A new survey by Freja Bone Broth reveals that over half of the UK population relies on stock cubes for cooking, unaware of their excessive salt and artificial ingredients. Freja encourages a healthier, natural alternative in the form of their Instant Bone Broth.
A recent survey conducted by Freja, a bone broth company, has uncovered the hidden health risks of stock cubes, which are widely used across the UK. More than half of the British population (54%) regularly uses processed stock, with 64% of those relying on stock cubes as their primary method of adding flavour. However, the survey revealed that many are unaware of the high salt and additives found in these cubes.
Surprisingly, 79% of respondents underestimated the amount of salt in stock cubes. Only 5% knew that a single cube could contain up to 50% salt. While 45% believed stock cubes contain just 10% salt, 34% estimated 20%, and 16% guessed 30%. The recommended daily salt intake for an adult is 6g, but the survey showed that many are overestimating how much salt is acceptable. Young adults in the 18-29 age group, for example, believed the recommended daily allowance for salt is 8.7g, which is significantly higher than the actual limit.
Jess Higgins, co-founder of Freja, explained, “Stock cubes are packed with processed ingredients, with salt as the major component. One popular brand contains no real stock, only artificial flavours and monosodium glutamate (MSG).” Indeed, just 21% of those surveyed were aware that stock cubes contain MSG, and fewer still identified other harmful additives like palm oil and Disodium 5-ribonucleotides, which can trigger allergic reactions.
While stock cubes are popular for their convenience, 56% of survey respondents admitted to using them for ease, 47% for flavour enhancement, and 44% because their parents used them. But Freja is calling for a change. Their Instant Bone Broth offers a natural alternative, made with bone broth powder, natural yeast extract, and real ingredients. Unlike stock cubes, Freja’s product is rich in collagen, protein, and amino acids, with just 0.8g of salt per serving.
Freja’s Instant Bone Broth is available in chicken and beef varieties, retailing at £5.99 for four 15g sachets. Each serving is packed with health benefits, including gut-friendly nutrition and high levels of collagen, protein, and electrolytes. Freja encourages Brits to make the switch and opt for a more nutritious, sustainable, and delicious alternative to the processed stock cube.
