It was really cold and windy the other day (it was actually like 60, but here in Phoenix that’s when we all start to complain). Anyway, it was perfect chicken soup weather, and my favorite recipe called for chicken stock. I was all out of stock, but I had some Better Than Bouillon cubes in my pantry. “Is it gluten free?” I wondered.
Let’s take a look together, shall we?
What is Bouillon?
So what is bouillon anyway. Well, it’s basically the same as broth or stock (chicken, beef, vegetable) that you would use in soups or stews. Bouillon cubes or concentrated powder are added to simmering water to create a flavorful broth.
Bouillon cubes also have a long shelf life and are more affordable than making or buying fresh stock or broth every time you need it, making them a convenient staple for your pantry at home.
Is Bouillon Gluten Free?
In many cases, yes, bouillon is gluten free.
For instance, chicken bouillon is made from dehydrated chicken stock, dehydrated vegetables, fat, salt, and seasonings.
But if gluten makes you sick, “in most cases,” isn’t good enough. So let’s like at some of the most popular bouillon brands and see what they say.
Are they Gluten Free? List of Common Bouillon Brands
Best Gluten Free Bouillon
The safest option when it comes to GF bouillon is the BOU brand.
The company website specifically says that their bouillon cubes are gluten free. None of the other brands I researched made this claim.
You can find BOU at Walmart, Target, and several other grocery stores like Safeway and Albertsons. To find a store near you, check out the BOU store locator.
Gluten Free Bouillon Alternatives
If you can’t find GF bouillon in a store near you, the best alternative is chicken broth, either homemade or store-bought.
Some good options for gluten free chicken broth include:
- Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Broth
- Imagine Natural Creations Organic Chicken Broth
- Swanson Chicken Broth
Want to Know More?
Lovin’ all this gluten free talk? This article is part of the “Is it Gluten Free?” series. Read more here.
Or if you found the perfect bouillon concentrate or broth and want to try something new, check out this tasty recipe for Gluten Free Ramen! It’s so good and so so easy!