Ever stood in the grocery aisle staring at rows of chicken broth wondering which one gives you the best bang for your buck? I’ve been there too! As someone who uses chicken broth in everything from soups to rice dishes, I wanted to get to the bottom of chicken broth pricing once and for all.
In this article, I’ll break down exactly how much chicken broth costs across different types, brands, and stores Whether you’re pinching pennies or splurging on premium options, this guide will help you make smart choices for your cooking needs and budget
The Quick Answer: Chicken Broth Price Ranges
Before diving into details here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect to pay for chicken broth
- Canned chicken broth: $0.79-$1.28 per 14.5 oz can ($0.05-$0.09 per oz)
- Boxed/carton chicken broth: $1.50-$3.68 per 32 oz carton ($0.05-$0.12 per oz)
- Organic chicken broth: $1.98-$5.48 per 32 oz carton ($0.06-$0.17 per oz)
- Bone broth: $3.64-$6.58 per 32 oz carton ($0.11-$0.39 per oz)
- Chicken broth concentrates: $0.01-$0.02 per oz of prepared broth
- Homemade chicken broth: $0.02-$0.05 per oz
Walmart Chicken Broth Prices: Breaking It Down
Walmart offers a wide range of chicken broth options at competitive prices. Here’s what you’ll find:
Great Value (Walmart Store Brand)
Great Value is Walmart’s house brand and typically offers the best value for your money:
- Great Value Chicken Broth (14.5 oz can): $0.82 (5.7¢/oz)
- Great Value Chicken Broth (32 oz carton): $1.50 (4.7¢/oz)
- Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth (48 oz carton): $2.16 (4.5¢/oz)
- Great Value Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth (32 oz): $1.50 (4.7¢/oz)
- Great Value Organic Chicken Broth (32 oz): $1.98 (6.2¢/oz)
Pro tip: The family size (48 oz) offers the best value at just 4.5¢ per ounce!
Swanson Chicken Broth
Swanson is one of the most popular brands and comes at a slightly higher price point
- Swanson Chicken Broth (32 oz carton): $2.52 (7.9¢/oz)
- Swanson Natural Goodness Lower Sodium (32 oz): $2.52 (7.9¢/oz)
- Swanson 100% Natural Chicken Broth (48 oz): $3.68 (7.7¢/oz)
- Swanson Chicken Bone Broth (32 oz): $3.64 (11.4¢/oz)
- Swanson Chicken Broth (14.5 oz can): $1.28 (8.8¢/oz)
Premium & Specialty Options
For those looking for specialty options:
- Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth (32 oz): $3.18 (9.9¢/oz)
- Pacific Foods Organic Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth (32 oz): $5.48 (17.1¢/oz)
- Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth (16.9 oz): $6.58 (38.9¢/oz)
Different Types of Chicken Broth and Their Costs
Canned Chicken Broth
Canned chicken broth is typically the most affordable option and has a long shelf life.
Pros:
- Least expensive option
- Long shelf life
- Ready to use
Cons:
- Sometimes has a more processed taste
- Often higher in sodium
- Takes up more storage space than concentrates
Average price range: $0.79-$1.28 for a 14.5 oz can
Boxed and Carton Chicken Broths
Boxed broths offer better flavor and are packaged in eco-friendlier materials.
Pros:
- Better flavor than canned
- No metallic taste
- Easier to store and pour
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than canned
- Once opened, must be used within about a week
Average price range: $1.50-$3.68 for a 32 oz carton
Organic and Free-Range Chicken Broth
These premium options cost more but offer better quality ingredients.
Pros:
- No antibiotics or hormones
- Often more flavorful
- Better farming practices
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive
- May not be necessary for recipes where broth is not the star
Average price range: $1.98-$5.48 for a 32 oz carton
Bone Broth
Bone broth is the premium option, with higher protein content and richer flavor.
Pros:
- Higher protein content
- Richer flavor
- Potential health benefits
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Might be too rich for some recipes
Average price range: $3.64-$6.58 for a 32 oz carton
Chicken Broth Concentrates
These concentrated forms offer excellent value and take up less storage space.
Pros:
- Most economical option
- Takes up minimal storage space
- Long shelf life
Cons:
- Requires mixing with water
- Often contains more additives
Average price range: $0.01-$0.02 per oz of prepared broth
Where to Buy Chicken Broth for the Best Price
Walmart
Walmart consistently offers some of the lowest prices on chicken broth, especially with their Great Value brand. Their 48 oz family size carton at just 4.5¢ per oz is hard to beat!
Specialty Grocers (like Gelson’s)
Specialty grocers like Gelson’s typically carry premium and organic options, though at higher price points. They’re a good option if you’re looking for specialty or hard-to-find varieties.
Dollar Stores
Many dollar stores now carry name brands like Swanson chicken broth at competitive prices. This can be a hidden gem for budget shoppers!
Online Retailers
Amazon and other online retailers sometimes offer bulk pricing that can beat in-store prices, especially if you use a lot of chicken broth.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: The Cost Comparison
Making your own chicken broth is by far the most economical option, especially if you use leftover chicken bones and scraps.
Homemade Chicken Broth Cost Breakdown:
- Chicken bones/carcass (leftover from a meal): Essentially free
- Onion, carrot, celery: ~$0.50
- Herbs and spices: ~$0.25
- Water: Negligible
- Energy cost for simmering: ~$0.50
Total cost for 2 quarts (64 oz) of homemade broth: Approximately $1.25, or about $0.02 per oz
That’s less than half the cost of even the cheapest store-bought options!
Tips for Getting the Best Value on Chicken Broth
- Buy in bulk when on sale – chicken broth has a long shelf life
- Consider the application – use cheaper broth when it’s not the star ingredient
- Look for family size options which typically offer the best price per ounce
- Make your own using leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps
- Try concentrate forms like Better Than Bouillon for the best value
- Compare unit prices rather than just the package price
- Don’t discard leftover broth – freeze in ice cube trays for future use
Best Uses for Different Types of Chicken Broth
Not all chicken broth is created equal, and some types work better for certain recipes:
Basic Canned/Boxed Broth
Best for: Rice dishes, casseroles, and recipes where broth isn’t the star
Low-Sodium Varieties
Best for: Health-conscious cooking and recipes where you want to control salt levels
Bone Broth
Best for: Drinking straight, simple soups where the broth is the star
Organic/Free-Range
Best for: Light, delicate soups and sauces where you’ll really taste the broth
FAQ About Chicken Broth Prices
How much is in a standard can of chicken broth?
A standard can of chicken broth contains 14.5 ounces.
How much is in a standard carton of chicken broth?
Most cartons contain 32 ounces (1 quart), though family sizes often contain 48 ounces.
How much is 1 cup of chicken broth?
1 cup equals 8 ounces of chicken broth.
Does Dollar General sell chicken broth?
Yes, Dollar General sells chicken broth, including Swanson 32 oz cartons.
What’s the cheapest way to get chicken broth?
Making your own from leftover chicken bones is the cheapest option, followed by concentrate forms like Better Than Bouillon.
How long does chicken broth last?
Unopened canned/boxed broth lasts 1-2 years. Once opened, refrigerated broth should be used within 4-5 days.
The Bottom Line: Which Chicken Broth Gives the Best Bang for Your Buck?
After comparing all the options, here’s what I recommend:
Best overall value: Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth at 4.5¢/oz
Best premium option without breaking the bank: Swanson Chicken Broth at 7.9¢/oz
Best ultra-budget option: Making your own from leftover chicken scraps at ~2¢/oz
Best concentrate option: Better Than Bouillon at ~1-2¢/oz of prepared broth
Remember, the “best” option really depends on what you’re making. For a simple weeknight rice dish, the store brand will do just fine. But for a special chicken soup where the broth is the star, you might want to splurge on a premium option or make your own.
So next time you’re standing in that grocery aisle, you’ll know exactly what chicken broth gives you the best value for your specific needs!
What’s your go-to chicken broth? Do you make your own or have a favorite brand? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Ingredients & Nutrition Facts
ORGANIC CHICKEN BROTH, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF THE FOLLOWING: SALT, ORGANIC YEAST EXTRACT, ORGANIC CHICKEN FLAVOR, ORGANIC CARROT JUICE CONCENTRATE, ORGANIC ONION JUICE CONCENTRATE, ORGANIC ONION POWDER, ORGANIC TOMATO PASTE, ORGANIC TURMERIC, ORGANIC GARLIC POWDER, ORGANIC THYME, ORGANIC ROSEMARY, ORGANIC SPICE, ORGANIC DEHYDRATED CARROT, ORGANIC FLAVOR.