Does Chicken Broth Have High Calories? A Complete Guide

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

One cup of canned chicken broth typically contains as few as 14 calories, depending on the brand and preparation. This surprisingly low figure suggests that, in its most basic form, chicken broth is not a high-calorie food. The total calorie count, however, can vary significantly based on how it's prepared and what ingredients are added.

Quick Summary

Chicken broth is generally low in calories, with figures varying between homemade and store-bought versions. Factors like added fat, vegetables, and seasonings affect its final nutritional content. Understanding these variables allows for informed choices regarding calorie intake.

Key Points

Low Calorie: Basic, unadorned chicken broth contains very few calories, often as little as 14 calories per cup.
Additives Increase Calories: The caloric content rises with the addition of fats, oils, starchy vegetables, and other ingredients.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Commercial broths may have hidden calories and higher sodium, whereas homemade versions offer complete control over ingredients.
Broth vs. Stock: Chicken stock generally contains more calories and protein than broth due to the longer simmering time with bones, which releases more collagen.
Weight Management: Its low caloric density and hydrating properties make chicken broth a useful tool for weight loss or dieting.
Flavor without Calories: By using herbs and spices, you can add depth of flavor to broth without significantly increasing its calorie count.

The Core Calorie Count of Basic Chicken Broth

At its heart, traditional, unadorned chicken broth is a very low-calorie liquid. It's primarily composed of water, with a small amount of protein and fat extracted from the chicken meat and bones during simmering. For example, one cup of commercial, ready-to-serve chicken broth can contain as few as 14 calories. In this state, it is an excellent tool for those seeking to create a calorie deficit, often used to add flavor and hydration without significant caloric cost. However, the key is 'unadorned.' As soon as other ingredients are introduced, the calorie count begins to change.

Factors that Increase Calorie Content

While the base liquid is low in calories, various factors can increase the caloric density of your broth. Being mindful of these additions is crucial for anyone counting calories.

Fat Content: When chicken is simmered, fat from the meat and skin is released into the liquid. If the broth isn't skimmed, this fat will remain and increase the calorie count. For homemade broth, chilling it allows the fat to solidify on top, making it easy to remove.
Added Ingredients: The more ingredients you add, the more calories you introduce. This includes adding extra vegetables, noodles, rice, or thickening agents like cream or flour. Ingredients like oil or butter added during preparation or serving will also significantly boost the calorie total.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Commercial chicken broths can vary widely in their nutritional profiles. Some may contain added oils, sugar, or other fillers to enhance flavor or shelf life, which can increase their calorie count compared to a simple homemade version. Always check the nutritional label to be sure.

Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock vs. Bone Broth

There is often confusion between broth, stock, and bone broth, and their caloric content differs. Understanding these differences helps in making an informed dietary choice.

A Quick Comparison


Feature	Chicken Broth	Chicken Stock	Chicken Bone Broth
Primary Ingredients	Simmered meat and vegetables.	Simmered bones, meat scraps, and vegetables.	Simmered bones (and sometimes meat) for a long time (up to 24+ hours).
Gelatin Content	Less gelatinous, thinner liquid.	Richer, more gelatinous texture from collagen.	Highly gelatinous and rich due to long simmer time.
Calorie Count (approx. per cup)	Often lower (e.g., 10-30 calories).	Higher than broth (e.g., around 86 calories) due to higher protein.	Higher than regular broth (e.g., 30-60 calories) due to more protein.
Protein Content	Lower protein content.	Higher protein content from collagen.	Higher protein content from collagen.

The Role of Chicken Broth in a Healthy Diet

Because of its low-calorie nature, chicken broth is a versatile ingredient that fits well into many dietary plans. It can be used to add flavor to dishes, replace higher-calorie liquids, or serve as a hydrating snack. For individuals aiming for weight loss, it can be a satiating, low-calorie alternative to help manage hunger. It's also known for other health benefits, such as supporting hydration and soothing cold symptoms. The key is to select or prepare it in a way that aligns with your health goals.

How to Keep Your Chicken Broth Low-Calorie

Here are some practical tips for ensuring your chicken broth remains a low-calorie addition to your diet:

Skim the fat: If making homemade broth, refrigerate it after cooking. Once the fat hardens on top, you can easily scrape it off before reheating.
Choose wisely at the store: Opt for low-sodium and unsalted varieties. Always check the ingredients list for added oils, sugars, or preservatives that can add unnecessary calories.
Use lean meat: If you prefer a richer flavor, use lean chicken parts like boneless, skinless breasts to reduce the amount of fat released during cooking.
Stick to simple vegetables: When adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, the calorie increase is minimal. Avoid adding high-starch vegetables like potatoes if you are strictly watching calories.
Enhance flavor naturally: Use herbs, spices, and a small amount of salt to boost flavor without adding calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether chicken broth has high calories depends on its preparation and ingredients. Basic, unadorned chicken broth is a very low-calorie food, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight or looking for a flavorful, hydrating beverage. However, the calorie count can increase with the addition of fats, dense vegetables, or other additives, as is often the case with rich store-bought versions or homemade stock. By being mindful of preparation methods and ingredient choices, you can easily control the caloric impact and enjoy the many benefits of this comforting liquid. Ultimately, for the most control over calories and sodium, making your own broth is the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade chicken broth can be made with minimal calories, especially if the fat is skimmed off, offering greater control over ingredients. Store-bought versions can have varying calorie counts, sometimes higher, due to added oils and other ingredients, so it's important to check the nutritional label.

Yes, chicken bone broth is typically higher in calories than chicken broth. This is because bone broth is simmered for a much longer time, extracting more protein (including collagen) from the bones, which increases the caloric content.

To reduce calories in homemade chicken broth, use lean chicken parts and thoroughly skim any fat that rises to the surface during cooking. Chilling the broth after cooking allows the fat to solidify, making it easier to remove.

Yes, chicken broth can be used for weight loss due to its low-calorie nature. It can help you feel full and satisfied while contributing to a calorie deficit. However, a chicken-broth-only diet is not recommended, as it lacks essential nutrients.

Adding standard vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to chicken broth only minimally increases the calorie count. The calorie increase is more dependent on starchy vegetables, fats, or other dense additions.

Sodium does not affect the calorie count of chicken broth but is an important factor for overall health. Many store-bought broths are high in sodium, so choosing low-sodium or unsalted versions is recommended, especially for those watching their intake.

Fat from the chicken contributes to the calorie count, but much of it can be removed. By skimming the fat from your homemade broth, you can keep the calorie count very low while retaining the flavor.