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Stock and bone broth without yeast extract

Published 29 October 2026

Most stock cubes, pots and gravy granules in UK supermarkets list yeast extract. The stock and broth we've found without it are bone broths made from bones, water, veg and herbs, mostly from Ocado and farm brands online.

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This guide explains what yeast extract is, where it shows up, and which stocks skip it.

What is yeast extract?

Yeast extract is made from yeast. The yeast is broken down, and the cell walls are taken out. What's left has a strong, savoury taste.

It is added to food to give it more flavour. You'll see it in stock, gravy, crisps, soup, sauces and ready meals.

Yeast extract does not have an E number. It is not on the FSA's list of approved additives. So on a label it is listed by name, as "yeast extract".

Is yeast extract just MSG?

No. They are not the same thing on a label.

  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an additive. Its E number is E621. It is on the FSA's list as a flavour enhancer.
  • Yeast extract is an ingredient, with no E number.

Both give food a savoury taste. That's why some people group them together. Some people choose to avoid both. Some don't mind. We don't make claims either way. Our rules leave out yeast extract when it is used as a flavour enhancer.

What foods contain yeast extract?

These are the places you are most likely to find it:

  • stock cubes, stock pots and jelly stock
  • gravy granules
  • flavoured crisps
  • packet and tinned soup
  • ready meals and sauces
  • some sausages and burgers

Are stock cubes processed?

Many stock cubes list salt near the top. Many also list yeast extract, palm oil, sugar or "flavourings". That's why it's hard to find one that passes our rules.

Bone broth is made a different way. Bones are simmered in water for a long time with veg and herbs. The list is short.

Bone broth and stock without yeast extract

These are the ones we've found. None list yeast extract, flavourings or seed oils.

On Ocado:

From farm brands online:

The Pipers Farm chicken stock is just chicken bones and water. Most of the others add carrots, onions, herbs and a splash of vinegar.

To be honest: we haven't found a big-supermarket own-brand stock without yeast extract yet. If you find one, take a photo of the label and send it to us.

See the full stock and bone broth without yeast extract list.

How to spot yeast extract on a label

  1. Find "Ingredients".
  2. Look for "yeast extract".
  3. Also look for "flavour enhancer", "monosodium glutamate" or "E621".
  4. Look for "flavouring" or "natural flavouring". Our rules leave these out too.

Nutritional yeast is different. It is whole, dried yeast flakes. It is not the same as yeast extract.

How to make stock at home

Home-made stock takes time but very little work.

  1. Save the bones from a roast chicken.
  2. Put them in a big pan with an onion, a carrot and a bay leaf.
  3. Cover with water. Add a splash of vinegar.
  4. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Strain, cool and keep in the fridge or freezer.

Add salt when you use it, not before. That way you can taste as you go.

Recipes that use stock or broth

Ready meals often use stock too. See our list of ready meals without seed oils.

FAQ

Does yeast extract have an E number? No. It is not on the FSA's list of approved additives and E numbers. It is listed by name.

Is Marmite yeast extract? Yes. Marmite is made from yeast extract.

Is nutritional yeast the same as yeast extract? No. Nutritional yeast is dried whole yeast. Yeast extract is made by breaking yeast down.

What stock has no yeast extract? The bone broths above. Most are online, with one on Ocado.

Sources

  • GOV.UK (FSA), Approved additives and E numbers (E621; yeast extract is not listed): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approved-additives-and-e-numbers/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
  • GOV.UK (FSA), Food additives: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/food-additives/food-additives

Holding a stock pot? Take a photo of the label in The Better Basket, and we'll check it for yeast extract.

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