KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN scores 28/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **exceptionally high sodium content**.
This product receives a FoodScore of 28/100, indicating it is best avoided for regular consumption.
It contains 18500mg of sodium per 100g, a significant amount for a seasoning product.
As a NOVA class 4 food, it is ultra-processed and differs considerably from homemade broth.
The product provides 0g of protein, fiber, and healthy fats per 100g.
Use sparingly as a flavor enhancer rather than a primary nutrient source.
Scores -18 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
18500mg
804% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Sodium (18500mg)-12
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 28
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN receives a FoodScore of 28 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. The most significant factor driving this low score is its extremely high sodium content, contributing a -12 penalty. At 18500mg of sodium per 100g, this product far exceeds daily recommended limits, even when diluted. For context, the USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to 2,300mg per day for most adults. Additionally, this product is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a -10 penalty. Ingredients like maltodextrin, hydrolyzed corn protein, and monosodium glutamate are characteristic of ultra-processed foods. While the product contains 0g of added sugar, total fat, and protein per 100g, it also lacks beneficial nutrients such as fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamins, all at 0% DV. Compared to a home-cooked chicken broth made with whole ingredients, this KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN bouillon offers minimal nutritional value and a much higher sodium load.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kraft heinz sauces & frozen herbs & spices instant bouillon cubes, chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Convenient Flavor Enhancer
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN offers a convenient way to add savory flavor to dishes. For individuals with limited time for meal preparation, it can quickly impart a chicken taste to soups, stews, or rice. This product can be useful in situations where preparing homemade broth from scratch is not feasible, providing a readily available option to enhance the palatability of meals without significant effort.
Low in Calories and Fat
This bouillon product is very low in calories and total fat, with 125 calories and 0g of fat per 100g (prepared). For those monitoring their caloric or fat intake, using this bouillon as a flavor base can be a strategy to avoid adding significant amounts of these macronutrients. It provides flavor without contributing to the fat content of a meal, which can be beneficial in certain dietary approaches.
Shelf-Stable Pantry Staple
The instant bouillon cubes are a shelf-stable pantry item, making them a practical choice for long-term storage. Unlike fresh or refrigerated broths, these cubes do not require refrigeration until prepared, reducing food waste and ensuring a consistent supply for cooking needs. This can be particularly useful for emergency preparedness or for those who prefer to stock up on non-perishable ingredients.
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN scores 28/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its exceptionally high sodium content.
How to eat it
KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN is typically used to create a quick broth or to add a savory, umami flavor to various dishes. It's commonly dissolved in hot water to form a base for soups, stews, or gravies, or crumbled directly into recipes. The standard serving size is 1 cube per cup of prepared broth.
To manage sodium intake, consider using half a bouillon cube per cup of water and adjusting seasoning with herbs and spices.
Combine with fresh vegetables and lean protein to create a more nutritionally balanced meal rather than relying solely on the bouillon for flavor.
Use this bouillon as a seasoning for grains like rice or quinoa, but be mindful of the high sodium content and avoid adding extra salt.
When making soups, incorporate unsalted or low-sodium broths alongside a small amount of this bouillon to reduce overall sodium.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution with KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN is its exceptionally high sodium content. Consuming large amounts of sodium regularly can contribute to elevated blood pressure in some individuals. The ingredient list also includes monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer, which some sensitive individuals may choose to limit. Additionally, the product contains several allergens, including milk and soy, and lists 'natural flavor (contains soy, milk, and celery)' and 'spices (contains celery)', which are important considerations for individuals with allergies to these ingredients. The presence of artificial flavor and caramel color also indicates a highly processed food.
Based on its FoodScore of 28/100, KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. Its extremely high sodium content is a significant nutritional concern, and it provides minimal beneficial macronutrients or micronutrients.
How does KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN compare to other bouillon brands?
Compared to other bouillon brands like Better Than Bouillon, KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN often has a similar profile of being high in sodium and containing various flavor enhancers. Consumers should always check the nutrition label, especially for sodium and added sugars, as formulations can vary significantly between brands and product lines.
What is maltodextrin, and why is it in this bouillon?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch that acts as a thickener, filler, or preservative. In bouillon, it contributes to the powdered texture and can help with solubility. While generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that adds to the 'ultra-processed' classification of this product.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bouillon?
The declared serving size is 1 cube, which makes 1 cup of prepared broth. However, due to the high sodium content of 18500mg per 100g, using even a full cube can contribute a substantial amount of sodium to your daily intake. It is advisable to use half a cube or less per serving, especially if you are monitoring sodium.
Can this bouillon be used in vegetarian dishes?
No, KRAFT HEINZ SAUCES & FROZEN INSTANT BOUILLON CUBES, CHICKEN contains chicken fat and cooked chicken, making it unsuitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. Always check the ingredient list for animal-derived products if adhering to a plant-based diet.