About Knorr
Knorr: 175+ Years of Bringing Flavour to British Kitchens Introduction to Knorr Knorr stands as Unilever's biggest selling brand worldwide, with annual sales exceeding €3 billion and products sold in more than 87 countries. For over 175 years, this German-founded food brand has been bringing flavour and convenience to home cooks, transforming the way families prepare meals through innovations like stock cubes and stock pots that make rich, flavourful cooking accessible without hours of preparation. In the United Kingdom, Knorr has been a kitchen staple since 1949, when the brand first introduced stock cubes and packaged soups to British consumers. Today, with 600 stock cubes sold every minute globally, Knorr products have become essential ingredients in both home and professional kitchens, adding depth to everything from Sunday roasts to midweek pasta dishes. At Grocefully, we help you compare Knorr prices across UK supermarkets, ensuring you can stock your kitchen cupboards with quality flavour enhancers at the best available prices. Whether you're shopping for stock pots, gravy granules, or soup mixes, price comparison makes flavourful cooking more affordable. The Knorr Story: From German Innovation to Global Kitchen Essential Knorr's history spans nearly two centuries of culinary innovation, beginning with a German entrepreneur's experiments in food preservation. Carl Heinrich Knorr's Vision Knorr was founded in 1838 in Heilbronn, Germany, by Carl Heinrich Theodor Knorr (1800-1875). From the earliest days, Knorr focused on a challenge that would define the brand's future: preserving nutrition and flavour through innovative techniques. Carl Heinrich Knorr began experimenting with drying vegetables and seasonings to preserve their nutritional value and taste. This scientific approach to food preparation was ahead of its time, laying the groundwork for the convenience foods that would follow. The First Dried Soups In 1873, Knorr launched dried soups across Continental Europe — a significant milestone in food history. These products offered consumers the ability to prepare flavourful soups quickly without the lengthy cooking traditionally required. The convenience was revolutionary for households across Europe. The Revolutionary Stock Cube In 1912, Knorr introduced its first bouillon cube — later known as the Knorr Stock Cube — revolutionising home cooking by making rich stock accessible without scratch preparation. Before bouillon cubes, preparing proper stock required hours of simmering bones and vegetables. The compact cube delivered equivalent flavour in seconds. This innovation proved transformative for home cooks everywhere. What had been a time-intensive professional technique became accessible to ordinary households, democratising flavourful cooking. Knorr Arrives in Britain Knorr's presence in the UK and Ireland began in 1949 with the introduction of stock cubes and packaged soups. British post-war consumers, seeking convenient yet flavourful options, responded enthusiastically. Within twelve years, the first Knorr factory opened in Welwyn Garden City, establishing local production for the growing British market. This manufacturing presence demonstrated Knorr's commitment to the UK market and enabled product development tailored to British tastes. The 1980s brought further innovation including a Mutton Stock Cube specifically developed for Scottish consumers and the national launch of Knorr Gravy Cubes, Marinade Mixes, and Pasta Sauces. This expansion showed Knorr's ability to address regional preferences whilst building a comprehensive cooking range. Joining the Unilever Family The year 2000 marked a pivotal moment when Knorr joined the Unilever family through Unilever's acquisition of Best Foods, Knorr's parent company. This partnership brought significant resources for product development and marketing. The integration resulted in 41 new products launched in the UK during "The Summer of Knorr," including Chicken Tonight and numerous other innovations. Unilever's global reach and expertise in consumer goods amplified Knorr's ability to innovate and reach consumers. Today, Knorr operates as a key brand within Unilever's nutrition portfolio, benefiting from the multinational's research capabilities, sustainability initiatives, and distribution networks. The Knorr Product Range in the UK Knorr's UK range covers multiple cooking categories, each designed to bring flavour and convenience to home cooking. Stock Pots Knorr Stock Pots represent a significant evolution from traditional stock cubes, offering concentrated, gel-format stock in convenient single-use pots that add depth of flavour to slow-cooked meals, bolognese, soups, and risottos. Chicken Stock Pots come from the nation's favourite stocks brand. Gluten-free and made with vegetables and herbs, they're perfect for chicken dishes including risottos, pies, soups, chicken stew, and more. Available in 4-pack and 8-pack formats. Vegetable Stock Pots are gluten-free and made with sustainably grown vegetables and herbs. They suit vegetarian curries, rustic stews, sauces, and soups. The vegetable variant offers meat-free cooking the same depth of flavour. Beef Stock Pots bring rich, meaty depth to beef dishes, casseroles, and gravies. Lamb Stock Pots offer specific flavouring for lamb dishes and Mediterranean cooking. Mushroom Stock Pots provide earthy, umami-rich flavour perfect for vegetarian cooking and dishes where mushroom notes enhance the profile. Stock Pots are suitable for vegetarians (in appropriate variants), free from artificial preservatives, artificial colours, and added MSG. Stock Cubes The original Knorr format, stock cubes remain popular for their convenience and value: Chicken Stock Cubes deliver classic poultry flavour for everyday cooking Beef Stock Cubes provide rich, meaty depth Vegetable Stock Cubes offer versatile vegetarian-friendly flavouring Lamb Stock Cubes suit specific meat dishes Fish Stock Cubes provide the base for seafood cooking Knorr Zero Salt stock cubes contain a carefully selected blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices for those watching sodium intake. All Knorr stock cubes are gluten-free so dietary restrictions don't mean compromising on taste. Gravy Products From the award-winning gravy pots to instant granules, Knorr's gravy range complements traditional British cooking: Gravy Granules are essential for traditional Sunday roasts, providing quick, reliable gravy without the complexity of pan-based preparation. Gravy Pots offer concentrated, gel-format gravy bases for richer results. The gravy range addresses the British passion for proper gravy with roasted meats, offering various flavour profiles and convenience levels. Soups Knorr offers a delicious range of hearty, tasty soups made with carefully selected ingredients, ready in minutes: Soup mixes include comforting flavours like leek and potato or minestrone Packet soups provide convenient meal options or meal starters Cup soups offer quick, warming snacks The soup range maintains Knorr's heritage of convenient, flavourful food whilst meeting modern expectations for quality ingredients. Cooking Pastes Knorr's latest innovation, Cooking Pastes bring bold flavours in seconds. These versatile pastes can be scooped, swirled, or slathered onto pasta, meat, or roasted vegetables: Sundried Tomato and Herbs for Mediterranean-inspired dishes Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Black Pepper for poultry cooking Roasted Garlic and Mushroom for rich, savoury depth Smoked Chilli and Lime for bold, contemporary flavours These pastes represent Knorr's continued innovation, addressing consumer demand for convenience without sacrificing flavour complexity. Seasonings Knorr seasonings add depth and complexity to dishes from simple salads to complex stews and casseroles. This versatile category extends Knorr's flavour expertise beyond stocks and gravies. Quality and Values Understanding Knorr's approach to quality and sustainability helps appreciate why the brand commands market leadership. Gluten-Free Products Knorr makes its stock cubes and stock pots gluten-free, ensuring those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy flavourful cooking without compromise. This commitment to accessibility reflects modern dietary awareness. Clean Label Approach Knorr Stock Pots are free from artificial preservatives, artificial colours, and added MSG. This clean label approach addresses consumer concerns about food additives whilst maintaining the flavour intensity that defines the brand. Sustainable Sourcing Vegetable Stock Pots are made with sustainably grown vegetables and herbs, reflecting Unilever's broader sustainability commitments. Knorr continues expanding its use of sustainably sourced ingredients across the range. Plant-Based Innovation Knorr has expanded its range to include more plant-based options, addressing growing consumer interest in meat-free cooking. The vegetable stock range provides full-flavoured bases for vegetarian and vegan dishes. Low-Sodium Options The Zero Salt range provides options for sodium-conscious consumers whilst maintaining flavour through herbs, spices, and vegetables. These products suit those managing blood pressure or simply seeking to reduce salt intake. Shopping for Knorr in the UK Knorr's market leadership ensures widespread availability across UK retail channels. Supermarket Availability All major UK supermarkets stock comprehensive Knorr ranges: Tesco offers full product ranges including stock pots, cubes, gravy, and soups Sainsbury's stocks core products with regular promotional activity Asda provides competitive pricing across Knorr categories Morrisons carries stock pots in various pack sizes Ocado offers convenient online access to the range Waitrose stocks Knorr products for premium shoppers Using Grocefully to compare Knorr prices across retailers reveals often-substantial price variations. The same product may cost significantly more at one supermarket versus another. Food Service Channels Brakes and other food service wholesalers supply Knorr products to professional kitchens. Catering-size formats offer value for high-volume users, though these aren't typically accessible to ordinary consumers. Pack Size Considerations Knorr products come in various pack sizes: 4-pack stock pots suit occasional use or trial purposes 8-pack stock pots provide better per-unit value for regular users Family-size gravy granules suit households with higher consumption Individual cup soups offer convenience for single servings Calculating price per unit helps compare across pack sizes and retailers. Cooking with Knorr: Practical Applications Understanding how to use Knorr products maximises their value. Stock Pot Techniques Knorr Stock Pots work best when: Added to hot liquid — they dissolve most easily in heated water or cooking liquid Used at the appropriate stage — early for stews and casseroles, later for risottos and sauces Adjusted to taste — start with the recommended amount and adjust subsequent cooking to preference The gel format allows partial use — scoop what's needed and refrigerate the remainder briefly. Stock Cube Approaches Traditional stock cubes suit: Large-volume cooking where multiple cubes can be dissolved together Quick preparations where cube crumbling proves faster than pot dissolution Budget-conscious cooking where cube format offers maximum value Crumble cubes directly into cooking for even distribution or dissolve in hot water for clearer stock. Gravy Mastery Knorr gravy products suit different approaches: Granules work for quick, reliable gravy — simply add to meat juices and water Pots provide richer results for special occasions Both can be enhanced with wine, herbs, or pan scrapings for elevated results Matching gravy type to occasion helps balance convenience with quality expectations. Knorr and British Food Culture Knorr has shaped and supported British home cooking for over 75 years. The Convenience Revolution Post-war Britain saw increasing numbers of women entering the workforce whilst retaining primary responsibility for family meals. Knorr products helped bridge the gap between time constraints and family expectations for flavourful food. This convenience didn't mean compromised quality — Knorr products enabled dishes that might otherwise have been impossible for time-pressed cooks. Sunday Roast Tradition The traditional British Sunday roast relies on proper gravy, and Knorr gravy products have supported this institution for generations. The reliability of Knorr gravy means families can count on successful results week after week. Modern Meal Solutions Contemporary British home cooking increasingly emphasises quick weeknight meals without sacrificing flavour. Knorr stock pots and cooking pastes address this need, adding depth to quick pasta dishes, stir-fries, and simple proteins. Practical Tips for Knorr Shoppers Maximise value when purchasing Knorr products: Buy Larger Pack Sizes 8-pack stock pots offer better per-unit value than 4-packs for regular users. For products used frequently, larger formats provide meaningful savings. Monitor Promotions Knorr products appear regularly in supermarket promotions including multi-buy offers and temporary price reductions. Planning purchases around promotional periods generates significant savings over time. Compare Across Retailers Knorr pricing varies considerably between supermarkets. Using Grocefully to compare before shopping prevents overpaying for identical products. Stock Up on Shelf-Stable Products Stock cubes and gravy granules have long shelf lives. When good prices appear, buying extra for storage makes economic sense without spoilage risk. Try New Products Knorr's continuous innovation means new products appear regularly. Trying new launches — often available at introductory promotional pricing — expands cooking possibilities. Knorr Versus Competitors Understanding Knorr's market position helps evaluate purchase decisions. Versus Own-Brand Supermarket own-brand stock products cost less than Knorr but may differ in flavour intensity and consistency. Knorr's investment in product development produces reliable results that some own-brands don't match. Versus OXO OXO represents Knorr's primary UK competitor in stock cubes. Both brands have strong heritage and loyal followings. Taste preference often determines brand choice; neither is objectively superior. Versus Premium Brands Premium stock products (fresh stocks, specialist producers) offer different quality tiers. For everyday cooking, Knorr provides excellent value; for special occasions, premium alternatives may justify their higher prices. Conclusion Knorr's 175-year heritage of culinary innovation has made the brand synonymous with convenient, flavourful home cooking. From Carl Heinrich Knorr's experiments in food preservation to today's sophisticated stock pots and cooking pastes, the brand has consistently addressed the challenge of helping home cooks create delicious meals efficiently. As Unilever's biggest selling brand globally, Knorr commands the resources to continue innovating whilst maintaining the quality and reliability that British families have trusted since 1949. The comprehensive range covering stocks, gravies, soups, and seasonings means Knorr can support virtually every savoury cooking application. Using Grocefully to compare Knorr prices across UK supermarkets ensures you pay fair prices for these kitchen essentials. With price variations between retailers often substantial, comparison shopping generates meaningful savings for regular purchasers. Whether you're preparing a Sunday roast, building a midweek risotto, or creating a quick pasta sauce, Knorr products provide the foundation for flavourful results. 175 years of expertise in every pot, cube, and granule — now available at the best prices through informed shopping.