Locating Beef Bouillon Cubes at the Grocery Store

Beef bouillon cubes are a versatile pantry staple that add concentrated savory flavor to soups stews, gravies, and more. But if you don’t normally buy them you may find yourself wandering the grocery store aisles wondering – where exactly are the beef bouillon cubes?

With some helpful tips on where to look and what to look for, you’ll be able to easily track down those flavor-boosting cubes of goodness to toss in your cart.

What Are Beef Bouillon Cubes?

Before we dive into location let’s quickly cover what beef bouillon cubes are. Bouillon cubes are compressed cube-shaped seasoning made from beef broth that is dehydrated and shaped into compact cubes.

When added to hot water or dishes, the bouillon cubes dissolve and release an intensely beefy, savory flavor. They are used to enhance the taste of soups, stews, rice, vegetables, gravies, and anything you want to give a boost of meaty umami.

Home cooks often keep bouillon cubes on hand to quickly whip up a delicious broth or sauce. Professional chefs rely on them too for enhancing dishes. Beef is the most common variety, but you can also find chicken and vegetable bouillon cubes.

Where to Find Beef Bouillon Cubes at the Grocery Store

Now that you know what to look for, here is exactly where beef bouillon cubes are located at the grocery store:

Check the Soup Aisle

The most likely spot to find beef bouillon cubes is in the soup aisle. This is where you’ll see all the…well…soup! The bouillon cubes are typically merchandised right alongside the canned broth, stock, and soup mixes.

Look on the shelves near products like chicken broth, vegetable stock, ramen noodles, and soup mix packets. The small boxes of cubes tend to be grouped together on the upper shelves.

Scan the Spice Section

Some grocery stores stock bouillon cubes in the spice and seasoning aisle rather than with soup. This makes sense since they are essentially a concentrated seasoning. Scan the shelves near spices, herbs, salt, pepper, and other flavor enhancers.

You may find them alongside brands like McCormick, Badia, and Kernel Seasons. The bouillon cubes are sometimes merchandised near the Asian food ingredients as well.

Check International and Ethnic Foods

If your grocery store has an expanded international or ethnic foods section, peek in there too. Bouillon cubes are essential for various cultural cuisines, especially for Hispanic and Asian cooking.

Stores with a wider global food selection may carry more bouillon cube varieties and brands in this dedicated section.

Try the Broth End Cap

Larger grocery stores often have end cap displays at the end of certain aisles to showcase products. Take a look at the end cap in the soup aisle or broth section.

If there is one, you may find featured displays of bouillon cubes or signage pointing you toward them in a nearby aisle.

Ask for Help

Can’t seem to uncover those elusive bouillon cubes? Don’t hesitate to ask a grocery clerk or check at the customer service desk. Tell them exactly what you’re looking for and they can point you to the right shelf.

Many shoppers pass right by the bouillon cubes, so the store associates are used to helping customers find them!

Tips for Finding Beef Bouillon Cubes

Here are some useful tips to make locating beef bouillon cubes even easier:

• Look high – they are generally on higher shelves near eye level

• Seek out small boxes or containers

• Spot key words like “bouillon”, “broth”, “beef”, “cube”

• Compare logos and packaging if unsure of brands

• Purchase name brands for reliability

• Opt for low or reduced sodium if needed

• Buy beef or chicken bouillon for versatility

• Choose cubes over granules for better control

• Grab extra – they have a long shelf life when stored properly

Popular Beef Bouillon Cube Brands

There are a few major brands of bouillon cubes to look for at most standard grocery stores:

• Knorr – One of the most common and recognizable bouillon brands

• McCormick – Known for their wide range of herbs, spices, and seasonings

• Hormel – Maker of Spam and other processed meats

• Wyler’s – Specializes in bouillon cubes and granules

• Marigold – Offers Swiss bouillon cubes and granules

• Herb-Ox – Produces bouillon cubes, granules, and pastes

Of course, check the ethnic food aisle for additional global brands like Maggi, Massel, and Edward & Sons. Health food stores may also carry specialty options.

How Are Beef Bouillon Cubes Packaged?

Bouillon cubes are usually packaged in small cardboard boxes, foil pouches, or plastic containers. The boxes contain a few dozen tiny bouillon cubes, often wrapped inside a paper liner.

Foil pouches also house the cubed or granulated bouillon to help retain freshness. Look for the clear section on the packaging so you can see the product inside.

Cubes are the most common shape, but you can also find granulated bouillon in jars or resealable bags. For portioning, cubes tend to be easier to use than loose granules.

Tips for Using Beef Bouillon Cubes

Once you’ve brought home those beef bouillon cubes, here are some tips for using them:

• Dissolve 1-2 cubes per cup of hot water for instant broth

• Add to stews, soups, braised meats, gravies for depth of flavor

• Use in place of water when cooking rice or quinoa for added taste

• Mix into ground meat for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf for juiciness

• Create a flavorful cooking liquid for steaming or braising veggies

• Combine with wine, stock, or pan drippings to make quick sauces

• Add to casseroles and savory bread or muffin batters

With so many ways to use them in recipes, it’s handy to know where to find beef bouillon cubes on your next grocery run. Now that you know where to look, you can easily grab a box and amplify the flavor of your dishes.