How Much Sodium in Low Sodium Chicken Broth? The Complete Guide

Ever wondered what “low sodium” actually means when it comes to chicken broth? If you’re watching your salt intake or cooking for someone who needs to limit sodium, this is super important information! I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to dig through dozens of product labels at the grocery store.

Chicken broth is one of those kitchen staples we all rely on, but regular versions can pack a serious sodium punch. Today, I’m breaking down exactly how much sodium is in low sodium chicken broth options, how they compare to regular broths, and which brands might be best for your specific health needs.

What’s Considered “Low Sodium” Chicken Broth?

First let’s get clear on what “low sodium” actually means when it comes to chicken broth. This term can be a bit confusing because there’s a difference between “low sodium” “reduced sodium,” and “unsalted” versions.

Based on my research, low sodium chicken broth typically contains around 140 mg of sodium per cup (240 mL), though this can vary between brands That’s significantly less than regular chicken broth, which typically contains between 700-900 mg of sodium per cup!

It’s important to note that “reduced sodium” or “lower sodium” products aren’t the same as “low sodium” – they just have less sodium than the regular version of that same product,

Sodium Content in Popular Low Sodium Chicken Broth Brands

I’ve compiled data on several popular low sodium chicken broth brands so you can compare:

The average sodium content across these low sodium brands is about 121 mg per cup, though many brands hover around 140 mg.

Low Sodium vs. Reduced Sodium vs. Regular Chicken Broth

Now let’s see how these compare:

• Regular chicken broth: Typically contains 700-900 mg sodium per cup
• Reduced/Lower sodium chicken broth: Usually has about 500-570 mg sodium per cup (examples: Good & Gather Reduced Sodium has 570 mg, Great Value Reduced Sodium has 530 mg)
• Low sodium chicken broth: Around 140 mg sodium per cup on average
• Unsalted chicken broth: Lowest option at around 35-45 mg sodium per cup (Swanson Unsalted has only 35 mg)

This is a HUGE difference! If you’re making soup with 4 cups of broth, that’s potentially 3,600 mg of sodium from regular broth versus just 560 mg from low sodium broth. That’s nearly 3,000 mg difference!

Health Implications of Sodium Intake

Why does this matter? Well, according to the CDC, about 90% of Americans consume too much sodium. The average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium daily, but the American Heart Association recommends:

• No more than 2,300 mg daily for most adults
• Ideally no more than 1,500 mg per day

Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which increases risks of stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems. This is especially important for:

• People with hypertension
• Older adults
• Individuals with chronic conditions
• People of African American descent (who tend to be more sodium sensitive)

Making Smart Choices With Chicken Broth

If you’re watching your sodium intake but still want to use chicken broth in your cooking, here are some strategies:

• Choose wisely: Select low sodium or unsalted varieties
• Dilute regular broth: Mix with equal parts water to cut sodium in half
• Make your own: Homemade broth lets you control exactly how much salt goes in
• Boost flavor without salt: Add fresh herbs, garlic, ginger or other spices
• Read labels carefully: Don’t be fooled by “reduced sodium” which may still be high

I personally like to keep both low sodium and unsalted broths in my pantry. The unsalted is great as a base that I can season exactly how I want, while the low sodium is convenient when I need a bit more flavor right out of the box.

Brand Spotlight: Swanson Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Let’s take a closer look at one popular option – Swanson Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth:

• Contains 140 mg sodium per cup
• That’s 75% less sodium than their regular organic chicken broth (which has 550 mg)
• Made with organic free-range chicken and vegetables
• Uses 100% natural, non-GMO ingredients
• Contains organic chicken stock, chicken flavor, sea salt, carrot juice, onion juice, garlic, spices, tomato paste, and turmeric

The nutrition facts per 1 cup serving:

• Calories: 10
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 140mg (6% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: <1g
• Protein: 1g

Benefits of Low Sodium Chicken Broth Beyond Sodium Reduction

Despite having less sodium, chicken broth still offers several benefits:

• Provides hydration and important electrolytes
• Contains gelatin, amino acids, and collagen that may support gut and joint health
• Offers vitamins and antioxidants (especially if made with vegetables)
• Adds flavor without needing to add extra salt or fat
• Makes a great base for soups, stews, and sauces

Tips for Using Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Worried about losing flavor? Here are some ways to make the most of low sodium broth:

• Add umami boosters: A splash of soy sauce (low sodium version), nutritional yeast, or mushroom powder can add depth
• Simmer longer: Extended cooking time can concentrate flavors
• Roast ingredients first: If making homemade broth, roast chicken bones and vegetables before simmering
• Add acid: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can brighten flavors without adding sodium
• Use fresh herbs: Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add significant flavor

My Experience Using Low Sodium Broths

I’ve been using low sodium chicken broth for years now, and honestly, I don’t miss the extra salt at all! I find that it gives me more control over the final flavor of my dishes. When making soup, I can always add a bit more salt at the end if needed, but starting with a lower-sodium base prevents accidentally over-salting.

One of my favorite tricks is to use unsalted chicken broth as a base, then add a small amount of regular chicken bouillon for flavor – this gives me the best of both worlds and still keeps the sodium level reasonable.

When to Choose Unsalted vs. Low Sodium

If you’re really watching your sodium intake closely (like if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet for medical reasons), you might want to go with unsalted broth. Swanson’s Unsalted Chicken Broth has just 35 mg of sodium per cup, which is about 75% less than even their low sodium version.

However, for most general cooking purposes, low sodium broth offers a good balance of flavor and reduced sodium content. It’s particularly useful in recipes where you’ll be adding other ingredients that contain sodium.

The Bottom Line on Sodium in Low Sodium Chicken Broth

So to directly answer the question – how much sodium is in low sodium chicken broth?

Most low sodium chicken broths contain around 140 mg of sodium per cup (240 mL), though some brands go as low as 40 mg. This is significantly less than regular chicken broth, which typically has 700-900 mg per cup.

If you’re trying to limit your sodium intake but still want flavorful cooking bases, low sodium chicken broth is definitely worth considering. And remember – always check the nutrition label, as sodium content can vary between brands and product lines!

FAQs About Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Is low sodium chicken broth actually low in sodium?
Yes! Compared to regular chicken broth which has 700-900 mg per cup, low sodium versions with around 140 mg represent about an 80% reduction in sodium content.

What’s the difference between “low sodium” and “reduced sodium” chicken broth?
Low sodium chicken broth typically has around 140 mg sodium per cup, while reduced sodium versions have around 500-570 mg – still high compared to truly low sodium options.

What’s the best low sodium chicken broth brand?
Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth has one of the lowest sodium contents at just 40 mg per cup, making it a great choice for those needing to seriously restrict sodium.

Can I make my own low sodium chicken broth?
Absolutely! Homemade broth allows complete control over ingredients. Simply use chicken, vegetables, herbs, and minimal or no salt.

Is low sodium chicken broth flavorless?
Not at all! While it may taste different than you’re used to if you normally use regular broth, low sodium versions still contain the savory chicken flavors, just with less salt. You can always enhance flavor with herbs and spices.

Remember, moderation is key with any food, including broths. Finding the right balance of flavor and health is what matters most in your cooking journey!