We discovered Massel when we did a product review on Twisted Pepper, a company that makes fantastic dip and soup mixes.

Twisted Pepper uses Massel stock powders in their own creations. We followed the link from the Twisted Pepper website and landed on something extraordinary.

We used to think there was no compromising when it came to chicken stock. Since some of us prefer to eat plant-based foods over animal products, it was a foregone conclusion that the days of flavorful, stock-based soups and entrees was gone forever. And then we met Massel.

How had we never heard of this company before? Does Swanson have such a strong hold on the stock and broth market that Massel has been left undiscovered. We think so. Now it’s time to change the story and put Massel front and center.

Massel is not a new company; it has been around since 1982 when it released its first plant-based range of vegan stock to the Australian market. This company has three founding principles:

• Plant-based products are better and healthier.

• Better and healthier plant-based products are not just for vegans and vegetarians; they’re better for everyone and must be just as tasty as or tastier than a meat-based equivalent.

• Affordable plant-based products are the way of the future. They make sense for us all, are better for the leaving planet, the world community and for our pockets! (Source: Massel)

The ingredients in the Massel product line are perfect for anyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. From plant-based to gluten free to certified low FODMAP, these products are incredible.

We tried the Chicken Style stock cubes and it was hard to believe there were no animal ingredients. Per instructions, we put one cube in two cups of hot water and the cube dissolved with ease. Because Massel is not animal based, there is no greasy, fatty residue; instead you get a clean, clear broth that is so good you just want to drink it straight… and we did!

One of our testers also used the Chicken Style stock cube in a cashew chicken-less dish. With cashews in the dish, no one missed the chicken! She loved it so much, she wrote down the recipe, which we’ll share in our lifestyle section next week.

Massel has a product line as rich as its flavor. From stock powders to cubes to organic liquid stock and gravy powder, Massel has something for everyone. We purchased our stock cubes on Amazon, which appears to be the main hub for puchasing in the US. There is a list of retailers who carry their products on their website.

There’s one more thing we want to point out about Massel. It is MSG free! If you look at a top bouillon cube brand, Wyler’s, and read the label, you will see monosodium glutamate on the ingredient list. There’s no point in arguing; Massel is simply superior and earns an IMBHO-yes!