Chicken Meat Extract
Chicken meat extract is the concentrated soluble fraction of cooked chicken used historically as a flavor base in bouillon and similar products. FDA's longstanding policy treats bouillon products as established food items.
What it is
Concentrated water-soluble extractives of chicken meat used to give bouillons, broths and savory products their characteristic flavor.
Flavoring, savory base, source of free amino acids/peptides.
Why it's flagged
- often paired with high sodium in finished products
- may contain MSG or hydrolyzed proteins
- may contain allergens (soy, gluten) depending on formulation
What regulators actually say
"Chicken bouillon cube are appropriate names if the product is made from evaporated bouillon with sufficient chicken or beef extractives present to give definite characteristics, especially flavor, of the designated source."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Long-recognized food ingredient; bouillon products covered by FDA CPG 567.300
European Union — EFSA
Whole-food-derived flavoring; permitted ingredient
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app