I’m totally anti-boxed stock. I only buy it if I’m testing a recipe and the recipe calls for it specifically. My reasons are many, and that’s not even including not wanting to haul heavy boxes of liquid around in my grocery bags.
I love efficiency, both in my budget and my pantry. That’s why I eschew boxed stock and stick to a product that’s repeatedly proven its worth in my kitchen.
What I Buy Instead of Boxed Stock
One little jar of Better Than Bouillon lasts for ages. It’s what’s known as a flavor base, a concentrated paste to mix with water as needed. There are other bases out there, but Better Than Bouillon is the best. It’s widely available and comes in many flavors. The clincher? It’s way cheaper than boxed stock, every time.
Why I Love Better Than Bouillon
Packed with umami, Better Than Bouillon delivers in the flavor department. It actually tastes like the thing it says it does. That makes sense; the first ingredient in their roasted chicken base is roasted chicken, and the first ingredient in their seasoned vegetable base is mirepoix (that’s fancy talk for aromatic vegetables).
You can make exactly as much as you need: Just mix a teaspoon of base with one cup of stock. No half-empty box lurking in the fridge. Better Than Bouillion’s small jar easily fits in your fridge door rack and doesn’t hog space in the cupboard. One jar lasts a long time. It’s always in my pantry; I’m not likely to run out, saving me from constantly adding boxed stock to my grocery list.
Credit: Simply Recipes / Better Than Bouillon
How the Savings Break Down
I’m a comparison shopper, and if you are too, what follows will surprise you. These prices are from my local Kroger. You’ll see that Better Than Bouillon costs less than half as much per cup as the least expensive boxed stock.
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Kroger Fat Free Vegetable Broth ($1.49/quart) = about 37 cents per cup
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Swanson Vegetable Broth ($2.79/quart) = about 70 cents per cup
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Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Broth ($3.59/quart) = about 90 cents per cup
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Better Than Bouillon ($5.99/jar, makes 38 cups) = about 16 cents per cup
How I Use Better Than Bouillon
I could just mix up as much stock as I need for a recipe, but honestly I usually just eyeball it. When I make soups or stews, I add as much water to the pot as I need and then I plop in a dab of Better Than Bouillon.
Better Than Bouillon’s Seasoned Vegetable base is my go-to flavor fixer. Often I’ll make some kind of stewed vegetables or sauce that doesn’t call for stock, but tastes like it’s missing something. I like to add a teaspoon or so of vegetable base, which often adds enough depth to make it come alive.
They make many varieties, but for versatility I recommend sticking to the basics: chicken, beef, vegetable. You can always tweak seasonings as needed based on the recipe.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes