Soup stock put to the test
As the basis for many soups, stews and sauces, stock is a must in every kitchen. It is often available in the form of powder and cubes. The Austrian Association for Consumer Information has tested various soup powders and soup cubes and has come to a clear conclusion.
Additives according to Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008
Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 16, 2008 on food additives lays down rules for the use of additives in foodstuffs within the European Union. It regulates the type of additives, the conditions under which they may be used in food, the maximum quantities permitted and how they must be labeled for consumers. Additives can be, for example, colorants, preservatives, antioxidants or sweeteners.
Some soup stocks contain preservatives such as sodium benzoate (E211) or potassium sorbate (E202), which improve their shelf life. Monosodium glutamate (E621) is a frequently used flavor enhancer and caramelized sugar (E150) or beta-carotene (E160a) are often used as colorants. In addition to natural flavorings, soup stocks can also contain artificial flavorings. Stabilizers and emulsifiers, such as guar gum (E412) or xanthan gum (E415), ensure that the broth has a better consistency.
Organic products impress
Soup stocks that scored good to very good in the test by the Austrian Association for Consumer Information were convincing in the categories of composition, nutritional values and declaration. Added flavors, flavor enhancers, the use of palm oil and a high salt content were rated rather negatively. There were no traces of additives or flavor enhancers in most of the organic products tested. However, yeast extract was detected as an ingredient. Yeast extract is legally not a flavor enhancer, but naturally contains glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is an important building block for proteins.
Our Tentamus laboratories check
The experts in the Tentamus Group laboratories have many years of experience in food analysis and always evaluate results according to the latest legal and scientific findings. Among other things, we check whether soup powder and soup cubes contain questionable additives.
Source: Stiftung Warentest