Chicken Broth Nutrition Facts
Calculate calories, protein, and sodium in chicken broth by quantity and type.
USDA Referenced: Base values derived from USDA FoodData Central.
Estimates Only: Values vary by brand, ingredients, and preparation.
Nutrition Estimate
1 cup • Regular (Store-Bought)
15
Calories
1.5g
Protein
0.5g
Fat
1g
Carbs
37% of 2,300mg daily reference
For informational and journaling purposes only. Values are estimates.
Chicken Broth Nutrition at a Glance
Chicken broth is one of the lowest-calorie liquids you can consume, with only 10-20 calories per cup. However, its sodium content varies dramatically depending on whether it is store-bought, low-sodium, or homemade.
| Type (per 1 cup / 240ml) | Calories | Protein | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (Store-Bought) | 15 | 1.5g | 0.5g | 860mg |
| Low-Sodium | 15 | 1.5g | 0.5g | 460mg |
| Homemade | 20 | 2g | 0.5g | 350mg |
Sodium Content: The Key Difference
The biggest nutritional consideration with chicken broth is sodium, not calories. A single cup of regular store-bought broth can contain 860mg of sodium — roughly 37% of the commonly referenced 2,300mg daily value.
Regular: 860mg
37% of daily reference per cup. Two cups exceed 70% of the daily reference.
Low-Sodium: 460mg
20% of daily reference per cup. Nearly half the sodium of regular broth.
Homemade: ~350mg
15% of daily reference. You control exactly how much salt goes in.
Chicken Broth vs. Bone Broth
Chicken broth and bone broth are often confused, but they differ significantly in preparation and nutrition:
Chicken Broth
- • Simmered 1-2 hours with meat & vegetables
- • ~15 kcal, 1-2g protein per cup
- • Light, clear consistency
- • Primarily used as a cooking base
Bone Broth
- • Simmered 12-24+ hours with bones
- • ~40 kcal, 6-10g protein per cup
- • Thicker, gelatin-rich consistency
- • Often consumed as a standalone drink
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a cup of chicken broth?
A cup of regular store-bought chicken broth contains approximately 10-20 calories. Homemade broth may have slightly more, around 15-25 calories, depending on ingredients.
How much sodium is in chicken broth?
Regular store-bought broth contains approximately 860mg of sodium per cup. Low-sodium varieties contain about 460mg, and homemade broth can be as low as 350mg depending on salt added.
Is chicken broth the same as bone broth?
No. Chicken broth is made by simmering meat and vegetables for 1-2 hours. Bone broth simmers bones for 12-24+ hours, resulting in significantly more protein (6-10g vs 1-2g per cup) and a thicker consistency.
Does chicken broth have protein?
Chicken broth contains a small amount of protein, approximately 1-2g per cup. For higher protein content, bone broth (6-10g per cup) is a better option.
Is low-sodium chicken broth nutritionally different?
The macronutrient content (calories, protein, fat) remains essentially the same. The only significant difference is sodium: roughly 460mg vs 860mg per cup.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational and journaling purposes only. Nutritional values are estimates and vary by brand, ingredients, and preparation. This is not medical or dietary advice.