How many carbs are in 1 cup of beef broth?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Nutritionix, a standard 1-cup serving of beef broth contains as little as 0.1 grams of total carbohydrates, with 0 grams of sugar and fiber. The precise amount can vary slightly depending on whether it's homemade, store-bought, or a bouillon-based version, but it consistently remains extremely low, making it an excellent choice for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of one cup of beef broth is typically negligible, ranging from zero to less than one gram. This low-carb profile makes it a popular staple for those on ketogenic or other restrictive diets. Factors such as added ingredients, brand, and preparation method can influence the final nutritional values. Its versatility allows for use in many recipes without significantly impacting a daily carbohydrate count.

Key Points

Very Low Carb: A standard 1-cup serving of beef broth contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, with some brands listing as low as 0.1 grams.
Keto-Friendly: Its negligible carbohydrate content makes beef broth an ideal beverage and recipe base for those on low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Variations Exist: The precise carb count can differ based on brand, with some bouillon or powdered versions potentially having slightly more due to additives.
Homemade is Best: Making broth from scratch with bones and water allows for maximum control over ingredients, resulting in the lowest possible carbohydrate count.
Hydrating and Nutritious: Besides being low in carbs, beef broth provides essential electrolytes and nutrients like collagen and amino acids, which support hydration, joint health, and gut health.

The Carbohydrate Count in Beef Broth

For individuals monitoring their carbohydrate intake, particularly those following a ketogenic diet, understanding the nutritional breakdown of a food item like beef broth is crucial. A standard 1-cup (240ml) serving of prepared beef broth typically contains a minimal amount of carbohydrates, often less than one gram. This low-carb profile is a key reason for its popularity in keto-friendly meal plans.

Factors Affecting Carbohydrate Levels

While the baseline carbohydrate count is very low, it is not always a fixed number. Several factors can influence the final nutritional value:

Brand and Ingredients: The most significant variable is the brand and the ingredients used. Some commercial broths, particularly those with added flavor enhancers or thickereners, might contain slightly more carbs. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade broth, made simply with bones, water, and aromatic vegetables, usually contains fewer carbohydrates than many store-bought varieties. The process of long, slow simmering extracts flavor and nutrients with minimal carbohydrate content.
Bouillon or Cubed Broth: Broths made from cubes or powders can sometimes have slightly higher carb counts due to added ingredients, including flavorings or starches. A prepared cup of broth from a powder, for example, might have closer to 1.9 grams of carbs.
Bone Broth vs. Regular Broth: Often confused, bone broth is typically made by simmering bones for an extended period, extracting more protein and collagen. High-quality bone broth, like that from Grass Run Farms, provides protein with zero carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for a strict low-carb approach.

Making Homemade, Carb-Free Beef Broth

Making your own beef broth is the best way to ensure it is as low-carb as possible while also controlling sodium and additives. Here is a simple process:

Roast the bones and vegetables: For richer flavor, roast beef bones along with mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) in the oven until browned. This caramelizes the vegetables and deepens the broth's taste.
Simmer in a large pot: Add the roasted bones and vegetables to a large pot. Cover with water and add a splash of apple cider vinegar, which helps extract minerals from the bones.
Add herbs and spices: Include whole peppercorns, bay leaves, and fresh thyme for aromatic depth.
Slow and low simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for at least 4-12 hours, or even longer for bone broth, skimming any scum from the surface as needed.
Strain and store: Once simmered, strain the solids and store the cooled broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

The Nutritional Landscape of Beef Broth

Beyond its low carbohydrate count, beef broth offers other nutritional benefits. It is rich in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are crucial for hydration, especially during a low-carb diet where fluid loss can occur. It also contains gelatin from the bones, which may support gut and joint health.

Comparison Table: Beef Broth vs. Other Broths


Type of Broth	Carbs per 1 Cup	Notes
Standard Beef Broth	~0.1-0.8g	Very low carb; variations exist based on brand.
Beef Bone Broth	0g (often)	Usually zero carbs and high in protein/collagen.
Beef Broth from Powder	~1.9g	Can contain more carbs due to added ingredients.
Vegetable Broth	~2g	Higher in carbs compared to beef or bone broth.

Conclusion

In summary, one cup of beef broth is an exceptionally low-carb option, typically containing less than a single gram of carbohydrates. This makes it a highly compatible beverage or ingredient for ketogenic and low-carb lifestyles. The exact carb count can vary, so always check the product's nutritional information. Homemade broth offers the most control over ingredients and nutrition, guaranteeing a near-zero carb content. Whether used as a base for soups and stews or enjoyed on its own, beef broth provides flavor, hydration, and key electrolytes without the carbs. For a quality, store-bought option, look for brands that focus on minimal ingredients and longer simmering times. Gourmend Foods offers low FODMAP bone broths with clean ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but the amount is typically so low it's almost negligible. A standard 1-cup serving usually contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, with some store-bought and homemade versions having close to zero.

Yes, beef broth is an excellent and popular choice for a ketogenic diet. Its minimal to zero carbohydrate count and hydrating properties make it a staple for staying on track with your carb limits.

Homemade beef broth, made from bones and water, often has the lowest carb count. Store-bought varieties can have slightly more carbs due to additives, flavor enhancers, or starches, so it's best to check the nutrition label.

High-quality bone broth is typically made by simmering bones for a longer period and often has zero carbohydrates, while providing more protein and collagen. This makes it an excellent zero-carb alternative to regular beef broth.

Yes, drinking beef broth can be very helpful on a low-carb diet. It provides hydration and essential electrolytes that are often depleted when starting a low-carb eating plan.

Carbs in commercial broths can come from added ingredients like flavor enhancers, sugars, or starches. Some bouillon cubes or powdered versions may also contain higher amounts of carbohydrates.

For most simple, high-quality beef broths, there are no hidden carbs. However, complex soups or stews with beef broth as a base might include other ingredients, like vegetables or noodles, that contribute to the overall carb count.