What Happened to Wyler’s Beef Bouillon Granules?

For generations, home cooks have relied on Wyler’s bouillon granules to quickly and easily make flavorful broths and soups However, fans of Wyler’s may have noticed that their popular beef bouillon granules seem to have disappeared from store shelves.

So what happened to Wyler’s beef bouillon granules? Were they discontinued? And what are the alternatives for cooks who miss that classic Wyler’s flavor?

In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of the mystery of the vanishing Wyler’s beef granules and discuss replacement options to use in recipes.

A Look Back at Wyler’s History

To understand what happened with Wyler’s beef bouillon, it helps to know a little brand history. Wyler’s was founded in 1931 by brothers William and George Wyler in St. Louis, Missouri. Their bouillon cubes and granules quickly became popular American pantry staples.

In the 1980s, Wyler’s was acquired by Kraft Foods. Under Kraft’s ownership, Wyler’s continued selling their chicken and beef bouillon products for decades more.

However, in 2013, Kraft sold off some iconic food brands, including Wyler’s. The bouillon side of Wyler’s was purchased by Kraft Heinz, while the drink mix branch was bought by Jel Sert.

When Were Wyler’s Beef Granules Discontinued?

It appears that Wyler’s beef bouillon granules were discontinued by Kraft Heinz sometime around 2018-2019.

The exact date is unclear, but fans started noticing it was missing from stores around that timeframe. On the Wyler’s website today, only chicken and ham bouillon granules are listed.

Kraft Heinz has not provided an official reason for discontinuing beef bouillon specifically. However, it may have been a business decision based on declining sales or inability to compete in a crowded market dominated by brands like Better Than Bouillon.

Where to Find Wyler’s Chicken and Ham Bouillon

While the beef variety is gone, Wyler’s chicken and ham bouillon granules are still around. They can be found in the soup aisle at many major supermarkets such as Walmart, Kroger, Safeway and more.

Wyler’s chicken granules come in 1.9 oz pouches and 6 oz canisters. The ham flavor is only available in 1.9 oz pouches currently.

Be sure to check the packaging date, as some old stock may still be on shelves. The freshest packages will have a Best By date of late 2023 or beyond.

Suitable Replacements for Wyler’s Beef Bouillon

To replace Wyler’s discontinued beef bouillon granules, home cooks have a few good options:

• Better Than Bouillon Beef Base – This concentrated paste makes excellent beef broth. Many say it has better flavor than the Wyler’s granules.

• Oxo Beef Bouillon Granules – Oxo is another established brand with beef granules similar to Wyler’s. Find it near the soup mixes.

• Homemade Beef Broth – For maximum control, make your own beef broth using bones, meat scraps and aromatics. Freeze in ice cube trays.

• Low-Sodium Beef Bouillon – Those limiting salt may prefer Edward & Sons’ low-sodium beef bouillon cubes. Just one cube per cup of water.

• Beef Consommé – Swanson’s beef consommé contains concentrated beef flavors and is handy for boosting soups and braises.

Experiment with amounts when substituting to get the rich beef taste you remember from Wyler’s granules. And as always, adjust other salt and seasonings since commercial broths vary in sodium content.

Should You Make Your Own Beef Bouillon?

Making your own beef bouillon at home lets you control the quality and flavor. All it takes is some simple ingredients and time.

To make beef bouillon:

• Roast marrow bones, oxtails, knuckles or other bones at 400°F until well browned. This adds deep, roasted flavor.

• Simmer bones for 12-24 hours with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, parsley and peppercorns. Keep the liquid below a bare simmer.

• Strain out the solids. Let broth cool completely and skim off the fat.

• Reduce broth over medium heat to intensify flavor and color.

• Freeze in ice cube trays or silicone molds for easy use.

Homemade beef bouillon cubes are far superior in taste to commercial granules. However, it does require an investment of time. Keep a big batch frozen to save hassle down the road.

What Happened to Wyler’s Chicken Granules?

Around the same timeframe as beef, some shoppers also reported trouble locating Wyler’s chicken bouillon granules. However, chicken was not discontinued.

There may have been temporary production issues or distribution problems in some regions. But Wyler’s chicken bouillon remains available nationwide today.

Are There Any Health Concerns with Bouillon?

Bouillon granules provide big flavor, but most brands are very high in sodium. The recommended limit is 2,300 mg of sodium daily but a single serving of Wyler’s granules contains 840 mg.

To control sodium, make homemade broth and use salt-free seasoning blends. Or opt for low-sodium varieties like Edward & Sons.

Some bouillons may also contain MSG, artificial colors and preservatives. Check labels and avoid products with additives you wish to avoid.

Where to Buy Wyler’s Bouillon Online

In areas where Wyler’s chicken or ham bouillon granules are hard to find locally, they can easily be purchased through online retailers.

On Amazon, a 6 pack of 1.9 oz pouches sells for around $12. Or find them on Walmart.com to ship or do in-store pickup where available.

Buying online is a quick fix when your grocery store stops stocking certain products. Shop a few pouches at a time so they stay fresh.

Other Discontinued Wyler’s Products

In addition to beef bouillon, other discontinued Wyler’s products over the years include lemonade, iced tea mixes, gelatin, Worcestershire sauce, and various soups.

While many classics remain, not all historical Wyler’s products have stood the test of time. Nostalgic food brands continually evolve based on consumer preferences.

Is There Hope for the Return of Wyler’s Beef Bouillon?

Could Wyler’s beef granules make a comeback? Unfortunately, a return seems unlikely at this point. Since Kraft Heinz discontinued it a few years ago, they have given no indication of plans to bring it back.

However, fans who miss the old flavor should not lose hope. With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can re-create that tasty Wyler’s beef bouillon experience by making your own or substituting similar options.

Just a bit more effort gives you the equivalent flavor and satisfaction of the beloved Wyler’s beef granules of the past. By mixing broth bases, granules, consommés and seasoning, you’ll be simmering happily once again.

So while Wyler’s beef bouillon is gone, its flavor doesn’t have to be just a fond memory. With homemade recipes or store-bought substitutes, you can still enjoy all your favorite recipes that called for Wyler’s beef granules back in the day.