For those avoiding gluten, stock cubes are a tricky area. While many beef and chicken stock cubes are gluten free, some popular brands like OXO contain gluten. This leaves gluten-free home cooks searching for alternatives when a recipe calls for stock cubes.
This article will cover:
- What ingredients typically contain gluten in stock cubes
- Which brands of beef stock cubes are gluten free
- Safe gluten-free alternatives to OXO cubes
- Tips for using gluten-free stock cubes
Why Stock Cubes Often Contain Gluten
Many stock cube brands use wheat as a thickening agent. This adds texture and binds the compressed cube shape. OXO cubes contain wheat flour for this purpose.
Other common sources of gluten in stock cubes include:
- Barley malt extract – Used as a flavoring
- Maltodextrin – A binder derived from barley, corn, rice or potato starch
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein – Adds flavor
- Soy sauce – May contain wheat
So reading labels carefully is crucial to find gluten-free stock cubes. Even if a cube is labeled “gluten-free,” it’s wise to check the ingredients.
Are OXO Cubes Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, OXO cubes are not gluten free. The classic OXO cubes contain wheat flour.
However OXO does offer some gluten-free alternatives
- OXO Organic Beef Stock Cubes – gluten-free
- OXO Chicken Stock Cubes – gluten-free
- OXO Vegetable Stock Cubes – gluten-free
So if you’re loyal to OXO flavor, check the specific type of cube carefully. Only the organic and chicken varieties are gluten-free.
Other Beef Stock Brands That Are Gluten-Free
Here are some other widely available gluten-free beef stock cube options:
- Kallo Organic Beef Stock Cubes – gluten-free, wheat-free
- Marigold Engevita Beef Stock Cubes – gluten-free, wheat-free
- Knorr Beef Stock Cubes – gluten-free
- Tesco Beef Stock Cubes – gluten-free
As always, double check labels to confirm gluten-free status, even on brands that typically offer gluten-free items Formulas can change over time
Gluten-Free Substitutes for OXO Cubes
If you can’t find a suitable gluten-free stock cube, here are some alternate options:
- Gluten-free bouillon – Comes in cubes, powders or liquids
- Homemade beef broth – Simmer bones/meat for 8+ hours then freeze in cubes
- Powdered beef base – Adds flavor without thickeners
- Beef consumme – Concentrated meat broth, may need diluting
When adapting recipes, you may need to adjust other thickeners like cornstarch or flour to compensate for the lack of wheat-based thickeners in the stock cube.
Tips for Cooking with Gluten-Free Stock Cubes
Follow these tips to safely use gluten-free stock cubes:
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Check labels and ingredients each time you buy cubes, even familiar brands
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Call or email manufacturers if gluten-free status is unclear
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Store open cubes in an airtight container away from gluten products
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Use a separate spoon to handle cubes if you also cook with gluten
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Avoid bouillon powders and pastes, which often contain gluten
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Add cubes at the end of cooking when possible to preserve nutrients
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Start with less water or broth if your recipe was formulated for OXO cubes
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Increase starch or thickeners like cornstarch to compensate for no wheat thickener
With so many options for gluten-free cubes and substitutes, you can still enjoy delicious homemade broth and gravy. Just take care in selecting and using beef stock cubes, and enjoy the flavored boost they bring to soups, stews, pot roasts and other gluten-free dishes.
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FAQ
Which beef stock cubes are gluten-free?
Are beef bouillon cubes gluten-free?
What are beef OXO cubes made of?
Is Knorr beef stock gluten-free?
Are Oxo cubes gluten free?
You’ll find the kitchen staple, Oxo cubes, are sadly out of the question (cheers for that, gluten). And some of Bisto’s gravies also have a ‘may contain wheat’ warning on them, despite no gluten in the ingredients list. But there are plenty of options out there, so fear not, save your roast with some of these beauties!
Are bouillon cubes gluten-free?
Bouillon is one of those products that can often contain gluten. For example, many bouillon cubes contain autolyzed yeast extract from barley, and so are not gluten-free. Even when one flavor of a brand, like chicken, is gluten-free, beef can often include wheat ingredients. That’s why it’s important to get a brand and flavor that is gluten-free.
Is beef casserole gluten free?
My Beef Casserole recipe (without the dumplings) is naturally both gluten free and dairy free. The only proviso is that you check both the stock cubes and yeast extract for any hidden gluten or dairy before adding them to the pan. My guide Coeliac Disease + Food helps to explain label checking.
Is beef broth gluten-free?
Most store-bought beef broth is gluten-free but be wary of red flag ingredients that may come from sources of gluten. Always take a look at the ingredients list and allergen statement before deciding which broth to buy. A beef broth with a gluten-free claim is likely your safest option. Is Beef Bouillon Gluten-Free? Not always.