To add it to a soup, stew or vegetables, you always have a stock cube on hand when you cook. Sold in the spice section of supermarkets, this condiment is in reality an ultra-processed product. And which we must therefore be wary of, according to Boris Hansel, nutritionist and author of Mangez l’esprit lightly, published by Michel Lafon.
What are industrial stock cubes made of?
These little squares add flavor to your dishes. And for good reason: the first ingredient they contain is a flavor enhancer well known to everyone, since it is salt! “A stock cube is, above all, salt.” confirms the doctor. “It is always the first ingredient on the list of its components. On average, a cube contains around 3 grams of salt. Generally, half of a cube is used for a 250 ml serving of broth, which is already a quarter of the maximum recommended amount of salt per day.”
Bouillon cubes, the “bad idea in cooking”
“We think we cook healthier by using them to add less fat, but that’s a false good idea in the kitchen.” continues our expert. Beyond their high salt content, stock cubes contain sodium glutamate, palm oil, colorings, additives, such as maltodextrin, etc.
So many compounds which explain their qualification as an ultra-processed product. What poses a problem to our expert: “The real concern with stock cubes remains their belonging to ultra-processed products. And today, experts agree that it is better to limit the consumption of these foods, because they are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.“.
The best solution: prepare your own stock cubes!
Due to the salt they contain and which will be added to our daily consumption (through bread, cheese, etc.), broth cubes also greatly increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
So how do you cook dishes that will taste good? Dr. Boris Hansel offers you several options:
- “Opt for salt-free stock cubes – even if other ingredients replace salt, these alternatives are still healthier” ;
- “You may also prefer broths with as many vegetables as possible – some cubes contain up to 25%.” ;
- “Cchoose cubes with as few additives as possible”;
- And the best advice to adopt: “Make your own stock cubes! With a few vegetables, a little olive oil, spices and a controlled amount of salt, you can concoct homemade stocks to keep in the freezer. It’s simple, economical and much better for your health!”