Does Better Than Bouillon have a lot of sodium in it?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A single teaspoon of regular Better Than Bouillon can contain over 500mg of sodium, confirming it is high in sodium compared to plain broths. This concentrated paste, while lauded for its flavor, requires careful measurement, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Quick Summary

Better Than Bouillon is a concentrated flavor base high in sodium, although reduced-sodium versions exist. Users can manage saltiness by using less product and omitting other salt in recipes, as the paste provides significant flavor from its base ingredients.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: A standard teaspoon of regular Better Than Bouillon can contain 680-750mg of sodium, making it a high-sodium product.
Reduced-Sodium Options: The brand offers reduced-sodium versions with approximately 25% less salt, containing around 510mg per teaspoon.
Ingredient Quality: Unlike many dry bouillons, Better Than Bouillon uses real roasted meats and vegetables for a richer flavor, which accounts for its saltiness.
Control Your Intake: You can easily reduce the sodium in your dish by using less of the concentrated paste than directed and omitting other salt in the recipe.
Flavor Boosters: To cut back on sodium, enhance flavors with herbs, spices, and acid (like lemon juice), rather than relying solely on the bouillon.
Consider Alternatives: Low-sodium canned broths or homemade stock offer options with much lower, or no, added sodium, though they may lack the flavor intensity of the paste.

Understanding the Sodium Content of Better Than Bouillon

While Better Than Bouillon is praised for its rich, concentrated flavor, its high sodium content is a significant consideration for many home cooks. A standard serving of 1 teaspoon (6g) can range from around 510mg for a reduced-sodium variety to 750mg for some regular flavors. The reason for this is that salt acts as a primary preservative and flavor enhancer in the paste. Unlike dry bouillon cubes or powders, Better Than Bouillon's paste format allows for a more potent concentration of flavor, which often means more sodium per serving to achieve that robust taste.

Comparing Regular vs. Reduced-Sodium Versions

To address dietary concerns, Better Than Bouillon offers a line of reduced-sodium products. These typically have about 25% less sodium than their standard counterparts. For example, the Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Base contains around 510mg of sodium per teaspoon, down from approximately 680mg in the regular version. For individuals with specific health needs, there are also organic reduced-sodium options, which can have even lower sodium levels, such as the Organic Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Base with 350mg per teaspoon.

How Does Better Than Bouillon Compare to Alternatives?

Many traditional bouillon cubes and powdered concentrates contain a significant amount of sodium, with some brands exceeding 800mg per serving. Canned or boxed broths and stocks also contain sodium, though typically at a lower concentration per cup compared to the potent Better Than Bouillon paste. The benefit of a concentrated base like BTB is the ability to control the salt level. By diluting the product further than recommended or using less than the standard teaspoon, you can achieve a savory flavor with less sodium.

Tips for Cooking with Better Than Bouillon on a Low-Sodium Diet

Even with its high sodium content, you don't have to eliminate Better Than Bouillon from your kitchen. Here are some strategies for using it while keeping sodium in check:

Start with less: Use half the amount called for in a recipe and taste before adding more. The flavor is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Buy reduced-sodium varieties: The reduced-sodium and organic reduced-sodium options are specifically formulated for this purpose.
Dilute with water or unsalted liquid: For soups or stews, use extra unsalted water or a no-salt-added stock to stretch the flavor and reduce the overall sodium per serving.
Omit other salt: Since Better Than Bouillon contains a lot of sodium, you can often leave out or drastically reduce any additional salt a recipe calls for.
Use flavor boosters: Enhance your dish with other salt-free ingredients like fresh herbs, spices, garlic, onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness without the salt.

Better Than Bouillon vs. Other Broth and Stock Options

Here's a comparison to help you make an informed choice based on your sodium needs:


Product Type	Average Sodium Content	Best For	Considerations
Better Than Bouillon (Regular)	680-750mg per tsp	Adding rich, concentrated flavor to sauces, glazes, or when intense flavor is needed.	High sodium; requires careful measuring.
Better Than Bouillon (Reduced Sodium)	350-510mg per tsp	Everyday cooking, soups, and dishes where flavor depth is key but sodium needs to be managed.	Better control over sodium than regular versions.
Bouillon Cubes/Powder	800+mg per tsp equivalent	Long-term pantry storage for when only small amounts are needed.	Often primarily salt and flavorings; very high sodium.
Canned/Boxed Broth (Regular)	500-800mg per cup (8oz)	Using a pre-made liquid base without needing to mix.	Less sodium per volume than concentrated bases, but still high.
Canned/Boxed Broth (Low/No Sodium)	35-140mg per cup (8oz)	Creating a flavor base with total control over salt levels.	May lack the rich depth of flavor found in concentrated products.
Homemade Stock	Variable (often low)	The freshest, richest flavor and full control of ingredients and sodium.	Requires time and effort to prepare.

The Role of Better Than Bouillon's Ingredients

Unlike traditional bouillon cubes that can be made of mostly salt and powdered flavorings, Better Than Bouillon is made with real roasted meats, vegetables, and concentrated stock. This provides a depth of flavor that is difficult to achieve with powders alone. For example, their vegetable base is made with carrots, celery, and onions, contributing to its rich taste. This ingredient quality is what justifies its "better than" name, even with the high sodium level. The flavor is a true enhancement, not just a salty addition.

Conclusion: A High-Sodium Product That Can Be Used Wisely

So, does Better Than Bouillon have a lot of sodium in it? The simple answer is yes, especially in its regular versions. However, this fact shouldn't necessarily discourage you from using it. By being aware of the nutritional information, opting for the reduced-sodium versions, and adjusting the salt in your recipes, you can harness its potent flavor without compromising your dietary goals. Its concentrated nature provides a versatile tool for creating flavorful, delicious meals, as long as you use it mindfully. The convenience and flavor quality often outweigh the high sodium content for those who can manage their overall salt intake by making other adjustments in their cooking. For those on strict low-sodium diets, the reduced-sodium options or homemade stock will be the best choice.

For more information on Better Than Bouillon products and recipes, visit their official website at www.betterthanbouillon.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sodium content varies by flavor, but regular versions can contain between 680mg and 750mg of sodium per single teaspoon serving.

The reduced-sodium versions have about 25% less sodium than the regular products. While lower, they still contain a significant amount of sodium, with the reduced-sodium chicken base at approximately 510mg per teaspoon.

Yes, because Better Than Bouillon is so concentrated, you can often use less than the recommended amount and still get plenty of flavor. You can also dilute it with unsalted liquids to manage the saltiness.

Better Than Bouillon is highly concentrated but can have comparable or even lower sodium per cup of broth than some bouillon cubes, which are primarily salt. However, since the BTB is a paste, you must carefully measure to control the sodium.

Yes, Better Than Bouillon offers organic reduced-sodium options. For example, their Organic Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Base contains 350mg of sodium per teaspoon.

Due to its high sodium content, it is best to omit any additional salt a recipe calls for initially. You can always taste the dish and add a small pinch of salt at the end if needed.

For the most control over sodium, homemade stock is the best alternative. Store-bought options include unsalted or low-sodium boxed broths. Other flavorings like herbs and spices can also substitute for the flavor boost.