Does Chicken Broth Count as Water Intake? The Surprising Hydration Benefits

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, broths and soups are usually water-based and have the potential to be very hydrating and nutritious, with a cup of chicken broth being made almost entirely of water. This means that yes, does chicken broth count as water intake, but its hydrating power goes beyond just its liquid content.

Quick Summary

Chicken broth contributes significantly to daily fluid needs due to its high water content and presence of electrolytes and minerals. It can be a superior rehydration method in certain situations, like during illness or after exercise, compared to plain water, but should be consumed wisely.

Key Points

Counts Toward Fluid Needs: Chicken broth is primarily water and contributes significantly to your daily fluid intake.
Contains Electrolytes: Unlike plain water, broth provides essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium that aid in better fluid absorption.
Beneficial for Recovery: It is highly effective for rehydrating after illness or intense exercise, as it replaces lost electrolytes.
Nutrient-Dense Option: Especially bone broth, it offers additional nutrients like protein and collagen that support overall wellness.
Mindful of Sodium: Be aware of high sodium levels in commercial broths and opt for low-sodium or homemade versions for better control.
Flavorful Hydration: Broth is a versatile and flavorful alternative to plain water, easily incorporated into meals or enjoyed on its own.

Proper hydration is a cornerstone of overall health, affecting everything from energy levels and cognitive function to the regulation of body temperature. While plain water is the gold standard for staying hydrated, many fluids and water-rich foods also contribute to your daily intake. Chicken broth is an excellent example, offering a flavorful and nutrient-dense way to boost fluid levels and replenish essential minerals.

More Than Just Water: The Electrolyte Advantage

Unlike plain water, chicken broth offers a bonus of electrolytes, which are essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are vital for helping the body absorb and retain water more effectively, ensuring proper fluid balance. This makes broth particularly beneficial for rehydration after losing fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. For athletes or those recovering from illness, the sodium and potassium in broth help replace what was lost, which can lead to faster and more efficient rehydration.

Nutritional Perks and Added Benefits

Beyond its hydration properties, chicken broth, especially bone broth, provides additional nutrients. The slow simmering process extracts collagen, protein, and amino acids from the bones and connective tissues. These components offer benefits for gut health, joint mobility, and inflammation. While commercially processed chicken broth may have lower nutrient density, homemade versions are packed with these beneficial compounds. A warm cup of broth can also be soothing for a sore throat and act as a natural decongestant due to the steam.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: What to Look For

The nutritional profile of chicken broth can vary significantly between homemade and store-bought varieties. Canned and boxed broths often contain high levels of sodium to extend their shelf life, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other health issues. Homemade broth allows you to control the ingredients and significantly reduce sodium content while maximizing the nutritional value. If opting for store-bought, look for low-sodium or unsalted versions to maintain better control over your salt intake.

How to Incorporate Broth into Your Diet

Sipping: Enjoy a warm mug of broth on its own, especially during cooler weather or when you're feeling unwell.
Cooking Base: Use broth as a flavorful base for soups, stews, and sauces.
Grain Cooking: Substitute water with broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains to add flavor and nutrients.
Smoothies: For a protein and nutrient boost, some recipes incorporate bone broth into savory smoothies.
Post-Workout Drink: Sip on broth after a workout to replenish fluids and electrolytes naturally.

A Look at Hydrating Beverages: Broth vs. Plain Water

Plain water is essential, but it is not the only way to hydrate. Comparing it to chicken broth highlights their respective strengths in a comprehensive hydration strategy. Plain water is free of calories, sodium, and nutrients, making it ideal for standard fluid replacement. However, broth's electrolyte content makes it more effective for situations involving fluid loss and for overall nourishment.


Feature	Chicken Broth	Plain Water
Water Content	Very high (approx. 92-98%)	100%
Electrolytes	Contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium	None
Nutrients	May contain protein, collagen, and vitamins	None
Sodium Level	Varies significantly; high in many store-bought varieties	None
Rehydration Efficiency	Excellent for electrolyte replenishment after loss	Efficient for general hydration
Calorie Content	Low, but not zero (varies by type)	Zero

Conclusion

Chicken broth undeniably counts as water intake and offers more than just simple hydration. Its high water content, combined with beneficial electrolytes, protein, and other nutrients, makes it an effective fluid replacement, especially for those recovering from illness or strenuous exercise. While pure water remains a daily necessity, incorporating broth into your diet is a smart, flavorful way to support overall wellness and stay hydrated. For the best health benefits, prioritize low-sodium or homemade broth options to avoid excessive salt intake. It's a versatile and nourishing liquid that proves hydration comes in many forms.

Optional Outbound Link

For additional information on water-rich foods, visit this guide: 19 Water-Rich Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not replace all your water intake with chicken broth. While broth is hydrating, plain water is essential for daily fluid needs without adding calories, sodium, or other nutrients. Broth should be a supplement to, not a replacement for, water.

In moderation, chicken broth is not dehydrating. The high water content generally counteracts the effect of the salt. However, excessive consumption of high-sodium store-bought broth could lead to an imbalance, so choosing low-sodium options is recommended.

Both are hydrating due to their high water content. Bone broth is often richer in electrolytes, collagen, and protein due to a longer simmering process, which can be more beneficial for recovery.

When you are sick, chicken broth helps by replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost through fever or vomiting. The warm steam can also act as a natural decongestant, and the nutrients can help support your immune system.

Yes, for athletes, sipping on bone broth can help replenish electrolytes like sodium and potassium lost through sweat, aiding in recovery and maintaining fluid balance.

Hydration refers to the overall process of balancing fluids and electrolytes in the body, which can come from various sources like water, beverages, and food. Water intake specifically refers to the consumption of plain water.

To make a healthier broth, simmer chicken bones, meat scraps, and fresh vegetables in water for several hours without adding salt. You can season it with herbs and spices instead of relying on high sodium content for flavor.