Tesco

Vegetable stock cubes

Barcode 5051898663902

Scanned 53 times by Nomi users

Yes — Vegetable stock cubes is ultra-processed.

The product is UPF because it contains palm oil and yeast extract, which are pre-identified ultra-processed ingredients. It also includes other ultra-processed additives such as flavouring and colour (plain caramel).

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

salt

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

palm oil

A widely used edible oil pressed from the fruit of oil palms; a basic culinary oil but highly processed in many commercial products.
OK

potato starch

A basic, finely ground starch derived from potatoes; used as a thickener and binder in foods.
OK

lactose

A disaccharide sugar derived from milk, used as a carbohydrate sweetener in dairy and baked products.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
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 vegetables (5%) [celery powder
OK

carrot

A root vegetable used widely in cooking for sweetness, texture, and color.
OK

onion powder

Dried and ground onion used as a seasoning to impart onion flavor.
OK

onion

A common bulb vegetable used as a base flavor in many cuisines. Crisp, pungent, sweet when cooked.
OK

leek

A vegetable in the onion family with a mild, sweet flavour, often used as a flavour base or side dish.
OK

rice flour

A finely milled flour from milled rice, commonly used as a gluten-free thickener or flour substitute in baking and cooking.
OK

spinach powder]
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.
UPF

flavouring

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

turmeric powder

A bright-orange, finely ground spice from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, used for color and flavor in many cuisines; commonly used in curry blends and as a seasoning.
OK

celery seed

A dried seed of the celery plant (Apium graveolens) used as a spice or seasoning to add celery-like aroma and flavor to dishes.
UPF

plain caramel color

A food coloring produced by heating carbohydrates (often corn or sugar) with acids or alkalis to form a caramel color. Common in beverages and snacks.
OK

garlic powder

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

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 cubes

Is Vegetable stock cubes ultra-processed?

Yes — Vegetable stock cubes by Tesco is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is UPF because it contains palm oil and yeast extract, which are pre-identified ultra-processed ingredients. It also includes other ultra-processed additives such as flavouring and colour (plain caramel).

Which ingredients in Vegetable stock cubes are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Vegetable stock cubes as ultra-processed markers: palm oil, yeast extract, flavouring, plain caramel color. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Vegetable stock cubes?

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.