The 14 Unhealthiest Store-Bought Bouillon Products

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Bouillon is a popular choice among home cooks seeking quick and easy solutions for adding depth to their dishes. Besides being used to make soups, it can be employed as a seasoning to elevate the taste of sauces, gravies, rice, pasta, and a wide range of savory recipes. A closer look at some store-bought bouillon products reveals potential health hazards that consumers should be aware of. One of the primary issues lies in the excessive sodium content. With bouillon being a concentrated flavoring agent, even a small amount can contribute significantly to daily sodium intake, making it essential for individuals to monitor their consumption cautiously.

Another concern is the presence of artificial additives and flavor enhancers. Ingredients like monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used to enhance the taste of processed foods, but some individuals may be sensitive to it and experience adverse reactions. Furthermore, unhealthy fats, like trans fats and palm oil, can contribute to higher levels of saturated fats in the diet.

Transparency in labeling is also an area of focus regarding bouillon products. Some brands may not provide clear information about the sourcing of ingredients or the presence of allergens, leaving consumers uncertain about what they are putting into their bodies. Additionally, the potential for hidden ingredients, such as artificial flavors or preservatives, raises questions about the overall quality and health implications of consuming bouillon regularly.

A single teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base contains a significant amount of sodium, with 680 milligrams, accounting for 30% of the daily recommended intake. High sodium consumption is associated with elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease per the FDA. This product therefore may pose a challenge for individuals monitoring their sodium. 

This bouillon contains 1 gram of sugar per serving. While this amount may seem small, it's important to consider the cumulative effect of added sugars in the diet, which can contribute to weight gain, metabolic issues, and an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

It also includes disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate as flavor enhancers. According to Healthline, "Although more research is needed on disodium guanylate to establish its safety limits, it's generally regarded as safe," and the guanylate – inosinate pair act as an MSG alternative. While these additives are also recognized as safe, some individuals may have sensitivities.

Herb-Ox promotes its beef bouillon cubes by emphasizing the exclusion of the gluten component, added MSG, and fat from the formula. Despite its appealing attributes, each cube contains 960 milligrams of sodium, representing 42% of the recommended daily allowance.  Additionally, the mix of hydrolyzed soy protein and autolyzed yeast extract in the ingredients list may raise eyebrows for some consumers, as these are sources of glutamates. Glutamates function as flavor enhancers and may not be well-tolerated by individuals sensitive to MSG-like compounds.

The ingredient lists also notes added sugar, which contributes to the cube's 2% sugar content per serving. While the amount is relatively small, those monitoring their sugar intake should be mindful of this addition. Furthermore, the inclusion of artificial caramel coloring, and the flavor enhancer duo: disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, may not align with the preferences of those seeking minimally processed and additive-free products.

Marigold Organic Swiss Vegetable Vegan Bouillon Powder boasts an appealing profile, being labeled as organic, vegan, gluten-free, and free from allergenic ingredients and palm oil. With no added MSG, it aligns with the preferences of health-conscious consumers seeking natural and plant-based seasoning options.

However, a closer examination of its nutritional information raises some concerns regarding its sodium content. Five grams of the dry product contain approximately 2,410 milligrams of salt when dissolved in 250 milliliters (approximately 1 cup) of water. Comparing this to other bouillon products we've covered, it is evident that Marigold's bouillon is quite high in sodium.

This bouillon also contains maltodextrin that, while generally recognized as safe by regulatory authorities per WebMD, can cause spike in blood sugar levels. In addition, the use of vegetable oils like grapeseed and sunflower oils in the bouillon powder may raise questions about the quality and sourcing of these ingredients. While vegetable and seed oils are commonly used in food products, their high omega-6 fatty acid content and the methods of extraction have been subjects of discussion and research in the health and nutrition community as shown by Healthline.

Osem Consomme Soup & Seasoning Mix highlights on its packaging as suitable for vegetarians. It also carries a kosher certification for Passover Parve under the supervision of the Rabbinate of Sderot, making it suitable for individuals following kosher dietary guidelines. While the product provides a low caloric value of 10 calories per 1 teaspoon (6 grams) serving, other nutritional aspects are concerning. The sodium content, amounting to 830 milligrams per serving, accounts for approximately 35% of the recommended daily allowance. 

The ingredients list also shows the use of monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavor, which can be a dealbreaker for some, as well as palm oil, which is known to be loaded with saturated fat.  Also included are corn syrup powder and sugar. This mix makes us question the overall nutritional profile of the product, as excessive consumption of added sugars and unhealthy fats are not in line with the general guidelines of a healthy lifestyle. 

Shirley J's Chicken Bouillon is advertised to deliver heightened concentration and improved yield, setting it apart from its competitors. It potentially provides a delightful taste with a smaller quantity. The brand takes pride in offering this lower sodium option, positioning it as a preferable nutritional choice.

However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals some considerations. Shirley J's bouillon contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein, derived from corn and processed with palm and/or sunflower oil. According to CBC News, hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a flavor enhancer commonly used in processed foods like soups, chili, sauces, gravies, and stews. It is known to contain up to 30% MSG. For some individuals, MSG can trigger headaches and other symptoms like a rapid heart rate, nausea, chest pain, and facial pressure or tightness.

To top it off, while this Shirley J bouillon boasts a lower sodium content compared to its counterparts, it still provides 660 milligrams of sodium per 2.5-gram serving, constituting approximately 29% of the recommended daily intake. 

"Way too salty," says an Amazon customer review of Member's Mark Chicken Bouillon Cubes. This comment reflects a common sentiment among some consumers regarding the bouillon's high sodium content. With 1,030 milligrams of sodium per a 4-gram cube, the bouillon contributes to approximately 45% of the recommended daily intake of sodium. While the product promises to add savory chicken flavor to dishes, the excessive saltiness may overpower any other flavors, making it challenging to achieve a balanced and enjoyable taste. Also, this is not a good option for those aiming to manage their sodium intake for heart health.

The bouillon also includes MSG and disodium inosinate as flavor enhancers, and the vague description of "powdered vegetable fat" on the ingredient list lacks transparency, as it does not provide specific details about the types of fats used, their nutritional content, or their potential impact on health. Different types of vegetable fats have different nutritional profiles, and some may contain higher levels of unhealthy saturated fats, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues if consumed in excessive amounts.

One cube of Wyler's Beef Flavored Instant Bouillon contains 910 milligrams of sodium, representing approximately 38% of the recommended daily intake. Wyler's inclusion of artificial flavor, a synthesized compound used to mimic natural flavors in the bouillon, might be a point of consideration for those who prefer a more natural flavor source. The inclusion of headache-inducing MSG combined with disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate are also found in the cubes, as well as red 40 artificial dye.

Further down the ingredients list, we found wheat gluten, which is a protein derived from wheat that provides elasticity to dough and is commonly used in baking and processed foods. While it is safe for most people, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be cautious, as it can trigger adverse reactions. Per the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, wheat allergy symptoms include skin rash, indigestion, headaches, asthma, and in some severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Another ingredient discovered in the list is soy protein. According to WebMD, certain individuals may develop gastrointestinal discomfort as a consumption side effect, allergies with symptoms like skin rashes or respiratory problems, or concerns about potential estrogen-like hormonal effects.