African pantry guide · Yado Market Blog
What Are Maggi Cubes? How to Use Them in African Cooking
Walk into almost any West African kitchen and you'll find a pack of Maggi cubes. Here's what Maggi is, what's in those little cubes, how to use them in jollof, stews and soups, and how to cook with them wisely.
By the Yado African & Caribbean Market team · Updated September 2026 · 5 min read
The quick answer
Maggi cubes are concentrated seasoning (bouillon) cubes made by Maggi, a brand owned by Nestlé. Each cube packs salt, flavor enhancers, fat and flavorings into a small block that dissolves into food. In West African cooking they're the go-to way to add rich, savory depth to jollof rice, stews, soups and marinades.
What Is Maggi?
Maggi started in Switzerland in the late 1800s, when Julius Maggi created affordable, flavorful soup seasonings. The brand later became part of Nestlé and is now sold around the world, with products made for local tastes.
Nowhere is Maggi more at home than in West and Central Africa, where "Maggi" is almost a generic word for seasoning cubes. You'll also see Knorr, a competing brand, in many kitchens, especially in Ghana.
What's in a Maggi Cube?
Recipes vary by product and country, so always check the label. Most seasoning cubes contain:
Salt
The main ingredient. Cubes are very salty, so they season as well as flavor.
Flavor enhancers
Usually MSG (monosodium glutamate) and similar ingredients that boost savory umami taste.
Fat & starch
Vegetable fat and starch hold the cube together and help it dissolve.
Flavorings
Onion, garlic, spices, and chicken, beef or shrimp flavor, depending on the variety.
Because cubes are high in salt, taste before adding extra salt to your dish. Many halal versions are available; check the label if that matters to you.
In the kitchen
How to Use Maggi Cubes
Crumble a cube between your fingers straight into the pot, or dissolve it in a little hot water or stock first. A good starting point is about 1 cube for every 2 cups of liquid, then adjust to taste.
01
Jollof & fried rice
Crumble into the tomato-pepper base before adding the rice for deep, party-style flavor.
02
Stews & soups
Essential in egusi, okro, ogbono, pepper soup and tomato stew.
03
Boiling meat
Season meat with onion and a cube before boiling to create a flavorful stock for your soup.
04
Marinades & rubs
Crush with garlic, ginger and pepper to marinate chicken or fish before grilling or frying.
Tips
- Add cubes early so they dissolve fully and the flavor spreads through the dish.
- Taste before adding salt, since the cube already brings plenty.
- Watching your sodium? Use half a cube and boost flavor with onion, garlic, ginger, crayfish or herbs.
- Store cubes in a cool, dry place in a sealed container so they don't absorb moisture.
Shop Yado Market
Types of Maggi & Where to Buy
Yado Market stocks classic Maggi cubes, halal chicken bouillon, Maggi Season-Up and liquid seasoning at 1651 E 87th St, Chicago, and online with U.S. shipping.
