Is Chicken Broth Good for You to Drink Every Day?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, most adults consume too much sodium, and certain store-bought chicken broths can be a significant source. Understanding the full picture is key when considering if drinking chicken broth every day is a healthy habit. This article delves into the potential benefits, nutritional considerations, and precautions to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health benefits and drawbacks of daily chicken broth consumption, covering its nutritional content, impact on gut and joint health, and potential risks like high sodium or heavy metals.

Key Points

Rich in nutrients: Homemade chicken bone broth, in particular, is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support joint, bone, and gut health.
Check sodium levels: Many store-bought broths are high in sodium, which is a significant concern for those with high blood pressure or other health conditions.
Consider heavy metal exposure: While minimal, daily high consumption of bone broth could increase exposure to heavy metals like lead.
Promotes gut health: Amino acids like glutamine and glycine found in bone broth can help repair and soothe the gut lining.
Supports joint health: The collagen and gelatin in bone broth aid in maintaining cartilage, which may help with joint pain.
Not a meal replacement: Chicken broth should supplement a balanced diet, not replace meals, as it lacks sufficient calories, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Homemade is best: Making broth at home allows you to control ingredients, sodium content, and maximize nutritional extraction from slow simmering.

The Health Perks of Daily Chicken Broth Consumption

For many, a warm cup of chicken broth is a comforting ritual, and it turns out, it can also offer several health benefits, particularly if you opt for homemade bone broth. The slow-simmering process for bone broth extracts a variety of beneficial compounds from the bones, such as collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals.

Supports Gut Health

Chicken bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and glutamine that help support the gut lining. These can aid in soothing and healing the digestive system, which is especially beneficial for those with issues like leaky gut syndrome or general inflammation. Consistent intake may help maintain a healthy gut and promote proper digestion.

Promotes Joint and Bone Health

With age, the body's collagen production naturally declines, leading to potential issues with joints and connective tissues. Bone broth is a natural source of collagen and gelatin, which are crucial for maintaining cartilage integrity. The glucosamine found in bone broth is also associated with improved joint health. Furthermore, minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus present in the broth contribute to strong bones.

Enhances Hydration and Nutrient Intake

Drinking broth is an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially when feeling under the weather. It can also provide a small boost of protein, vitamins, and minerals. While the nutritional content varies, it can be a good supplement to a balanced diet, offering hydration and some key nutrients.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While the benefits are clear, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, especially with daily consumption. This is particularly true for many commercially prepared broths.

High Sodium Content

One of the most significant drawbacks of store-bought chicken broth is its high sodium content. A single cup can contain a considerable portion of the recommended daily sodium limit, which can be problematic for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. Opting for low-sodium varieties or making your own broth at home gives you control over the salt levels.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Animal bones can contain small amounts of heavy metals like lead. While research indicates that the levels that seep into broth are minimal in both store-bought and homemade versions, excessive daily consumption over a long period could be a concern. It is important to consume bone broth in moderation to mitigate this risk.

Not a Complete Meal

While some diets promote chicken broth fasts or cleanses, it is not a complete food source and should not be used as a meal replacement. A chicken-broth-only diet is unsustainable and can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of fiber and healthy fats. True, sustainable weight loss comes from a balanced diet, not extreme restriction.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Store-Bought Chicken Broth
Ingredients	Full control over quality; use fresh bones and organic vegetables.	Quality can vary; may contain preservatives or artificial flavors.
Flavor Profile	Typically richer, deeper, and more complex.	Milder and more uniform taste.
Nutritional Value	Higher concentration of collagen, gelatin, and minerals from longer simmering.	Generally lower in key nutrients unless it is specifically labeled as bone broth.
Sodium Content	Fully customizable; can be made low-sodium or salt-free.	Often high in sodium, requiring careful label reading.
Convenience	Time-consuming to prepare.	Quick and easy to use for recipes or drinking.
Cost	More cost-effective if you use leftover scraps and bones.	Higher cost per serving, but saves time.

Incorporating Broth into a Balanced Routine

For general wellness, drinking 1 cup of quality chicken bone broth daily can be a positive addition to a balanced diet. It is best enjoyed in the morning or afternoon and should not be used as a meal replacement. It can be a simple way to increase hydration, especially for those who want a change from plain water. Consider making a large batch of homemade broth to freeze in smaller portions, ensuring a convenient and low-sodium supply.

The Final Sip: Is Daily Broth Right for You?

Drinking chicken broth every day can be beneficial, particularly if it is homemade bone broth, as it supports gut health and provides joint-supporting collagen. However, be mindful of the high sodium levels often found in commercial broths and the importance of moderation due to potential heavy metal exposure. For most healthy adults, a cup or two daily as part of a varied and balanced diet is safe and can be a wholesome ritual, but it is never a substitute for a full, nutritious meal. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any dietary concerns or underlying health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking a moderate amount (1-2 cups) of chicken broth or bone broth every day can be beneficial due to its hydrating properties and potential support for gut and joint health, especially if homemade.

Chicken broth is typically simmered for a shorter time with meat and vegetables, while bone broth is simmered for much longer (12+ hours) with bones, extracting more collagen, gelatin, and minerals.

The main risks include high sodium intake from store-bought varieties and potential exposure to trace heavy metals from bones, which can be mitigated by choosing low-sodium options and consuming in moderation.

While chicken broth is low in calories and hydrating, it is not a sustainable or healthy meal replacement for weight loss. Relying on it solely can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Homemade broth is often healthier as it allows for full control over ingredients and sodium content. Store-bought broth can be high in sodium and may contain fewer nutrients compared to a long-simmered homemade version.

Individuals on low-sodium diets, those with heart or kidney disease, and people following vegan or vegetarian diets should be cautious or avoid certain broths. Those with specific allergies should always check labels.

For general wellness, 1 to 2 cups of quality broth or bone broth per day is often recommended, but it should be part of a balanced diet, not the sole source of nutrition.