Bramwells

Vegetable Stock Cube

Barcode 4088600263465

Scanned 29 times by Nomi users

Yes — Vegetable Stock Cube is ultra-processed.

The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives and processed ingredients: palm fat (highly refined palm oil), maltodextrin (industrially processed sugar), yeast extract (identified UPF ingredient and flavor enhancer), generic flavouring (industrial flavoring agents), and caramelised sugar syrup (industrial sugar preparation). According to NOVA, the presence of these ingredients makes the product UPF even though it also contains some dried vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients

5 ultra-processed markers

OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
UPF

palm fat

A fat derived from the fruit of oil palm. Often a highly processed vegetable oil used in food production.
OK

maize starch

Fine white powder obtained from corn; used as a thickener in sauces and soups.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

vegetables (4%) (roasted onion powder, dried carrot, dried celery, dried leek, dried bell pepper)
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
OK

dried parsley

Dried leaves of parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Used as a fresh-herb substitute that provides a mild, bright, slightly grassy flavor; common in Europe and North America.
OK

tomato powder

Powdered tomato used as a flavoring or ingredient, a minimally processed dried tomato product.
OK

celery seeds

Dried seeds of the celery plant (Apium graveolens); a pungent, celery-like spice used to flavor dishes and pickles.
OK

garlic powder

Dried, ground garlic used as a convenient, concentrated form of garlic flavoring in cooking.
UPF

flavouring

A generic additive used to impart or enhance flavor; can be synthetic or derived from natural sources.
OK

turmeric (ground)

A common spice made by grinding the orange-yellow rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). It has a warm, bitter, peppery flavor and is widely used in curry powders and mustard blends. Turmeric is known for its vibrant color due to curcumin.
UPF

caramelised sugar syrup

A syrup derived from sugar heated to create caramelization; a processed sugars product commonly used as a sweetener or flavoring.
OK

ground black pepper

A fine powder made by grinding peppercorns (Piper nigrum); a common, pungent spice used to season savory dishes.
OK

allergy advice: for allerens
OK

see ingredients in bold
OK

may also contain egg
OK

milk

A dairy liquid produced by cows; a basic, widely used food ingredient.
OK

gluten sources
OK

mustard and soya
OK

dietary advice: suitable for vegetarians
OK

no artificial colours
OK

flavourings or preservatives
OK

nutrition this pack contains 12 stock cubes
OK

per stock cube (450ml) typical values per 100ml (made up as directed) 28kj/

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Hugh's classic vegetable stock

River Cottage

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Cooking & Baking →

Other cooking & baking Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Vegetable Stock Cube

Is Vegetable Stock Cube ultra-processed?

Yes — Vegetable Stock Cube by Bramwells is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is classified as ultra-processed because the ingredient list includes several industrial additives and processed ingredients: palm fat (highly refined palm oil), maltodextrin (industrially processed sugar), yeast extract (identified UPF ingredient and flavor enhancer), generic flavouring (industrial flavoring agents), and caramelised sugar syrup (industrial sugar preparation). According to NOVA, the presence of these ingredients makes the product UPF even though it also contains some dried vegetables and herbs.

Which ingredients in Vegetable Stock Cube are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 5 ingredients in Vegetable Stock Cube as ultra-processed markers: palm fat, maltodextrin, yeast extract, flavouring, caramelised sugar syrup. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Vegetable Stock Cube?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Hugh's classic vegetable stock by River Cottage. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.