Canned Broth vs Bouillon Cubes (ingredients, substitute, organic, mushroom)

[Solere]

Which is a better value/more frugal to use as a broth in homemade soups---canned broth or bouillon cubes? Will both give equally satisfactory outcomes?

[SATX56]

Bouillon cubes and/or granulated are more economical. I prefer them to canned myself when I cook. Wife buys some canned and the big cartons of broth for making chicken and dumplings and such. Maggi's and Knorr are both excellent cubed and granulated bouillon. If you become accustomed to their use you will have good results.

[Dirt Grinder]

When I make a homemade soup all of it has to be homemade. I make the broth myself .

[SATX56]

...and yes, of course everyone will tell you making your own is the way to go. I'm sure it is if you have the time and the know how! But with the question being..

Canned Broth vs Bouillon Cubes

I prefer the cubes or granulated. I take the easy way out.

[rural chick]

I prefer to buy chicken or beef stock rather than broth. It is much more condensed and more tasty. The bouillon cubes really make the foodstuff salty so I try not to use these.

If you are watching sodium content, Swanson makes unsalted broth in cardboard type boxes and it's pretty tasty...then you can add your own sodium/salt. Swanson also has flavor boost for more intense flavor. Also available at places like Walmart are chicken and beef base in a jar, which can substitute for broth or bouillon.

The vegetable broth from Aldi's has a nice taste.

But best of all is making my own broth/stock!!!

[AnonChick]

For pure frugality, you'd be better off not using any stock at all, and accepting a dry, tasteless meal.

If you want to add cheap flavor, and don't care what that flavor is, or whether or not it's even good for you, bullion is serviceable.

If you want affordable flavor, care about the flavor, and want it to be at least "not bad for you" even if it isn't especially "good" for you, then get the boxed or canned variety - I use the boxed organic, it's $1.00/box, and the box size I use is good for one whole beef roast in the crockpot (which means - $1 for 6 servings).

I keep a couple cubes of bullion in my cupboard, but I don't know why. I put them in there 12 years ago and I usually just shove them to the back when I'm refilling the cupboard after a grocery shopping trip.

[nmnita]

I make my own and keep several bags or cartons in the freezer, but if I am going to buy it, I prefer the canned. That being said, it is so easy to do yourself and so much more flavor. Of course, like Anonchick said; if you don't want any flavor and really want to save money, don't use either. After thank the cubes are cheaper. Until about 2 years ago I did use canned. I always had a few cans in the pantry. In the days of using cubes, I would buy them and keep them for years, then toss them. obviously I wasn't crazy over using them.

[CMichele]

I keep bouillon cubes on hand. However, when I boil chicken I always save the stock. I even boil my chicken wings instead of frying prior to coating in buffalo sauce. I also freeze it.

[stevej64]

I buy Costco 0rganic chicken stock .Cost is under 12 dollars for 6 quart pack

[gr8cakes]

Hmmm? Cubes or Canned?

Cubes more economical...Canned better flavor.

HOWEVER...


I use neither. Instead, I use a base made by LeGout. Domestic brands also available.
It's the best of both worlds. You get the convience of cubes and a "natural" taste has you would from canned.
It cost about $6. for a one pound container. Package says one container makes 5gal. however,
I like my broth less intense in flavor. I get approximately 7gal from this product.
Use what you need from the container. Preparing the entire amount isn't nessasary or required by package directions.
I also like the fact that it's a meat first product rather than salt first.
Meaning the very first item listed in the package ingredients is meat.
Can be found in chicken, beef, ham, pork, lobster, clam, mushroom and vegetable varieties.

If you can't find it in your market, It can be found at any of the bulk or cash n' carry stores.