Is Broth High in Carbs? The Surprising Truth for Your Low-Carb Diet

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Most traditional broths are naturally very low in carbohydrates, with many containing as little as 0-3 grams per serving, making them a staple for low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles. For anyone monitoring their macronutrient intake, knowing the answer to "Is broth high in carbs?" is crucial for staying on track.

Quick Summary

Broth is typically very low in carbohydrates and suitable for low-carb diets, including keto. While bone broth often contains zero to minimal carbs, other types like chicken, beef, and vegetable broth also have minimal carb counts. Variations exist between store-bought and homemade versions, so checking nutritional labels is essential for accuracy.

Key Points

Low-Carb Staple: Most plain broths, especially bone broth, are naturally very low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for keto and other low-carb diets.
Check Store-Bought Labels: Some commercial broths add sugars, starches, or other ingredients that can increase the carb count, so reading the nutrition label is crucial.
Bone Broth is a Keto Ally: Bone broth provides essential electrolytes and hydration, which can help manage the symptoms of "keto flu".
Different Broths Have Similar Carb Counts: Beef, chicken, and vegetable broths are all generally low in carbs, though the content can vary slightly.
Boosts Satiety: The protein and gelatin found in bone broth can help increase feelings of fullness, which is beneficial for appetite control.
Use Broth for Flavor: Broth is a versatile way to add deep, savory flavor to dishes without adding extra carbohydrates.

Understanding Broth's Nutritional Profile

To determine if broth is high in carbs, it is essential to understand what broth is and how its ingredients affect its nutritional makeup. Broth is a savory liquid made by simmering meat, bones, or vegetables in water with herbs and spices. The simmering process extracts flavors and nutrients, creating a flavorful and nourishing base for soups, sauces, and other dishes. The carbohydrate content in plain, traditional broth is inherently low because its primary components—meat, bones, and herbs—do not contain significant amounts of carbohydrates.

The Low-Carb Advantage of Bone Broth

Bone broth, in particular, is celebrated in low-carb and ketogenic communities for its nutrient density and near-zero carbohydrate count. Made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for an extended period, it extracts collagen, protein, and minerals. The result is a liquid that is rich in protein and electrolytes but almost completely free of carbohydrates. This makes it an ideal food for managing hunger, staying hydrated, and replenishing electrolytes, especially during the initial stages of a ketogenic diet.

Why You Must Check Labels for Hidden Carbs

While homemade broths are reliably low-carb, store-bought varieties can be a different story. To enhance flavor or shelf life, some manufacturers add ingredients that can significantly increase the carb count. These may include sugar, maltodextrin (a starch), or other flavor enhancers that contain carbohydrates. This is why simply assuming all broth is low-carb can lead to unexpected intake of sugars and starches. Always read the nutritional information on the packaging to ensure the product aligns with your dietary goals. Look for labels that explicitly state "zero carbs" or list no added sugars.

Comparison of Common Broth Types

The carbohydrate content can vary slightly between different types of broth. Here is a comparison to help you choose the best option for your low-carb lifestyle.


Broth Type	Typical Carbs (per cup)	Key Characteristics & Considerations
Bone Broth	0-2g	Excellent for keto; rich in collagen, protein, and electrolytes. Look for sugar-free options.
Beef Broth	~1g	A versatile, savory base for many low-carb recipes. Check for hidden carbs in commercial products.
Chicken Broth	~1g	Very low in carbs, making it a reliable and versatile pantry staple.
Vegetable Broth	1-3g	Typically low-carb, but the count can vary depending on the vegetables used. Some store-bought versions may contain added sugars.

Practical Uses of Broth on a Low-Carb Diet

Broth's low-carb profile makes it incredibly versatile for anyone on a carb-restricted diet. It can be used in numerous ways to add flavor and nutritional value without compromising your macronutrient goals.

Replenishing Electrolytes: For those new to the keto diet, broth is a simple and effective way to combat "keto flu" symptoms like headaches and fatigue by providing much-needed sodium and potassium.
Hydration: A warm cup of broth is a flavorful way to stay hydrated, especially during colder months or when fasting.
Soup Base: Use broth as a foundation for low-carb soups, such as chicken zucchini noodle soup, creamy broccoli soup, or beef and cabbage soup.
Flavoring Agent: Add broth to sauces, gravies, or use it to braise meats and vegetables, infusing dishes with rich flavor.
Appetite Control: The protein in bone broth, particularly the gelatin, can help increase satiety, making you feel fuller for longer and aiding in weight management.

Conclusion: Broth is a Low-Carb Ally

In conclusion, the answer to the question, "Is broth high in carbs?" is a resounding no, with a small caveat. Plain broths, especially homemade and high-quality bone broths, are very low in carbohydrates and are an excellent addition to a low-carb or ketogenic diet. They provide essential electrolytes, protein, and hydration with minimal carbs. However, awareness is key when purchasing store-bought versions. Always check the nutrition label for added sugars, starches, or thickeners that could unexpectedly raise the carb count. By choosing wisely, broth can be a powerful and satisfying tool in your nutritional arsenal.

For more information on the health benefits of bone broth, including its role in joint health and gut health, you can consult reliable sources like the Harvard Health Publishing website.

Key Takeaways

Carb Content Varies: Homemade and high-quality bone broths are typically very low in carbs (0-2g per serving).
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutrition facts for store-bought broths, as some contain added sugars or starches that increase the carb count.
Excellent for Keto: Broth helps replenish electrolytes and provides hydration, mitigating symptoms of the "keto flu".
Nutrient-Rich Hydration: Beyond just being low-carb, bone broth offers protein, collagen, and minerals that are beneficial for overall health.
Versatile Cooking Ingredient: Broth serves as a low-carb base for countless soups, sauces, and other dishes, adding flavor without the carbs.
Aids Appetite Control: The protein and gelatin in bone broth can promote satiety and help manage cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most broths, particularly homemade or high-quality bone broths, are very low in carbs and are an excellent addition to a ketogenic diet. They help with hydration and electrolyte balance, which is vital when transitioning to ketosis.

To ensure a store-bought broth is low-carb, always check the nutrition label. Look for products with zero or very low total carbohydrate and sugar content, and a clean ingredient list without added starches or sweeteners.

While both are generally low, bone broth is often the lowest in carbohydrates and highest in protein and collagen, especially when made from scratch by simmering bones for an extended period.

The carb content of vegetable broth can be slightly higher than meat broths, depending on the vegetables used. However, it typically remains very low (1-3g per cup) and is suitable for low-carb diets.

Yes, broth, especially protein-rich bone broth, can aid in weight management. It can increase feelings of fullness and help control your appetite without adding many calories or carbs.

Homemade broth, which is made from simple ingredients like meat, bones, and vegetables, is almost always guaranteed to be low-carb. The carb count of store-bought versions can vary significantly, depending on any additives.

No, drinking plain, low-carb broth with zero to minimal carbs will not break a fast. It can actually be beneficial during intermittent fasting by providing essential electrolytes and preventing dehydration.