Does Chicken Broth Count as Meat on Friday for Catholics?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), liquid foods made from meat, like chicken broth, are not technically forbidden during periods of abstinence. This clarification answers the question: does chicken broth count as meat on Friday? for many observers, though it's still important to understand the spiritual intent behind the tradition.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the Catholic Church's rules on abstinence, clarifying why chicken broth is generally permitted on Fridays. It covers the distinction between solid meat and liquid byproducts, explores the traditional and modern interpretations of the rules, and offers guidance on the spirit of penance.

Key Points

Officially Permissible: According to the USCCB, chicken broth and other liquid foods made from meat are technically not considered 'meat' under the rules of abstinence.
Distinction Between Liquid and Solid: The rule prohibits the flesh of warm-blooded animals, not the liquid essences or byproducts derived from them.
Check Your Conscience: While technically permitted, some moral theologians suggest abstaining from meat-flavored liquids to better align with the penitential spirit of the act.
Focus on Intent: The purpose of Friday abstinence is self-sacrifice and reflection on Christ's passion, so the intention behind the meal is more important than the letter of the law.
Many Alternatives: For those seeking a stricter penance, excellent meatless alternatives include vegetable broth, fish, and other non-meat dishes.
Rules Have Evolved: The Church has relaxed its abstinence rules over time; historically, many animal-derived products like milk and eggs were also forbidden.
Age and Health Exemptions: The law of abstinence binds Catholics aged 14 and older, but exceptions are made for the ill and others for whom the requirement would pose a burden.

Understanding the Catholic Rule of Abstinence

The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays is a long-standing practice in the Catholic Church, observed as a form of penance in honor of Jesus's sacrifice on Good Friday. While the core rule is simple—no flesh meat—its application to processed foods like broths and gravies can be confusing for many. The authoritative guidelines from the USCCB help clarify this by defining what is and is not considered "meat" under the law of abstinence.

The Official Church Stance on Broths and Juices

The USCCB explicitly addresses the status of meat-based liquids in their official FAQs about Lenten practices. According to their guidance, "Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat". This means that chicken broth, consommé, and soups flavored with meat are technically permissible. The reasoning behind this is that the law of abstinence forbids the consumption of the flesh of certain warm-blooded animals, but not the liquid extracts or products derived from them, such as milk, eggs, or animal fat.

Modern Interpretation vs. Traditional Practice

Historically, the rules of abstinence were much stricter, forbidding not only meat but also dairy products and eggs. However, these rules have been relaxed over time, and modern canon law is less restrictive. Despite the technical legality, some moral theologians and more traditionally-minded Catholics argue that indulging in flavorful, meat-derived products like broth might contradict the penitential spirit of the act. The ultimate goal of abstinence is personal sacrifice and a turning away from worldly indulgence, so a lavish broth might be seen as missing the point. The emphasis is on the spiritual intention behind the act, not just the letter of the law.

The Importance of the Spirit of Penance

While knowing the official rules is helpful, it is important to remember the spiritual intention. Abstinence is not merely a legalistic obligation but a spiritual exercise meant to foster self-discipline and remembrance of Christ's passion. For some, a simple, non-meat meal is a more meaningful sacrifice than a broth-based one. The Church encourages the faithful to act in good conscience and to consider whether their choices align with the spirit of penance. If chicken broth feels like a way to circumvent the sacrifice, it might be more spiritually fruitful to choose a different path. A good-faith effort to observe penance is the primary objective.

Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock vs. Meat


Feature	Chicken Broth	Chicken Stock	Flesh Meat
Primary Ingredient	Simmered meat and vegetables	Simmered bones and vegetables	Muscle tissue
Technical Abstinence Status	Permitted	Permitted	Forbidden
Flavor Profile	Lighter, often clearer	Richer, more intense	Substantial, solid protein
Spiritual Consideration	Technically permissible, but consider the spirit of penance.	Technically permissible, but consider the spirit of penance.	Clearly prohibited, serves as the basis for abstinence.
Use in Cooking	Often a finished product for drinking or soups.	Used as a base for sauces and rich soups.	Consumed directly as a meal.

Delicious Meatless Friday Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid even the perception of skirting the rules, there are countless delicious alternatives to meat-based broths. Plant-based options are widely available and can be just as satisfying. Consider using vegetable broth as a base for soups or risottos, or try a rich mushroom consommé for a depth of flavor that rivals its meat-based counterparts. Other options include hearty bean chilis, mac and cheese, and egg sandwiches. The options for a fulfilling, penitential meal are vast and varied. Many parishes even host "fish fries" during Lent to provide communal, meatless dining options.

Conclusion: A Matter of Conscience and Intention

So, does chicken broth count as meat on Friday? Officially, according to modern Catholic guidelines, the answer is no; liquid foods derived from meat are permissible. However, the true significance of the Friday abstinence lies not in legalistic loopholes, but in the spirit of penance and self-sacrifice. While a bowl of chicken noodle soup is technically fine, a more spiritually enriching approach might involve choosing an alternative that feels more like a genuine sacrifice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual conscience, guided by the Church's teachings and the personal desire to honor Christ's sacrifice. For further reading on this topic, consult the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' official Lenten guidelines available on their website.

Authority Check

The information provided is based on guidelines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and theological interpretations found on Catholic Answers and other reputable Catholic sources. These sources confirm that meat-derived liquids are technically permitted, though spiritual consideration is encouraged.

Official USCCB Website

Frequently Asked Questions

No, both chicken stock and chicken broth are considered liquid foods made from meat products and are technically permissible under modern Catholic abstinence rules.

No, eating chicken broth is not a sin on a Friday of abstinence, as it does not violate the letter of the law. However, individuals are encouraged to consider the penitential spirit of the act when making their dietary choices.

Fish are cold-blooded animals and have never been classified as 'meat' (carnis) under traditional canon law, making them permissible for consumption on days of abstinence.

Yes, soups cooked or flavored with a meat base, including those with chicken broth, are technically allowed. The prohibition applies to the solid flesh meat itself.

Canon law requires penance on all Fridays throughout the year. In the United States, bishops have provided for the substitution of another act of penance on Fridays outside of Lent, but abstinence from meat is still the default for Fridays in Lent.

The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays originated as a way to unite with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died on a Friday. The practice is meant to be a form of penance and self-denial.

If abstaining from meat is not a sacrifice for you, the Church recommends performing another act of penance instead. This could be giving up another food item, engaging in extra prayer, or performing works of charity.