Product Review: Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes – A Versatile Vegan Broth Base

If you follow a plant-based diet, you know that a good vegan broth can make or break a recipe. Whether you're making soups, stews, grains, or sauces, having a convenient and flavorful broth base is essential. Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes have been a staple in vegan kitchens for years, but how do they hold up in taste, nutrition, and versatility? In this product review, we'll break down everything you need to know about these little flavor-packed cubes.

From their clean ingredient list to their rich, savory taste, Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes offer a quick way to add depth to your cooking without any animal products. We'll also compare them to other broth options and share some creative ways to use them beyond just soup.

What Are Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes?

Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes are vegan, gluten-free bouillon cubes designed to mimic the flavor of chicken broth without any meat or dairy. Each cube is made from a blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices, including onion, garlic, celery, and turmeric. They are free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and MSG, making them a clean choice for health-conscious cooks.

The cubes are individually wrapped for freshness and convenience. Simply dissolve one cube in 2 cups of boiling water to create an instant broth. They are also kosher certified and non-GMO verified. With 0 grams of fat and only 15 calories per serving, they are a guilt-free way to add flavor to your dishes.

• Vegan and gluten-free
• No artificial flavors, preservatives, or MSG
• Individual wrappers for freshness
• Kosher certified and non-GMO

Taste Test: How Does It Compare to Chicken Broth?

The true test of any vegan bouillon is how well it replicates the original. When dissolved in hot water, Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes produce a golden, aromatic broth with a savory umami flavor. The taste is remarkably close to chicken broth, with a light herbaceous note from the celery and onion. It's not overly salty, which is a plus for those watching their sodium intake.

Compared to other vegan broth options like miso or vegetable stock, this bouillon offers a more neutral yet savory base that works well in a wide variety of recipes. It's less intense than some powdered bouillons and has a cleaner finish. For a richer broth, you can use two cubes per cup of water, but one cube is sufficient for most soups and sauces.

Versatility in the Kitchen: Beyond Soup

While these cubes are perfect for a quick soup base, their uses extend far beyond. You can crumble a cube into boiling water to cook rice, quinoa, or couscous for added flavor. Use the broth to deglaze pans for gravies and sauces, or as a liquid base for stews and chili. The cubes also work well in marinades and braising liquids for tofu or vegetables.

For a creamy vegan sauce, dissolve a cube in plant-based milk and whisk in some Let's Do Organic® Organic Tapioca Starch to thicken. This creates a savory white sauce perfect for casseroles or pasta. You can also add a cube to the water when steaming vegetables for an extra layer of taste. The possibilities are endless, making this product a pantry staple for any vegan cook.

• Use as a cooking liquid for grains like rice and quinoa
• Add to marinades and braising liquids
• Create creamy sauces with plant milk and tapioca starch
• Enhance steamed vegetables or stir-fries

Ingredients and Nutrition: What's Inside?

The ingredient list is refreshingly simple: sea salt, cane sugar, onion powder, yeast extract, celery seed, turmeric, garlic powder, carrot powder, parsley, and natural flavors. There are no hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, or preservatives. Each cube contains 15 calories, 0g fat, 3g carbs, and 1g protein. The sodium content is 680mg per serving, which is moderate for a bouillon cube.

For comparison, many chicken bouillon cubes contain MSG, chicken fat, and artificial flavors. Edward & Sons' version is clearly a healthier alternative. If you're looking to reduce sodium, you can use half a cube per cup of water, though the flavor will be milder. The turmeric gives the broth a pleasant golden hue and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

How Does It Stack Up Against Other Vegan Broth Options?

There are several vegan broth options on the market, including liquid broth, powdered bouillon, and paste concentrates. Liquid broths are convenient but bulky and have a shorter shelf life. Powders can be clumpy and often contain more additives. Paste concentrates are flavorful but may require refrigeration after opening.

Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes strike a balance: they are shelf-stable, individually wrapped, and dissolve easily. They are also more affordable per serving than many liquid broths. Compared to miso paste, which offers a fermented flavor, these cubes provide a more universal savory base that pairs well with a variety of cuisines. For those who want a quick, no-fuss broth, these cubes are hard to beat.

Creative Recipe Ideas Using Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes

One of the best ways to use these cubes is in a vegan chicken noodle soup. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery, add water and two cubes, then toss in noodles and chickpeas or vegan chicken substitute. Simmer until tender for a comforting bowl. Another idea is to use the broth as a base for a creamy mushroom risotto—just substitute the broth for water and stir in arborio rice.

For a quick gravy, dissolve a cube in hot water, whisk in a slurry of The Wizard's® Organic Vegan Worcestershire and tapioca starch, and simmer until thickened. This makes a delicious topping for mashed potatoes made with Organic Unseasoned Mashed Potato Flakes. You can also use the broth to cook lentils or beans for added flavor in soups and stews.

• Vegan chicken noodle soup with chickpeas
• Creamy mushroom risotto
• Quick gravy with Worcestershire and tapioca starch
• Flavorful lentil or bean soup

Pros and Cons at a Glance

To help you decide if these bouillon cubes are right for you, here's a quick rundown of their strengths and weaknesses.

• Pros: Clean ingredients, great taste, versatile, affordable, shelf-stable
• Cons: Sodium content may be high for some, not low-sodium, individual wrappers create waste

Overall, Edward & Sons Not-Chick'n Bouillon Cubes are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a convenient, flavorful, and clean vegan broth base. Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to any pantry, whether you're a seasoned vegan cook or just starting out. If you're ready to stock up, check out the Edward & Sons® Organic Vegetable Brown Rice Snaps® for a perfect crunchy pairing with your soup.