Is Chicken Bone Broth Considered a Clear Liquid? The Definitive Guide

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, clear, fat-free broth is a primary component of clear liquid diets prescribed before medical procedures or for certain digestive issues. However, whether your chicken bone broth qualifies depends entirely on its preparation and final appearance, as any cloudiness or solids will render it unsuitable.

Quick Summary

Clear, fat-free chicken bone broth is a staple of clear liquid diets, providing hydration and electrolytes. Its qualification hinges on preparation, as it must be see-through at room temperature with no solid particles, not just liquid.

Key Points

Preparation is Key: For chicken bone broth to be a clear liquid, it must be prepared to be transparent, free of solids, and fat-free.
Gentle Simmering: Avoid a rolling boil during preparation, as this can cause particles to emulsify and create a cloudy broth.
Straining is Essential: Use a fine-mesh sieve and cheesecloth to thoroughly remove all solid residue from the broth.
Fat Removal: Skim all fat from the surface of the broth; refrigerating overnight helps solidify fat for easier removal.
Medical Context: Clear bone broth is an approved option for clear liquid diets, including those for colonoscopy prep, due to its ability to hydrate without leaving solid residue.
Nutritional Benefits: It provides electrolytes like sodium and potassium, offering more than just plain water on a restrictive diet.

Understanding the 'Clear Liquid' Standard

For medical and dietary purposes, a clear liquid is defined as any fluid that is transparent and contains no solid food particles or milk products. This means you must be able to see through it at room temperature. The primary goal of a clear liquid diet is to prevent solid food residue from accumulating in the digestive tract, which is critical for procedures like a colonoscopy. While many associate clear liquids with water or apple juice, clear broths are also explicitly approved options.

The Critical Role of Preparation

When asking, "is chicken bone broth considered a clear liquid?" the answer is a conditional "yes." The process of making bone broth can easily result in a cloudy or opaque liquid, which would disqualify it from a clear liquid diet. To ensure your chicken bone broth is suitable, the following steps are crucial:

Gentle Simmering: Boiling the broth too vigorously can cause proteins and other particulates to emulsify, resulting in a cloudy appearance. A gentle, low simmer is the best approach for maintaining clarity.
Skimming Impurities: Throughout the cooking process, impurities will rise to the surface as a foamy layer, or "scum." This must be meticulously skimmed off to prevent the finished broth from becoming cloudy.
Straining: After simmering, the broth must be strained through a fine-mesh sieve, and for best results, a layer of cheesecloth or a damp paper towel. This removes all solid particles, including tiny bits of meat, vegetables, or herbs.
Fat Removal: Any fat floating on the surface must be skimmed off completely. For the most effective fat removal, refrigerate the broth overnight, allowing the fat to solidify at the top for easy removal.

Clear vs. Cloudy Broth: A Comparison


Feature	Clear, Fat-Free Broth	Cloudy or Full-Bodied Broth
Appearance	Transparent; you can see through it at room temperature.	Opaque or cloudy; difficult or impossible to see through.
Solids	Contains no solid particles, resulting from careful straining.	May contain small particles, herbs, or vegetable matter.
Fat Content	Skimmed of all visible fat. Fat may solidify when chilled, but is easily removed.	Contains more visible fat, which may not separate completely.
Use on Clear Liquid Diet	Yes, as long as it is completely clear and fat-free.	No, as it contains solids or is opaque, leaving residue.
Medical Context	Prescribed for colonoscopy prep, digestive rest, or post-surgery care.	Not permitted when strict clear liquid diet adherence is required.

What to Eat and Drink on a Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet is temporary and medically supervised. In addition to clear, fat-free bone broth, other approved options include:

Water (plain, sparkling, or flavored)
Apple or white grape juice (without pulp)
Popsicles and gelatin (without fruit or milk and avoiding red/purple dyes)
Sports drinks (clear or light-colored only)
Tea or coffee (without milk, cream, or other additives)

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

To ensure your diet is effective and safe, avoid the following:

All solid foods
Milk and dairy products
Juices with pulp (like orange or grapefruit juice)
Creamy or opaque soups
Alcohol
Gelatin or liquids with red or purple dyes, especially before a colonoscopy, as these can be mistaken for blood.

The Benefits of Using Bone Broth as a Clear Liquid

On a restrictive diet, clear bone broth offers several advantages over plain water or sugary juices. It is rich in electrolytes like sodium and potassium, helping to prevent dehydration and maintain mineral balance. For those on a clear liquid diet, which provides minimal calories, bone broth can offer a satisfying savory flavor and trace nutrients, making the diet more palatable.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether chicken bone broth is considered a clear liquid is entirely up to how it is prepared. While the ingredients are suitable, the final product must be transparent and free of fat and solids to meet the medical definition. For those needing to follow a clear liquid diet, carefully preparing or selecting a high-quality, pre-clarified store-bought broth is the key to staying hydrated and adhering to dietary requirements. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet. For more information on clear liquid diets, see the official guide from Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as long as the store-bought bone broth is clear, fat-free, and contains no solid particles or opaque additives. Always check the label and pour it into a glass to verify clarity.

The main difference is the cooking duration and source of ingredients (bones vs. meat/veg). However, for a clear liquid diet, the final product must be clear, fat-free, and solid-free, regardless of whether it was initially labeled 'bone broth' or 'chicken broth'.

Yes. The gelatinous state is due to collagen extraction and is a sign of a high-quality broth. When heated, it will return to its liquid form and is perfectly acceptable, provided it is strained and fat-free.

Yes, you can add salt or other dissolvable seasonings to enhance the flavor. Just ensure no solid spices or herbs are left floating in the liquid.

For colonoscopy prep, certain colors are prohibited because their dyes can linger in the colon and be mistaken for blood, which could interfere with the procedure's results.

A clear liquid diet is typically very short-term, usually lasting only a few days, and should only be undertaken under a doctor's supervision. It does not provide adequate nutrients for long-term health.

If your bone broth is cloudy, you can clarify it using methods like adding egg whites during the simmering process, which acts as a natural filter. Always strain thoroughly afterward.