Does Broth Have Any Carbs? Exploring the Nutritional Facts

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While it's commonly assumed that most broths are carb-free, the reality depends on the type of broth and how it's prepared. A plain beef or chicken bone broth often contains virtually no carbs, making it a staple for those on a keto diet, but vegetable broths or pre-made varieties might have trace amounts.

Quick Summary

This article details the carbohydrate content in various broths, differentiating between bone, meat, and vegetable varieties. It discusses how ingredients and preparation methods influence nutritional macros and offers guidance for choosing keto-friendly options.

Key Points

Carb Content Varies: The carbohydrate count in broth depends on its type and preparation, ranging from virtually zero in pure bone broth to minimal amounts in vegetable broth.
Bone Broth is Near Zero-Carb: Made by simmering bones, pure bone broth is a staple for keto and low-carb diets because it offers protein and electrolytes with minimal carbs.
Vegetable Broth Has Trace Carbs: Vegetable broth contains a few grams of carbs per serving, released from the vegetables during cooking, making it low-carb but not completely zero-carb.
Read Labels Carefully: Commercial broths can contain hidden carbs from added sugars, starches, or flavorings, so always check the nutrition facts, especially if you're on a strict low-carb diet.
Homemade Offers Control: Making your own broth allows for complete control over ingredients, ensuring you can produce a virtually carb-free liquid by omitting high-carb vegetables.
Electrolyte Benefits for Low-Carb Diets: Broth is a great way to replenish electrolytes like sodium, which is vital for preventing the 'keto flu' often experienced when transitioning to a low-carb diet.
Add-Ins Impact Carbs: Adding ingredients like root vegetables, legumes, or starches will increase the carbohydrate content, so stick to low-carb herbs and leafy greens for flavor.

The Core Difference: Bone Broth vs. Vegetable Broth

When asking, "does broth have any carbs?", the answer depends heavily on the primary ingredients used. The two most common categories are bone broth and vegetable broth, and they have distinctly different carbohydrate profiles.

Bone Broth: The Low-Carb Leader

Bone broth, made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period, is typically very low in carbohydrates. During the long simmering process, nutrients like collagen and amino acids are extracted, but the finished liquid contains very little, if any, carbohydrate content. The final carb count can be influenced by the vegetables used, such as carrots and onions, but the minimal amounts that leach into the liquid usually keep the total under one or two grams per serving. For most keto and low-carb followers, a pure bone broth is a carb-free beverage that also offers a valuable source of electrolytes and protein.

Vegetable Broth: Minimal but Present Carbs

Unlike bone broth, vegetable broth is made primarily from vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. While still a very low-carb option, the simmering of these plant-based ingredients can release a small number of carbohydrates and sugars into the liquid. A standard cup of vegetable broth might contain 1-3 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the specific vegetables and cooking time. While still acceptable for most low-carb diets, this makes vegetable broth slightly less 'zero-carb' than its bone-based counterpart, especially for those tracking macros very strictly.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Broth

The source of your broth also plays a crucial role in its carb content. Here's a breakdown:

Store-Bought Broths: Convenience often comes with a trade-off. Many commercial broths and stocks, especially those not specifically marketed as "keto" or "low-carb," may contain added sugars, flavor enhancers, or starches to improve taste and consistency. Always check the nutrition label for the total carbohydrate and sugar count per serving. Some brands specifically design products to be keto-friendly, with transparent labels guaranteeing zero carbs.
Homemade Broths: When you make broth from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients. By limiting or excluding high-carb vegetables and avoiding any added sweeteners, you can ensure your broth is as close to zero carbs as possible. For maximum flavor without adding carbs, focus on herbs, garlic, and savory aromatics.

The Role of Sodium in Low-Carb Broths

While focusing on carbs, it's also important to consider the sodium content, especially for those on low-carb diets. When cutting carbs, the body flushes out excess water, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Broth can be an excellent way to replenish sodium and other minerals, which can help prevent symptoms of the "keto flu". However, many commercial broths are high in sodium. For this reason, many dieters prefer making their own or choosing a low-sodium brand to control their intake more carefully.

Comparison of Broth Types and Carb Content


Broth Type	Typical Carbs (per cup)	Key Nutrients	Ideal for...	Watch out for...
Bone Broth (Homemade)	0-1g	Protein, Collagen, Electrolytes	Keto, Fasting, Gut Health	Quality of bones (grass-fed/pasture-raised preferred)
Vegetable Broth (Homemade)	1-3g	Vitamins, Hydration	Vegetarian, Light flavoring	Potential for higher carb vegetables
Store-Bought Broth (Bone)	0-3g	Varies by brand	Convenience on Keto	Added sugars or starches
Store-Bought Broth (Vegetable)	1-4g	Varies by brand	Quick cooking base	Hidden carbs from additives

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "does broth have any carbs?" is a nuanced 'it depends.' While pure bone broths are a very low-carb, often virtually carb-free, option, vegetable broths and commercial products can contain trace amounts. For anyone strictly monitoring their carbohydrate intake, especially those on a ketogenic diet, scrutinizing the label for added ingredients is essential. Making broth at home is the most reliable method for controlling macros and sodium levels precisely. Ultimately, broth remains a versatile and nutrient-dense liquid that can be a healthy part of a low-carb diet, provided you choose wisely.

How to Make a Simple Low-Carb Bone Broth

Here is a simple recipe for a homemade, low-carb beef bone broth:

Gather a mix of grass-fed beef bones (knuckle and marrow are great).
Roast the bones at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Place the roasted bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
Cover the bones with filtered water.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals.
Add low-carb aromatics like celery, garlic, and fresh herbs (thyme, parsley). Avoid high-carb root vegetables like carrots.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12-24 hours for bone broth, or 2-4 hours for standard stock.
Strain the liquid and store it in the fridge. The broth should gel when cool due to the high collagen content.
Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Enjoy this nourishing, virtually carb-free liquid plain or as a base for your favorite low-carb soups and stews. For a boost, try adding some healthy fats like ghee or MCT oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most broths, especially bone broth, are very keto-friendly due to their low-to-zero carbohydrate content, while providing electrolytes and protein that support the diet.

Plain chicken broth typically contains a very low amount of carbs, often less than 1 gram per serving, which can vary slightly based on ingredients used.

Similar to chicken broth, plain beef broth is also very low in carbs, with most homemade and high-quality commercial versions having less than 1 gram per cup.

Yes, drinking a zero-carb bone broth is generally acceptable during a keto or intermittent fast. It provides nutrients and electrolytes without breaking ketosis.

Some store-bought broths contain added sugars, flavorings, or starches for taste and texture, which can increase the total carbohydrate count. Always check the label for specifics.

Bouillon cubes can be low-carb, but it's important to read the ingredients carefully. Some brands use fillers or additives that may contain carbs, so check the nutritional information.

Yes, broth made with high-carb vegetables like carrots or potatoes will have a slightly higher carbohydrate content than a plain bone broth, though it usually remains minimal.

For a strict keto diet, homemade bone broth is the ideal choice. It offers the most control over ingredients and ensures a virtually carb-free result.