Are OXO Cubes Gluten Free? Your Complete Guide for 2023

OXO is one of the most popular and recognizable brands of bouillon cubes and stock pots. Their convenient cubes and pots can be a tasty way to quickly add flavor to recipes and dishes But for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a key question is – can you safely eat OXO products? Let’s take a detailed look at what the brand offers for the gluten free community.

What Are OXO Cubes?

OXO cubes are bouillon cubes or stock cubes – compressed, dried blocks of concentrated flavor that are designed to be dissolved in hot water to make instant broth, stock or gravy.

The original OXO cube product line was beef bouillon cubes, first launched in 1910. But today, the brand offers cubes in chicken, vegetable, lamb and other flavors. They also sell ready to use OXO liquid stocks in convenient pots.

OXO cubes and stock pots provide a quick and easy way to infuse savory flavor into soups stews, rice dishes and many other recipes. They are widely popular in the UK, Ireland and many Commonwealth nations.

Do OXO Cubes Contain Gluten?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes – OXO bouillon cubes do contain gluten

The primary gluten-containing ingredient in OXO cubes is wheat flour. On OXO cube packaging, you’ll see wheat flour listed as the first or second ingredient.

So OXO cubes are not suitable for a gluten free diet. The cubes contain a moderate amount of wheat flour, so they should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues for those sensitive.

However, some OXO stock pots are gluten free (more details below). So you may still be able to enjoy the OXO flavor in a gluten free form.

Checking OXO Packaging for Gluten

Always carefully read the ingredient lists on any OXO packaging to check for gluten. Don’t assume a certain variety is naturally gluten free. Key things to look for:

• Wheat flour – Main source of gluten in OXO cubes. Avoid any cubes listing wheat flour.

• Malt extract – Derived from barley, so not gluten free. Avoid cubes with malt.

• Yeast extract – May contain gluten from barley or wheat sources. Opt for gluten-free certified.

• Natural flavors – Potential gluten sources. Opt for certified GF products.

• Starch – May be wheat-derived. Check for corn, rice or potato starch instead.

So inspect all OXO packaging vigilantly before purchasing. Don’t just look for obvious ingredients like wheat. Other hidden sources could slip in under generic names. When in doubt, avoid it.

OXO Products That Are Gluten Free

While OXO cubes contain gluten, some OXO products are certified gluten free and safe for celiacs:

OXO Stock Pots – The OXO good grips stock pots come in gluten free Chicken and Beef flavors. They carry a “Gluten Free” certification logo.

OXO Gravy – Select OXO gravy mixes are labeled gluten free, like their Chicken and Ham flavors. Always check labels.

OXO Herbs & Spices – Most OXO herbs and spice blends are gluten free, but always verify by checking ingredients.

So if you see the certified gluten free logo on OXO packaging, that product should be safe for celiacs. But remember – the logo applies only to that specific item. OXO cubes, for example, are not gluten free even though some OXO products are.

Why Do OXO Cubes Contain Gluten?

Wheat flour is added to OXO bouillon cubes as a binding agent. The flour helps hold the compressed cube together and gives it a firmer texture when dry.

In the process of making the cubes, wheat flour also adds:

• Browning and caramelization for richer color
• A toasted, savory flavor
• Natural thickening properties when dissolved

So the gluten-containing flour provides functional benefits to the texture and taste of OXO cubes. There are some gluten free alternatives on the market, but OXO has not reformulated their classic cube recipe to remove wheat flour at this time.

Risks of Consuming OXO Cubes

While trace amounts of gluten from cross-contact can sometimes be tolerated, OXO cubes contain a significant amount of wheat flour.

Consuming OXO cubes could cause moderate to severe reactions in those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Reactions include:

• Bloating, gas, abdominal pain
• Diarrhea, nausea
• Fatigue, headaches
• Skin rashes or itching
• Joint pain
• Damage to the small intestine

So it’s vital to avoid OXO cubes if you are gluten free. Even small amounts over time can lead to very serious health consequences.

Gluten Free Substitutes for OXO Cubes

While you’ll need to avoid OXO bouillon cubes, there are some good gluten free alternatives to consider:

Knorr Stock Pots – Knorr bouillon pots are gluten free and OU certified. Great substitute with lots of flavor varieties.

Glutino Bouillon Cubes – Glutino makes gluten free chicken and beef bouillon cubes.

Edward & Sons Bouillon – Gluten free vegetarian and chicken bouillon cubes.

Pacific Foods Organic Bouillon – Gluten free vegetarian cubes and chicken stock.

Massel Bouillon Cubes – Gluten and wheat free chicken and vegetable cubes.

Rapunzel Vegan Bouillon – Wheat and gluten free cubes made from veggie sources.

Homemade – Make your own simple gluten free stock using water, bones/meat, veggies and seasoning.

So while OXO classic bouillon cubes are off limits, you have plenty of flavorful gluten free options for infusing recipes with a savory boost.

Tips For Following a Gluten Free Diet With Bouillon

Here are some helpful tips for safely using bouillon cubes or powder while gluten free:

• Read all labels carefully – Never assume bouillon is gluten free without checking.

• Use dedicated gluten free brands – This reduces the risk of cross-contact or hidden ingredients.

• Check manufacturer websites – Many list all gluten free options and provide allergen statements.

• Look for certification logos – Symbols like the Crossed Grain indicate third party testing.

• Call manufacturers with questions – They should clearly disclose potential gluten risks.

• Add cubes to your own broth – Avoid pre-made broths which may contain gluten or malt.

• Stick to simple recipes – Avoid complex cube flavors listing vague ingredients like “natural flavors.”

With some adjustments, you can still enjoy the convenience of bouillon in your gluten free cooking routine. Just be vigilant about verifying ingredients and purchasing dedicated gluten free brands of cubes, pots or powder.

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately, OXO’s classic bouillon cubes do contain a moderate amount of gluten from wheat flour. So all varieties of OXO bouillon cubes should be avoided if you follow a gluten free diet. However, some OXO products like their gluten free stock pots and gravies are safe for celiacs.

It’s always essential to carefully inspect the ingredients list on any product bearing the OXO name, even if it seems like it should be naturally gluten free. Never assume, and look for the certified gluten free logo. When in any doubt, choose a trusted dedicated gluten free brand of bouillon instead.

With so many flavorful gluten free broth options on the market today, you can still easily add savory depth to your cooking while avoiding risks from OXO cubes. Follow some key precautions, read all labels diligently, and stock your pantry with certified gluten free broths and bouillons.