Boullion/Stock Cubes Vs Real Broth

(Alex G) #1

I’ve had real broth before, following a recipe from one of the earliest episodes of 2 Keto Dudes by Richard Morris and that of Jason Fung in his book “The Obesity Code”. It’s absolutely delicious and a great way to relieve hunger and stay fasted and keep the energy levels up, particularly when you’re trying to keto adapt.

My question is this. My brother has recently joined the revolution and started keto. Every day, around late morning or lunch, he loves having a cup of hot water and stock cube (chicken, beef, pork). How does commercially available stock cubes (or Boullion cubes) compare to real, homemade broth? Are they a suitable alternative for someone not having the time to make real broth? Are there carbs within them to be aware of. What’s their Glycemic and Insulin index like? Are there particular brands that are recommended or should be avoided? (i.e. in Europe brands such as ‘Knorr’ and ‘Maggi’ are available)

Thank you all and Keto On!

#2

There are a variety of soup cube brands, all have slightly different ingredients. Most have low carbs. You can look up ingredients and macros by checking their company’s website.

Of course homemade bone broth is of higher quality and you can control ingredients. But I don’t see the harm in using them for people who don’t have the time or whatever to make/store bone broth. Dr Phinney admitted that he uses them when he doesn’t have access to his homemade stuff (like when he’s on business travel).

(Mediterranean Magic! Show me yer...) #3

This ^^^^^^

Keto is not always perfect. You’re in it for the long haul.

#4

Most stock cubes contain a large amount of sodium, which you need. Many also contain MSG, which some people are sensitive to (headaches etc). Home made broth will likely have more protein. Also, watch out for added ingredients like maltodexrin which has a very high glycemic index.

(Jacquie) #5

Just make sure he reads the labels. Some bouillon cubes contain maltodextrin, which has a high glycemic index and could raise blood sugar.

(Jacquie) #6

Didn’t see your reply. Great minds…:slight_smile:

(Jake P) #7

I buy Swansons beef stock. I mostly did this during the first few weeks to avoid the keto flu, I think I’ll start back up though, I’m getting leg cramps at night, Impretty sure my sodium dropped off when I stopped the beef broth

(AJ) #9

Sorry, clicked on ‘withdraw post’ accidentally :smiley:, when I meant to edit. I forgot the link… http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=274859169&sc_cmp=ppc--sh--msh--bt--px_%7c_shopping_gsc_%7c_all_products_+brand--&gclid=Cj0KEQiAzZHEBRD0ivi9_pDzgYMBEiQAtvxt-BNlg1zQ1WA8n57H5uv87uUK84DcSySWR1o-sq9HieIaAsQj8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have found this stuff (see photo link) and the ingredients seem ok. I decant it into icecube bags so I get twenty-odd cubes of frozen stock. I have an insulated mug and put one cube in each morning to take to work. I add pink Himalayan salt, a teaspoon of herbs and some coarse grated pepper. By the time lunchtime comes around (about 1pm) I add some hot water, stir and drink. It is lovely and helps to make me appear to be eating something at lunchtime when I might not be particularly hungry.

(Alex G) #10

My brother says thanks. We looked again at the cubes he was using (Maggi brand, owned by Nestle) and we noticed Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) in the cubes he was using (Maggi brand, owned by Nestle). He’s looking for an alternative or ideally he will make some broth to last the week.

#11

I’m having one stock cube most days at work. Easy to keep in my desk drawer, easy to transport etc. Are they “perfect” or as good as stock? No. But it hits the spot, particularly with a big lump of butter melted in there as well!

I have Massel brand (in Australia) - they seemed to have the ingredients list that sucked the least from what I could see.

(AJ) #12

Hmm, I could add a knob of butter to my stock ‘cube’ too I guess. I will experiment today.

(Jane Reed) #13

A drop of cream is really good, too.

(Ashley Haddock) #14

Coconut oil (refined) blended in is really good too. :slight_smile:

#15

What a great idea!

(Sherri) #16

A month into keto and haven’t been doing the broth thing. Didn’t know I was supposed to. What does it do?

(Athena Elliston) #17

I found a bone broth at Sprouts that is in k-cup form. It’s 49 calories and 10g of protein. I just pop one in my keurig at work midday and it’s delicious. The make chicken and beef. It’s a little pricey but my focus is more on saving time in the kitchen, so a homemade bone broth isn’t ideal for me at this point.

(bulkbiker) #18

It’s usually used when fasting as a meal replacement and a conduit for getting some extra fat in your body (i.e. adding butter and cream) without causing much of an insulin response. It can also be used as a meal replacement any other time too.

(Clare) #19

If it’s good enough for Stephen Phinney it’s good enough for the rest of us. He says whenever he’s travelling he carries stock cubes around with him so that he can have a salt fix if he needs it.
Keep calm and Keto on.

(Sherri) #20

Thanks Mark

(TonyD) #21

Bone broth K-cups, that is genius. Very pricey, but then all grass-fed beef broth is. Its 7 or 8 dollars a pint at whole foods I believe.
Even buying grass fed bones to make your own is not cheap at all. Just subscribed to a box per month of the k-cups via amazon.