Does Bone Broth Naturally Contain Sodium?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Without any salt added, bone broth naturally contains between 100 and 300 milligrams of sodium per cup, primarily from minerals extracted from the bones and tissues. This naturally occurring sodium is a vital electrolyte that plays a role in fluid balance and nerve function.

Quick Summary

Bone broth naturally contains sodium and other electrolytes from minerals extracted during the long simmering process. The total sodium content varies significantly between homemade and store-bought versions. Controlling ingredients is key to managing dietary sodium intake.

Key Points

Natural Sodium Source: Bone broth naturally contains sodium, originating from minerals extracted from the bones and connective tissues during a long simmer.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade broth allows for full control over sodium content, while store-bought varieties often contain significant amounts of added salt, sometimes exceeding 700mg per cup.
Electrolyte Balance: The natural sodium in bone broth, alongside potassium and magnesium, acts as an important electrolyte to support hydration, muscle, and nerve function.
Cooking Process Impact: The long simmering time is key to drawing out these nutrients. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can further aid in mineral extraction.
Dietary Considerations: Individuals on a low-sodium diet should pay close attention to labels on store-bought broth and consider making their own to better manage intake.
Nutritional Variation: The total mineral and nutrient profile of bone broth is highly dependent on the type of bones used and the preparation method.

The Source of Natural Sodium in Bone Broth

Yes, bone broth inherently contains sodium, and this isn't due to added salt alone. The natural sodium content comes from the minerals found within the bones, connective tissues, and marrow used to make the broth. During the extensive simmering process—which can last anywhere from 12 to 36 hours—the bones break down, releasing these electrolytes into the water. This process is what differentiates nutrient-rich bone broth from standard meat stock, which is cooked for a much shorter duration.

How Minerals are Extracted

Simmering bones for a long period in water helps to dissolve and extract a range of minerals. While calcium often comes to mind, sodium is one of the many electrolytes released. A small amount of acid, such as apple cider vinegar, is often added to the broth to aid in this process by helping to draw the minerals out of the bones. The specific mineral content can vary greatly depending on the types of bones used (e.g., beef, chicken, fish) and the length of the simmer time.

The Sodium Difference: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

The sodium level in bone broth can differ dramatically based on whether it is made at home or purchased from a store. This is a crucial distinction for those monitoring their salt intake. For homemade broth, the creator has complete control over the amount of salt added, or can opt to add none at all. Store-bought products, however, can contain a wide range of sodium levels, with some exceeding the daily recommended amount in a single serving.

Comparison of Sodium Levels

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of typical sodium levels in one cup (8 ounces) of bone broth.


Feature	Homemade Bone Broth	Store-Bought Bone Broth
Sodium per Cup	100-300 mg (naturally occurring)	350-700+ mg (typically added)
Salt Control	Complete control over added salt.	None, dependent on the brand.
Ingredient Purity	Can use organic, grass-fed bones.	Varies by brand; may contain additives.
Preservation	Requires freezing or canning for long-term storage.	Uses additives or processing for shelf stability.
Mineral Content	Varies based on simmering time and bones.	Consistent per batch, but may be lower than advertised.

Why Naturally Occurring Sodium Matters

The sodium and other electrolytes present in bone broth are important for a number of bodily functions. They play a key role in maintaining proper hydration and balancing fluids, especially after exercise or during illness. The natural minerals are often better absorbed by the body than their synthetic counterparts. For some individuals, particularly those on a ketogenic diet or athletes who lose electrolytes through sweat, naturally occurring electrolytes can be beneficial.

Hydration Support: Sodium helps cells absorb water, making bone broth a hydrating beverage.
Muscle and Nerve Function: Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are essential for muscle contractions and nerve signaling.
Mineral Synergy: The blend of minerals in bone broth works together to support overall health, with each nutrient playing a specific role.

Conclusion: Managing Your Sodium Intake

In conclusion, it is clear that bone broth does naturally contain sodium, even without any added salt. However, the amount is highly variable, with store-bought options generally containing significantly more due to added salt for flavor and preservation. By making your own bone broth, you can gain complete control over the sodium content, ensuring it aligns with your dietary needs. For those opting for convenience, it is critical to read labels and choose low-sodium or unsalted varieties, particularly for individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease who must limit their salt intake. Incorporating homemade, low-sodium bone broth into soups, stews, and other recipes is a simple way to reap its nutritional benefits without excessive salt.

For more information on the health implications of dietary sodium, consult the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bone broth contains both naturally occurring sodium from the bones and tissues, and often a significant amount of added salt in commercial products. The natural content varies, but store-bought versions are often much higher due to added salt for flavor and preservation.

A homemade bone broth without added salt can naturally contain 100 to 300 milligrams of sodium per cup, sourced from the minerals extracted from the bones.

Yes, bone broth is considered a good source of natural electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which help with hydration and bodily functions.

Yes, many companies offer low-sodium or 'no salt added' varieties of bone broth. Reading the nutritional label is the best way to determine the salt content before purchasing.

Athletes or individuals on a specific diet like keto may seek higher sodium bone broth to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat or to maintain proper fluid balance. A higher salt content also enhances flavor.

For most healthy individuals, the sodium in bone broth is not a concern. However, those with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues should monitor their intake, as high sodium levels can be detrimental.

While vegetables contribute a small amount of minerals, the primary source of natural sodium in bone broth comes from the simmering of the animal bones and connective tissues.