes with rich, savory flavor.

Handy Alternatives for Vegans & Vegetarians

Besides the new meat-free OXO cubes, there are plenty of flavorful ingredients vegetarians and vegans can use in place of beef cubes:

• Vegetable or Mushroom Stock: Simmer veggie scraps and herbs into a tasty liquid base.

• Miso Paste: This fermented soybean paste packs serious umami punch.

• Soy Sauce: Adds salty richness.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Vegan versions available.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor.

• Dried Mushrooms: Soak in water for intense taste.

• Nutritional Yeast: Cheesy, savory flavor.

• Liquid Smoke: Adds smoky depth.

With a combination of these ingredients, it’s easy to replicate the meaty goodness of OXO beef cubes in vegetarian and vegan dishes. A little creativity goes a long way!

Handy Ways to Use OXO Cubes

However you choose to use them, OXO cubes unlock a world of flavor. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate them into cooking:

• Crumble into stews, curries, chili for richness.

• Add to gravy for instant meaty flavor.

• Use when browning ground meat.

• Whisk into pan sauces and glazes.

• Simmer into rice or veggie side dishes.

• Dissolve in boiling water for instant broth.

• Enhance the flavor of beans, lentils and grains.

• Use in place of plain salt for extra dimension.

• Stir into meatloaf or burger mixes.

• Add richness to scrambled eggs.

• Make a speedy pot roast with cubes, veggies, broth.

OXO cubes are endlessly versatile. Keep them stocked in your pantry for an instant flavor boost anytime!

Tips for Cooking with OXO Cubes

Cooking with OXO cubes is a cinch. But these tips will help you maximize their flavor:

• Use Less Salt: Since the cubes contain salt already, adjust any extra salt you add accordingly.

• Don’t Overdo It: Start with 1 cube per 1 cup liquid/1 pound meat. You can always add more!

• Add Early: Crumbling the cubes into your aromatic veggies while sautéing brings out the most flavor.

• Simmer: Allowing dishes to simmer fully blends the cube’s taste throughout.

• Use the Whole Cube: Dividing or shaving cubes makes dosing tricky.

• Store Properly: Keep cubes in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.

Follow these guidelines and OXO cubes will never overpower your cooking. Their rich flavor should blend harmoniously into the overall dish.

Are OXO Cubes Healthy?

OXO cubes contain flavor enhancers like MSG and salt, so are they actually healthy?

In moderation, most people can safely enjoy OXO cubes as part of an overall balanced diet. The small serving size means you consume minimal amounts of things like MSG and sodium.

However, cubes may need to be limited for those restricting sodium intake or with sensitivities to additives. As with any pre-packaged food, check the label and weigh your personal tolerance.

Here are some health benefits and drawbacks of OXO cubes:

Pros:

• Low calorie (5-10 per cube)

• Offer nutrition from bone broth

• Provide protein from meat extracts

• Convenient source of flavor

• Allow you to use less fat or salt

Cons:

• High in sodium (20-30% RDV per cube)

• Contain MSG and other additives

• Not whole food ingredients

• Risk of overuse negatively impacting health

Overall, enjoying OXO cubes in moderation as part of home cooking is likely fine for most people. But as with any food, your individual health factors play a role.

The Final Verdict

While traditional beef OXO cubes aren’t suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets, alternatives are available! Meat-free versions allow anyone to enjoy these flavor powerhouses.

OXO cubes have earned their place as icons of British cuisine by offering convenience and big taste through the generations. They continue to be staples that make cooking more enjoyable for home cooks today.

However you choose to use them, OXO cubes are here to stay as beloved kitchen heroes. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.