Does Bone Broth Have Too Much Salt?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

The average person consumes almost twice the recommended daily sodium intake, and bone broth may contribute. The question, 'Does bone broth have too much salt?' is key for those watching sodium levels, as commercial products vary greatly in salt content.

Quick Summary

Sodium levels in bone broths vary greatly. Comparing labels and choosing low-sodium versions is key. Homemade broth offers complete control over salt for better health management and taste.

Key Points

Sodium Content Varies Dramatically: Be aware that the amount of salt can differ significantly between different brands and types of bone broth, with some containing a third or more of your daily recommended intake in one serving.
Check the Label for Sodium Levels: Always review the nutrition label and serving size of store-bought bone broth to understand its contribution to your daily sodium limit.
Homemade Broth Offers Control: Making your own bone broth gives you complete control over the salt content and other ingredients, making it ideal for those on a low-sodium diet.
Choose 'Low Sodium' or 'Unsalted' Varieties: Opting for commercial products labeled 'low sodium,' 'no salt added,' or 'unsalted' is the best way to reduce your sodium intake.
Use Other Flavorings: Add flavor to bone broth with herbs, spices, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon instead of relying on excessive salt.
High Sodium Can Be Risky: For individuals with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, consuming high-sodium bone broth regularly can pose a health risk.
Dilute Broth to Reduce Saltiness: If you accidentally over-salt your homemade broth, you can dilute it with water or add more vegetables to help balance the flavor.

Decoding the Sodium Content in Bone Broth

The saltiness of bone broth is not a straightforward issue; it varies widely depending on whether it's store-bought or homemade. While homemade versions allow for precise control over sodium, many commercial products use high levels of salt as a flavor enhancer and preservative. A single serving of store-bought bone broth can contain anywhere from 200 to over 800 milligrams of sodium, which can make a significant dent in the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg. For individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, this level of sodium can pose a health risk.

The Sodium Difference: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

One of the most significant factors affecting sodium levels is the preparation method. Homemade bone broth, simmered from bones, vegetables, and herbs, is naturally much lower in sodium unless salt is added during or after cooking. This provides a distinct advantage for those adhering to a low-sodium diet, as they can season the broth to their exact specifications. Store-bought options, however, prioritize taste and shelf stability, often resulting in a far higher sodium count. Manufacturers often add ingredients like yeast extract and other flavor enhancers, which also contribute to the sodium content.

Reading Nutrition Labels for Sodium Smarts

When purchasing bone broth, becoming a savvy label reader is essential. The FDA defines a 'low sodium' food as containing 140 mg of sodium or less per serving, and 'no salt added' or 'unsalted' are even better choices. However, the 'Serving Size' information is just as important. A container might have a moderate sodium level per serving, but if you consume more than one serving, the total sodium intake can add up quickly.

Potential Health Risks of High Sodium

Excessive sodium intake is linked to a number of health issues, with high blood pressure being one of the most prominent. Over time, this can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney disease. For the average, healthy person, the occasional high-sodium bone broth is unlikely to cause issues. However, for those with pre-existing conditions, or those who consume bone broth regularly, the cumulative effect of high sodium can be concerning. Choosing low-sodium versions or making your own can be a protective measure against these risks.

How to Manage Sodium in Your Bone Broth

If you find your bone broth is too salty, or you want to lower the sodium in your diet, several strategies can help:

Add Flavorful Ingredients Instead of Salt: Use onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices to boost flavor without adding sodium. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can also brighten the taste.
Dilute with Water: If you have an overly salty batch, adding more unsalted water or even some extra vegetables can help balance the flavor.
Use a Salt-Free Broth Base: Opt for store-bought 'no salt added' or 'unsalted' bone broths and season them yourself to taste.
Rinse Canned Ingredients: If you're adding other canned ingredients to a soup or recipe using bone broth, rinsing them first can reduce the sodium significantly.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Bone Broth Comparison


Feature	Homemade Bone Broth	Store-Bought Bone Broth
Sodium Control	Excellent. You can add zero salt and season to taste.	Varies Widely. Often high in sodium, check labels carefully.
Ingredients	Fully controllable. Uses fresh bones and vegetables.	Less Control. May contain preservatives, additives, and flavor enhancers.
Nutrient Density	High. Long simmer time extracts maximum nutrients from bones.	Varies. Quality depends on the brand; refrigerated versions often better.
Cost	Lower. Made from often leftover bones and vegetable scraps.	Higher. You pay for the convenience and processing.
Taste	Customizable. Can be tailored to personal preference.	Consistent. Flavor is standardized but may be overly salty.
Preparation Time	Significant. Requires long simmering periods.	Zero. Simply heat and serve.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While bone broth offers numerous potential health benefits, the salt content is a valid concern, particularly with many store-bought options. By understanding the nutritional information on product labels and implementing simple strategies to manage sodium, consumers can enjoy the advantages of bone broth without jeopardizing their health. Whether you choose the superior control of a homemade brew or the convenience of a commercial product, opting for low-sodium or unsalted varieties is always the healthiest path forward. The health benefits of bone broth are best enjoyed when the overall salt intake is kept in check.

MD Anderson Cancer Center on controlling bone broth sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but it's often significantly higher in salt than homemade versions. Many brands use added sodium to boost flavor and extend shelf life. It is crucial to check the nutrition facts label for sodium content, and to look for low-sodium or unsalted varieties.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Some health organizations, like the World Health Organization, recommend an even lower amount of less than 2,000 mg.

If you find your homemade broth is too salty, you can dilute it by adding more water, or incorporate unsalted ingredients like potatoes, extra vegetables, or herbs to help balance the flavor.

Excessive sodium intake from bone broth can contribute to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. These risks are particularly important for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

A homemade bone broth will only be low in sodium if you intentionally add little to no salt during the preparation process. The natural ingredients themselves contain very little sodium, allowing for full control over the final salt content.

Besides high sodium, some commercially produced bone broths can contain artificial flavor enhancers, preservatives, and other additives to improve taste and shelf life. Homemade versions typically avoid these processed ingredients.

While bone broth can aid weight management due to its high protein content promoting satiety, a high-sodium version can cause water retention, which might counteract some of the perceived benefits. Opting for low-sodium broth is a better strategy for weight goals.