Health experts have issued an urgent warning over “excessive” amounts of salt in supermarket stock cubes, which could increase the risk of heart disease.
Seasoning cubes, used to add more flavor to food, are bought by millions of people in the UK.
But the vast majority of Brits underestimate the amount of salt, according to a survey. Some are almost 50% salt and contain almost as much as the daily maximum recommended by the NHS.
The data, which asked 1,000 Brits about broth cubes, found fewer than one in 20 realized they contained so much salt. Popular brands, such as Oxo and Knorr, claim the cubes are meant to season four or more separate meals.
However, experts say a lack of knowledge about salt content means many people use the cubes for just one or two meals.
Excessive salt consumption can cause an increase in blood pressure, leading to a risk of heart disease and stroke. A 2017 study by the British Heart Foundation found that people who consumed around 14 grams of salt per day had twice the risk of heart failure compared to those who consumed less than 7g.
Other health risks from too much salt include headaches, a constant need to urinate, and edema, which causes swelling in the hands and feet.
Popular brands, such as Oxo and Knorr, claim the cubes are meant to season four or more separate meals. Pictured: file image
Excessive salt consumption can cause an increase in blood pressure, leading to a risk of heart disease and stroke. Pictured: file image
Seasoning cubes, used to add more flavor to food, are bought by millions of people in the UK. Pictured: file image
The NHS recommends that adults consume no more than 6g of salt per day, or about one tablespoon. But a 10g Aldi beef stock cube contains just over 4g of salt – almost a whole day’s worth. Knorr Chicken Stock Cubes contain over 4g of salt, almost half of its entire ingredients.
“Most of the salt we eat comes from hidden sources like stock cubes,” says London-based nutritionist Rob Hudson. “The labeling of these products can also be confusing, as the salt content they claim to contain is a much smaller serving than most people consume.”
Experts warn that the products also contain high amounts of ultra-processed ingredients. Growing research suggests that people who eat foods high in ultra-processed foods, also known as UPF, are at greater risk of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Oxo Beef Bouillon Cubes – which each contain over 3g of salt – also contain a number of UPFs, including monosodium gutamate, disodium guanylate, ammonia caramel and flavorings.
“Always check ingredient labels,” warns Hudson.
The survey was conducted by bone broth company Freja, which markets itself as a healthier alternative to broth cubes. Each 500 ml carton of Freja contains approximately three grams of salt.
“Originally, broth was made using stock from meat bones,” says Ed Armitage, co-founder of Freja. “But commercially available stocks have a poor nutritional profile and provide no functional benefit.”
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers have significantly reduced salt in all their products over the last decade.
“However, consumers know that stock cubes season larger meals, such as stews and stews, eaten by families and friends. This means that it is perfectly acceptable to use them without exceeding recommended salt intake levels.