Are OXO Cubes Vegetarian? Let’s Take a Look at the Ingredients

OXO is one of the most iconic brands when it comes to bouillon cubes and flavorful stocks. Their small cubes and handy stock pots provide a quick and easy way to infuse savory umami flavor into soups, stews, gravies and many other dishes.

But if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. a key question is – can you consume OXO products? Do they contain any animal-derived ingredients?

Let’s thoroughly examine the ingredients in OXO’s bouillon cubes and pots to determine if they align with a vegetarian lifestyle

What’s in OXO Cubes?

The primary ingredients in traditional OXO bouillon cubes include:

• Wheat flour
• Yeast extract
• Salt
• Beef fat
• Flavorings
• Onion powder
• Sugar
• Vegetables oils
• Herbs and spices

The two ingredients that stand out here in terms of vegetarian suitability are beef fat and yeast extract. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Beef Fat

As the name implies beef fat is derived from cows and is non-vegetarian. On OXO packaging it is listed as “beef dripping.”

Beef fat is used in OXO cubes to provide a rich, meaty and savory flavor. It satisfies the traditional expectation of beef broth.

Yeast Extract

Yeast extract is a common ingredient used to provide umami flavor. It is produced by autolyzing yeast cells – breaking them down through a natural process to extract glutamates.

Some yeast extract is vegetarian-friendly when produced from molasses or sugar cane sources. However, some manufacturers may use barley malt or other grains as the nutrient source for yeast. These would be non-vegetarian.

OXO does not specify the source of their yeast extract, so its vegetarian suitability is unclear.

Are OXO Cubes Considered Vegetarian?

Given the confirmed use of beef fat, and the potential for non-vegetarian yeast extract, OXO bouillon cubes cannot be considered vegetarian or vegan.

They contain at least one non-vegetarian ingredient, and possibly two depending on the specific yeast extract source.

So those following a vegetarian or vegan diet will need to avoid consuming OXO bouillon cubes and opt for meat-free alternatives instead.

A Look at Other OXO Products

While OXO’s signature bouillon cubes are not vegetarian-friendly, some other products in the OXO family may be suitable for plant-based diets when checking labels:

• OXO gravy mixes – Some flavors avoid meat extracts. Check ingredients.

• OXO herbs and spices – Most blends appear to be vegetarian.

• OXO yeast extract – By itself, this is vegetarian if from molasses. Check source.

• OXO stock pots – The vegetarian and chicken pots may be vegetarian-friendly.

As always, you need to carefully inspect the ingredients list on any product to determine vegetarian suitability. Don’t assume all OXO items are interchangeable in terms of ingredients.

Why Are OXO Cubes Not Suitable for Vegetarians?

OXO takes a traditional approach with their signature bouillon cubes, aiming to provide a rich, meat-like flavor profile. So the use of beef fat aligns with their goal of creating the taste and smell of beef broth through natural ingredients.

Without the beef fat, OXO cubes would lack the rich, savory qualities associated with beef bouillon. Vegetarian substitutes would not replicate the exact intended sensory experience.

So OXO chooses to stick with convention and their original 1918 recipe to deliver the expected beefy flavor profile that made the brand famous. They leave vegetarian and vegan options to other brands.

Risks of Consuming OXO Cubes as a Vegetarian

While the amounts of non-vegetarian ingredients in OXO cubes are relatively small, there are some potential considerations for vegetarians choosing to consume them:

• Violates ethical stances on using animal products

• Contradicts personal vegetarian identity and brand values

• Possible traces of meat/fat left in cooking pots afterward

• May indirectly support meat industry by purchasing

• Risk of developing meat intolerance after periods of avoidance

While not dangerous from a health perspective, consumption does present some philosophical and ethical conflicts for committed vegetarians. It ultimately comes down to individual choice and comfort levels.

Finding Alternatives to OXO Cubes

Luckily, OXO is far from the only option for flavorful and convenient bouillon these days. There are many vegetarian and vegan friendly alternatives:

• Massel bouillon cubes

• Edward & Sons bouillon cubes

• Rapunzel vegan vegetable bouillon cubes

• Dr. McDougall’s vegan bouillon cubes

• Knorr vegetable bouillon pots

• Bragg Liquid Aminos

• DIY veggie broth from scraps

So with some savvy substitutions and label reading, you can absolutely replicate the rich umami experience of OXO bouillon in your cooking without the use of animal products.

Tips for Vegetarians Purchasing Bouillon

If you want to enjoy vegetarian bouillon cubes or powder, keep these tips in mind:

• Read all ingredient labels carefully

• Look for “vegetarian” or “vegan” claims on packaging

• Research brands online to investigate their practices

• Avoid bouillon made from chicken or beef bases

• Check that yeast extract is from molasses, not malt

• Consider making your own veggie broth at home

• Call manufacturers if you have any questions

• Purchase certified vegetarian products when possible

The Bottom Line

OXO bouillon cubes cannot be considered vegetarian or vegan due to their inclusion of beef fat as a primary ingredient. Yeast extract may also be a non-vegetarian component depending on source.

This rules out OXO’s signature cubes for vegetarian diets. However, some other OXO products may potentially be vegetarian-friendly when thoroughly checking labels.

Luckily, there are still plenty of flavorful vegetarian bouillon options to explore through brands like Edward & Sons, Massel, Knorr and others. With some adjustments, you can still enjoy the versatility of bouillon cubes and powder in your cooking while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle.