How Much Sodium in Chicken Broth? A Complete Breakdown for Health-Conscious Cooks

Are you reaching for that carton of chicken broth to add flavor to your risotto or soup, but worried about salt content? You’re not alone! As someone who cooks regularly, I’ve often wondered exactly how much sodium hides in this pantry staple Let’s dive into the salty details and explore what you need to know about sodium levels in chicken broth

The Sodium Spectrum: Not All Broths Are Created Equal

The amount of sodium in chicken broth varies dramatically depending on whether you’re using homemade or store-bought and which specific product you choose. Here’s what the research shows

Store-Bought Regular Chicken Broth

• Regular chicken broth: 700-900mg sodium per cup
• Canned varieties: Typically higher in sodium than boxed options
• Popular brands: Can contain up to 940mg per cup (like Swanson’s regular broth at 860mg per cup)

Lower-Sodium Options

• Low-sodium store-bought broth: 400-600mg per cup
• Swanson Natural Goodness (33% Less Sodium): 570mg per cup
• Swanson Organic Free-Range Chicken: 550mg per cup
• Swanson Cooking Stock: 510mg per cup

Homemade and Specialty Options

• Homemade chicken broth (no added salt): Approximately 200mg sodium per cup
• Swanson Chicken Bone Broth: 350mg sodium per cup
• Swanson Organic Low-Sodium Free-Range: Only 140mg per cup

Powdered and Concentrated Forms

• Bouillon cubes and powdered broth: Very high sodium content, approximately 1000-1500mg per prepared cup

Why Sodium Content Matters

Keeping track of sodium intake is important for several reasons:

• The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily sodium to 2,300mg or less
• Ideal target is 1,500mg for those with hypertension
• A single cup of regular chicken broth can provide almost half the daily recommended intake!
• High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, raising risks for stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems

Certain groups should be especially careful about sodium consumption:

• Older adults
• People with chronic conditions
• Individuals with sodium sensitivity
• African American individuals (who tend to be more sodium-sensitive)

Health Implications of High-Sodium Chicken Broth

Consuming too much sodium can lead to

• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention (swollen feet, ankles, hands)
• Stomach bloating
• Increased risk of kidney stones
• Potential link to osteoporosis
• Possible increased risk of stomach cancer

But that doesn’t mean you need to skip the chicken broth altogether! There are many ways to enjoy its flavor while keeping sodium in check.

Tips for Reducing Sodium from Chicken Broth

If you’re looking to cut back on sodium but still want that rich chicken flavor, try these strategies:

1. Choose low-sodium varieties – Look for packages labeled “low-sodium,” “reduced-sodium,” or “no salt added”
2. Dilute regular broth with water at a 1:1 ratio to instantly cut sodium content in half
3. Make homemade broth to control salt levels yourself
4. Add more herbs and spices to boost flavor without salt
5. Mix with unsalted vegetable broth or water with herbs
6. Use broth in moderation rather than as the primary liquid

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: The Sodium Showdown

Making your own chicken broth gives you complete control over sodium content. Here’s a quick comparison:

Beyond Sodium: Other Nutrients in Chicken Broth

It’s worth noting that chicken broth offers several nutritional benefits beyond just flavor:

• Hydration and important electrolytes
• Protein (especially bone broths with 8g+ per cup)
• Collagen and gelatin for gut and joint health
• Vitamins and minerals if made with nutrient-rich vegetables
• Low calorie option for adding flavor (typically only 5-35 calories per cup)

Alternative Flavor-Boosters Beyond Chicken Broth

If you’re concerned about sodium but still want flavorful dishes, consider these alternatives:

• Aromatics: Sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger
• Fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, cilantro
• Spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika
• Acid components: Lemon juice, vinegar, wine
• Umami boosters: Mushrooms, tomato paste (look for no-salt-added)

How to Make Lower-Sodium Chicken Broth at Home

Want to try making your own low-sodium version? Here’s a basic recipe:

1. Roast chicken bones (this adds flavor without salt)
2. Add aromatics like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic
3. Throw in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves
4. Cover with water and simmer for 3-4 hours
5. Season with a minimal amount of salt or none at all
6. Strain and use immediately or freeze for later

Can You Freeze Chicken Broth?

Absolutely! Freezing homemade or leftover store-bought broth is a great way to have it on hand. Here’s how:

1. Cool completely before freezing
2. Portion into containers or ice cube trays
3. Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion
4. Freeze for up to 6 months
5. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen

Reading Labels: What to Look For

When shopping for chicken broth, understanding the terminology helps:

• “Low sodium” means 140mg or less of sodium per serving
• “Reduced” or “lower” sodium means at least 25% less sodium compared to the brand’s regular product
• “No salt added” means no salt was added during processing (but natural sodium may still be present)

The Bottom Line on Chicken Broth and Sodium

Regular chicken broth can be surprisingly high in sodium, with some varieties containing nearly half the recommended daily intake in just one cup. However, with smart choices like low-sodium options, dilution techniques, or making your own broth, you can still enjoy the rich flavor and nutritional benefits without consuming excessive sodium.

For most healthy adults, using regular chicken broth occasionally is fine, but if you’re watching your sodium intake or have health conditions that require sodium restriction, opt for lower-sodium alternatives or make your own.

Remember, the tastiest dishes don’t always need the most salt—sometimes it’s about finding the right balance of herbs, spices, and cooking techniques to create depth of flavor while keeping sodium in check.

Do you have a favorite low-sodium chicken broth brand or a special technique for making your own? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

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Note: Information in this article is based on nutritional data available as of September 2025. Always check product labels for the most current and accurate nutrition information.

Yes, most regular store-bought chicken broths are high in sodium, with some products containing nearly 40% of the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit of 2,300mg per one-cup serving. To manage your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium or sodium-free alternatives, or make your own broth at home by simmering meat, bones, and vegetable scraps to control the salt content.

Swanson Chicken Broth sodium content varies by product line;

The amount of sodium in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth varies by brand, ranging from approximately 12 mg to 140 mg. For example, Mayo Clinic’s recipe lists their low-sodium stock at 12 mg of sodium per cup, while Swanson’s Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth contains about 140 mg per cup.