Soup base paste

[poppy]

I bought some when we were in the city and used it today to make a big pot of beef vegetable soup because my wife has a bad cold. That stuff is GOOD. I added about a tablespoon each of vegetable base and beef base. It is thick like cold molasses but much better tasting than the powder or granular bases.

[Austeria]

I use it all the time. It really IS good. I am out of beef right now. It's on my list for when I go to the Mennonite store. The ham flavor is yummy in beans.

If you want a homemade vegetable bouillon replacement, I have a recipe for it. I keep a quart in my refrigerator. It's quite salty, though, if that's a problem. (It isn't for me. I just leave the salt out of the recipe)

[vicki in NW OH]

Is it the Better Than Bouillon stuff that comes in a short jar? I like it too.

[BJ]

I remember an Amish friend used a ham one in stuff. I forgot about using it. I had some years ago but there is nowhere to buy it here.

[CrossCreekTX]

I noticed some the other day in the ethnic section of my local grocery. Looked like it was heavy with MSG, which we don't eat. After we get the kitchen finished and the new stove in I plan to make my own soup base with no MSG, corn or autolized yeast.

[7castles7hills]

Is it the Better Than Bouillon stuff that comes in a short jar? I like it too.

BTB has MSG in it. I was using it, too, until I realized how much MSG it has in it.

MSG comes under all sorts of names. Here's a handy guide to help you root out the MSG in products.

You can check out this page to learn about MSG. Then browse around the site for some good information.


There are Organic versions of BTB. If I recall they are lower in MSG, but still contain some. It has been a while since I checked. Too bad, because it sure was handy to have on hand. They make so many good flavors, too.

Ah, well. Taste isn't everything.

[Explorer]

I don't understand that first chart. Do all the listed items contain MSG?

[poppy]

Is it the Better Than Bouillon stuff that comes in a short jar? I like it too.

Yes, that is the brand. I did get the low salt version because my wife watches her salt intake. I wish I had picked up some ham flavored while I was there.

[7castles7hills]

I don't understand that first chart. Do all the listed items contain MSG?

The first gold box - those are all names used in ingredient lists that signify high MSG content.

The second gold box are names used in ingredient lists that signify slightly more moderate MSG content. It is worth noting how many times an MSG containing items is represented as each additional ups the entire MSG in the item. I have found things with over a dozen different forms of MSG on the label.

The little box of all numbers is a European labeling system that we rarely see in the average American grocery store, though stores with imported foods will likely have them on the shelves.

[CrossCreekTX]

Be careful because some labels declare they don't have MSG, but it is hidden under one of the other names.