Seasonings and extras
Chicken or vegetable broth
Nutrition facts
Serving: 1 cup (250 g)
| Nutrient | Per serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 kcal | |
| Protein | 1.5 g | |
| Carbs | 1 g | |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 % |
| Sugars | 1 g | 1 % |
| Fat | 0.5 g | 1 % |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0 % |
| Sodium | 928 mg | 40 % |
Values per serving, calculated from the USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy).
What the label does not say
- One cup of ready-to-serve broth provides about 930 mg of sodium, or 40% of the Daily Value, for 15 calories: it is almost entirely flavoured salt water.
- In Canada, 'reduced in sodium' means at least 25% less than regular broth, which still leaves several hundred milligrams per cup; 'low in sodium' requires 140 mg or less per serving. Cubes and powders concentrate the salt: the serving on the label is often for 250 mL reconstituted.
Preparation
A homemade broth with no added salt contains a fraction of the sodium of store-bought broth and leaves salt control for serving time. Chilled, the fat rises and can be spooned off. Reduced, a store-bought broth concentrates its salt: reductions are made with a low-sodium version.
To mention to a professional
- If you need to limit sodium (high blood pressure, kidney disease), one cup of regular broth counts for close to half the day; the low-sodium version changes everything.
- Store-bought broths often contain wheat, soy, milk or celery, declared on the label for anyone with an allergy.
Sources
- Soup, chicken broth, ready-to-serve
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy
- Health Canada, Nutrient Content Claims, sodium
- Health Canada, Sodium in Canada
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, powdered gelatin (amino acid profile)
Educational information: it does not replace the advice of a health professional, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.