Note:
This content was accurate at the time of posting, but it is possible that it is outdated at the time of your viewing. Please, do NOT let this information replace the advice of your doctor/allergist. ALWAYS follow their instructions and recommendations over mine.
Also,
CHECK LABELS EVERY TIME, EVEN IF YOU'VE BOUGHT A PRODUCT A MILLION TIMES BEFORE!
Ingredients change often, companies change hands, and policies change. What once was safe, can now be unsafe. For your own health and safety, please make it a habit of ALWAYS reading the ingredients of EVERYTHING before you buy it.
Also, if you notice that I have a product listed as "safe" for your particular allergen/sensitivity needs, PLEASE let me know so that I can update my information. I strive to keep things current, but I do miss things from time to time. Your help in this matter is invaluable to provide the most current information to my readers.
Thank you so much!
Image by Simon Howden from freedigitalphotos.net |
As those of you who have searched for pre-made broths, bouillons and stocks that are allergy friendly already know that they are EXTREMELY difficult to find! As I was searching the web, I came across this page that made this task just a bit easier. I will re-work the information a little bit here so that it's more organized, but feel free to check out that site as well. I will also add or remove broths, stocks, etc. as needed. I hope that you find this information as helpful as I did!
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths that are Top 8 Free
Pacific Organic Simply Stock - Chicken Unsalted, Pacific Organic Simply Stock - Vegetable Unsalted, Pacific Organic Bone Stock Chicken Unsalted, Pacific Organic Bone Stock Turkey Unsalted, Pacific Organic Chicken Stock Unsalted- Top 8-free, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, no sea salt, and all natural. Click on each individual link above to see the ingredients in each product. (Note: These are the stocks that I personally use and that I trust the most at this time.)
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths that are Fish-Free
1. KITCHEN BASICS (To read their allergen statement, click here.)
Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, Kitchen Basics Unsalted Beef Stock, Kitchen Basics Roasted Garlic & Chicken Flavor Stock Cubes, Kitchen Basics Roasted Vegetable & Herbs Stock Cubes, Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock
- Contains no fish, seafood, shellfish or sea salt. All contain "natural flavors". The stock cubes also contain yeast extract, soy containing products, lactic acid, and other less desirable products like maltodextrin and other corn products, caramel colors, etc. Click on each individual link above to see the ingredients in each product. Products are also allergen tested for milk, egg and peanuts.
2. PACIFIC (To read their allergen statement, click here.)
Pacific Organic Free Range Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Pacific Organic Simply Stock - Chicken Unsalted, Pacific Organic Simply Stock - Vegetable Unsalted, Pacific Organic Bone Stock Chicken Unsalted, Pacific Organic Bone Stock Turkey Unsalted, Pacific Organic Chicken Stock Unsalted
- Contains no fish, seafood, shellfish or sea salt. All products are also organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free and wheat-free. Pacific Organic Free Range Low Sodium Chicken Broth does contain yeast extract. Click on each individual link above to see the ingredients in each product.
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths that are Soy, Wheat, and Milk-Free
1. IMAGINE FOODS
Imagine Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, Organic Low Sodium Free Range Chicken Broth, Organic Chicken Cooking Stock
- gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, all natural ingredients
2. KITCHEN BASICS (This brand has a LOT of allergy-friendly broths, including beef, vegetable, seafood, etc. To read their allergen statement. click here.)
Kitchen Basics Chicken Broth, 32 oz. box
- gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, ingredients are all natural, but does now contain "natural flavors" (see allergen statement for more information)
3. PACIFIC FOODS
Pacific Foods All Natural Free Range Chicken Broth, Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, Organic Vegetable Broth, Organic Vegetable Broth Low Sodium, Organic Beef Broth Low Sodium, Organic Simply Stock - Chicken Unsalted and Organic Simply Stock - Vegetable Unsalted
- gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, all natural ingredients
4. SWANSON'S
Swanson's Chicken Cooking Stock, 26 oz. broth
- gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, more natural ingredients that other Swanson’s. May contain yeast-extract, which can cause problems for those who are gluten-intolerant.
5. O BRAND
O Brand Organic Chicken Broth, 32 oz. box
- gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, more natural ingredients than Safeway brand
Meijer Naturals Chicken Stock, 32 oz. box
- gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, no artificial preservatives or GMOs, all natural ingredients
All flavors of their bouillon
- gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, vegan, organic
8. Orrington Farms
Orrington Farms Natural Chicken Flavored Broth Base and Orrington Farms Low Sodium Natural Chicken Flavored Broth Base (ONLY these flavors/types)
Orrington Farms Natural Chicken Flavored Broth Base and Orrington Farms Low Sodium Natural Chicken Flavored Broth Base (ONLY these flavors/types)
- gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, contains yeast extract and maltodextrin and dextrose and the low sodium version contains Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths that are Milk and Wheat-Free
1. HERB OX
Herb Ox Sodium Free Chicken Granulated Bouillon
- gluten-free, dairy-free, contains a hidden source of MSG
2. KNORR
Knorr Chicken Bouillon
- gluten-free, dairy free, contains MSG (soy)
3. PROGRESSO
Progresso 100% Natural Chicken Broth and Reduced Sodium, 32 oz. box
- gluten-free, dairy-free
4. SWANSON'S
Swanson's Chicken Broth, 99% Fat Free, 14 oz. can
- gluten-free and dairy-free, but there is a lot of bad things in it, including soy lecithin
5. SWANSON'S
Swanson's Natural Goodness Chicken Broth, 100% Fat Free Less Sodium, 48 oz. box or 49 oz. can
- gluten-free and dairy-free, not as much other stuff in it. May contain yeast-extract, which can cause problems for those who are gluten-intolerant.
6. Orrington Farms
All flavors of broth base (this does NOT include their gravy mixes)
- gluten-free and dairy-free, but do contain a lot of other bad things, including yeast extract, maltodextrin, and/or soybean oil
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths that are Wheat-Free
1. BETTER THAN BOUILLON
Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- appears to be wheat-free, contains dairy and soy. (Note: This product is not labeled as gluten-free, so I have removed that status from it. I kept it labled as wheat-free because it does not appear to contain any wheat. If I found out it is not wheat-free, I will remove it from the list. Here is a link to their FAQs section. This brand also uses shared equipment for all of their flavors, so keep that in mind when considering purchasing this brand.)
2. HERB OX
Herb Ox Chicken Instant Bouillon and Seasoning
- gluten-free, contains dairy
3. MINOR'S
Minor's All Natural Chicken Base
- gluten-free, contains milk
4. TRADER JOE'S
Trader Joe's Organic Free Range Chicken Broth and Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- gluten-free
All gravy mixes, soup bases, etc.
- gluten-free, but all contain a lot of bad things, including some containing dairy, yeast extract, soybean oil and/or maltodextrin
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths that are Soy-Free
1. Kirkland
Kirkland Signature Natural Chicken Stock
- soy-free, but contains "natural flavors" without further explanation, hence the reason I only labeled it as soy-free (soy-free status comes from a reader who uses it that is anaphylatic to soy and can use this brand without issue).
Chicken (Caldo Con Sabor de Pollo)
- soy-free, but contains "natural flavors" without further explanation (soy-free status comes from a reader who uses it that has a severe allergy to soy without issue). It does contain gluten (yeast extract is from barley), MSG, and other ingredients that are not very natural.
Bouillons, Stocks and Broths to AVOID
1. CAMPBELL’S
Campbell’s Chicken Broth, 14 oz. can
- contains wheat and soy, plus the addition of MSG and corn oil
2. COLLEGE INN
College Inn Chicken Broth, 99% Fat Free, all sizes
- contains wheat gluten protein and soybean oil, and MSG
3. COLLEGE INN
College Inn Chicken Broth, Light and Fat Free 50% Less Sodium, all sizes
- contains wheat gluten protein and soybean oil, and MSG
4. COLLEGE INN
College Inn Flavored Chicken Broths, all sizes
- contains wheat gluten protein and soybean oil, and MSG
5. COLLEGE INN
College Inn Turkey Broth, 18.5 oz. can
- contains wheat, soy, egg and milk
6. KNORR (this is a brand used in the foodservice industry)
Knorr Chicken Select Base (dry base)
- contains soy and milk, MSG
7. KNORR
Knorr Chicken, No MSG Added (dry base)
- contains wheat and soy
8. KNORR
Knorr Ultimate Chicken Base, no MSG, Roasted Chicken, and Low Sodium
- contains wheat and soy
9. KNORR
Knorr Ultimate Gourmet Edge Chicken Base
- contains milk
10. MINOR’S (this is a brand used in the foodservice industry)
Minor’s Chicken Base
- contains wheat gluten, soy, milk, MSG
11. MINOR'S
Minor’s Chicken Base, no added MSG, and Low Sodium, no added MSG
- contains wheat, soy, milk
12. MINOR'S
Minor’s Chicken Broth Concentrate
- contains wheat
13. MINOR'S
Minor’s Roasted Chicken Broth Concentrate
- contains wheat and soy
14. SWANSON
Swanson’s Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, 32 oz. box
- contains organic yeast extract, which according to the label contains wheat
15. SAFEWAY
Safeway Chicken Broth
- contains soy protein, MSG
16. SAFEWAY
Safeway Chicken Broth, Fat Free, Reduced Sodium, various sizes
- 49.5 oz. can contains soy protein, 14 oz. can and 32 oz. box don’t
17. TRADER JOE’S
Trader Joe’s Chicken Broth
- contains gluten (barley malt)
18. PACIFIC FOODS
- contains yeast extract, which can cause problems for those who are gluten intolerant
Organic Mushroom Broth
- contains natural flavors, which can be soy
Organic Beef Broth and Natural Beef Broth
- contains autolyzed yeast extract, a source of MSG
21. HERB OX
- contains dairy
Thank you, Alison St. Sure, for taking the time to compile all of the original information! You're wonderful! :)
Snack Safely is a great place to quickly check to see if a non-listed broth, stock or bullion is safe or not for your allergens.
Snack Safely is a great place to quickly check to see if a non-listed broth, stock or bullion is safe or not for your allergens.
I wonder about stocks and broth when I make soup. Half the time I just skip it hoping the soup ingredients and spices will add enough flavour. (I'm also vegetarian, so that means even less choices). Maybe I should try a taste test one day, with and without broth to see how much difference it makes.
ReplyDeleteHappy SITS day. : )
Kitchen Basics makes a Vegetable broth that you may be interested in that's soy-free and pretty allergy-friendly. I definitely think broth/stock makes a big difference, but I'll let you try and decide for yourself. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! :)
Kitchen Basics was acquired by McCormick and now is completely different - very disappointing to read the labels and see all of the "yeast extract" and assorted junk you'd expect from...well, McCormick and not the high standards that Kitchen Basics used to hold.
DeleteI sent a letter to McCormick after they acquired the Kitchen Basics line as I noticed the changes in the ingredients lists, too. I have linked to their allergen statements above, and advise anyone with allergies to any of the ingredients in their stocks to not consume them (as always). Their stocks are still very allergy-friendly compared to most (they still do not put most of the major allergens into their stocks, BUT the chance for cross contamination and cross-reactivity did go up in my opinion), but yes, they are not what they once were. I was disappointed, too.
DeleteOn a side note, their stock does NOT contain yeast extract, but their cubes do. I have never recommended anything other than that stock for this reason. They have added a "natural flavor" to their stocks, which I did email McCormick about and was assured was not "top 8 allergen" based. However, if you are unsure if it should stay on your "safe" list, please do not hesitate to contact your allergist about it.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteShould let you know about my FAVORITE bouillon cubes by Edward & Sons, which are gluten-free, vegan and soy-free. I use the "Not-Beef" ones all the time, but they also come in several other tasty varieties. They come in packs of eight cubes and are sold at Whole Foods and on Amazon.
Thank you for the info, Maya! I will be adding them to the list for sure!
DeletePacific chicken broth has Autolyzed yeast, which contains MSG and should be avoided by Celiacs, according to all I have read. I do use their vegetable stock, but their chicken broth sounds like a no-no for those of us with food allergies.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information! I have updated the list to include the specific broths that are safe (no yeast or MSG, wheat, etc.) from Pacific Foods and the ones that are not with links. Hopefully this will help! :)
DeleteJust wondering does soy-free in this context mean that the chickens were not fed soy?? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt means that by FDA definition, the broth is soy-free, which means that it could contain soybean oil (soy lecithin is sometimes considered "safe", too) and possibly even that the chickens were fed soy, BUT I did not purposely add broths, stocks, etc. that contained any form of soy on the ingredients' list, marked safe or not. The manufacturer's allergen statements were read and contacted if need be, and we (myself or others who helped compile this list) used that as reference, so no soybean oil or lecithin should be in the products as per the declaration of the manufacturers, BUT I do not know about the soy-fed chicken being used or not because the diet of the chicken does not factor into the soy-free status of a product made with said product for most people and as via the FDA. If you are extra sensitive to soy or your allergy is severe, you would have to contact the manufacturer with those questions if they are not addressed on this page or on the manufacturer's page.
DeleteI would say this: The broths, stocks, etc. above listed as soy-free would be considered safe for MOST people with soy sensitivities or allergies, BUT if you have a severe allergy (i.e. you react to eating chicken if the chicken was fed soy) and want to know more, PLEASE contact the manufacturer yourself and get the answers you need to feel safe. My philosophy has always been, when in doubt, don't until you know more.
I am sorry if this is not more helpful, but that's all I know. :) If you have a question about a specific broth, stock, etc. and want my help finding out that information, send me an email and I will be happy to work with you to find that out. :)
I just wanted to let you know that the Herb Ox chicken bouillon granules DO contain dairy. I don't know about any of their other products, but that one I know for sure.
ReplyDeleteYes, the regular one does contain dairy, but the sodium free does NOT. This distinction is pointed out above, but I did just now add the regular Herb Ox chicken granules to the avoid list just to be on the safe side. :)
DeleteHowever even the sodium free granulated products of theirs contain msg under the hidden name of monoammonium glutamate.
DeleteSo far I have found NO BRAND that is dairy and msg free unless it is vegan which then has no genuine beef or chicken flavoring in it.
Good to know. This is why I normally use a ready-made stock or recommend making your own. It is easier to avoid your food allergens and MSG that way.
DeleteWe have soy, tree nut and peanut allergies over here. I know that Pacific foods shares equipment with tree nuts so that one is out for us. Did you come across any info on soy free, tree nut free, peanut free broths? For us that means no shared equipment and no shared facilities unless they segregate these allergens from the broths. I appreciate any info you can provide. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking your best bet is the one that Maya recommend above (Edward and Sons - there is a link to them above for more info) since she has similar allergy issues. You could also try Kitchen Basics. Here is a link to their allergen statement if you want to take a closer look: http://www.mccormick.com/gourmet/allergens . I hope this information is helpful!
DeleteThank you!
DeleteYou're welcome! :) Happy to help! :)
Delete#4 swasons natural goodness does contain soy
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know! I will update my list!
DeleteKirkland's (Costco brand) is also soy free! That's the brand I use.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know. I'll make sure to add it to the list.
DeleteI realized I should specify that I meant the Kirkland Signature Natural Chicken Stock. It does have "natural flavors" listed as an ingredient which I know can be iffy, but I have a soy allergy myself that will trigger an anaphalactic reaction and I've never had any problems. Here's the link to their score on Fooducate. http://www.fooducate.com/app#page=product&id=527AB435-F728-984E-4B0B-B7D455FB0C33
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying. :) I will add it to the list and make sure to mention that it contains "natural flavors".
DeleteThis a great list of stocks. This will help me prepare for my allergy free halloween party!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :) I'm glad you found it helpful.
DeleteDo you know of kind of cream of chicken soups how we make are stuffing
ReplyDeleteI do not. You could use a roux to thicken your broth before adding it or use a combination of a safe cream or milk with the stock. It will not be exactly the same, but it will maybe give more of the texture you want. You could see if Maya of Maya's Happy Place knows of one (http://mayashappyplace.blogspot.com/). Best of luck!
DeleteDo you have any information about corn allergens? I'm actually looking for Beef Bouillon Granules, but haven't found any yet that don't have dextrose and/or maltodextrin in them, both of which are made from corn! Not to mention that your usual bouillons straight up have corn syrup and corn syrup solids. Thanks for your input!
ReplyDeleteI don't, but I have looked into them before for other people. Send me an email at naturalandfreeinfo (at) gmail (dot) com with exactly what you need the bouillon to be free of (i.e. just corn and corn products or other things, too), and I'll be happy to help you look. Corn-free products can be very tricky!
DeleteThis site may be of help to you: http://corn-freefoods.blogspot.com/
Pacific's Organic Beef Broth appears to be corn free: http://www.pacificfoods.com/food/broths-stocks/broths/organic-beef-broth.aspx
So does Kitchen Basics, BUT the ingredients are more vague than they used to be, so I'd contact them before trying it: http://www.mccormick.com/Gourmet/Spices-and-Flavors/Cooking-Stocks/Original-Beef-Stock
As to bouillon...I am not finding any as of yet. As I said, shoot me an email if none of these options will work for you, and I'll help you keep looking. :)
Hi, thank you for your list. Better Than was recommended to me this morning. I went to their site, and they said that their bouillon does have nuts in it, and that they don't label any of their products as gluten free. Bummer, I was hoping for better news. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update! I will update my information. I'm sorry that bullion didn't work out for you. Hopefully something else on this list will work instead.
DeleteIt may be worthwhile to include seafood allergies as well ..... many stocks contain disodium inosate, which is often fish-derived, and shellfish-sensitive persons are often also sensitive to sea salt, sea weed, algae and insect derived ingredients.
ReplyDeleteI honestly had not thought about that. I will definitely put a note at the top of the page noting these things for now until I get more of a chance to add more thorough information.
DeleteShould also be noted that better than bouillon uses shared equipment for all of their flavors, which means that the vegan one may share equipment with meat, which shares equipment with clams etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that information. I will add it to the list!
DeleteI have severe allergies to all Dairy/Milk Eggs and chicken. I'm looking for a Turkey broth or a Turkey stock that is safe from those allergens
ReplyDeletePacific Brand has a turkey broth that may fit your needs. https://shop.pacificfoods.com/organic-turkey-broth The ingredients for their Organic Turkey Broth are: WATER, TURKEY*, ONIONS*, TURKEY FLAVOR (TURKEY FLAVOR*, SEA SALT)*, SEA SALT, ROSEMARY EXTRACT* [ANTIOXIDANT]. If you go to the site listed and type in "turkey" under "product search", it will show you what is available. I would highly recommend calling them to see if their products are safe for you, especially with the chicken. Their may be cross-contact issues. You may also have to make your own stock if you know of a safe turkey for you. Of the ready-made broths, Pacific is the brand that I trust most, and the one I think you'll have the best of luck with if there is one out there that is truly safe for you. Edward and Sons has a Not-Chick'n vegan bouillon cube that may work for you as well. https://store.edwardandsons.com/products/not-chickn-bouillon-cubes Best of luck!
Delete