Is Chicken Broth Low in Fat? A Nutritional Comparison

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

A single cup of commercially prepared chicken broth can have as little as 0.5 grams of fat, but the exact amount varies. The fat content depends on preparation and whether the broth is store-bought or homemade.

Quick Summary

Chicken broth is usually low in fat, particularly in commercially prepared versions or homemade broth with fat removed. The preparation and ingredients heavily influence its fat content.

Key Points

Fat Content Varies: The fat content of chicken broth depends on whether it's homemade or commercially prepared, but most options are low in fat.
Homemade Advantage: You can ensure homemade broth is low in fat by using less fatty chicken parts and skimming the solidified fat from the top after refrigeration.
Check Store-Bought Labels: Many commercial broths are fat-free or very low fat, but it's essential to check for high sodium content and opt for low-sodium versions.
Broth vs. Stock: Remember that chicken broth (lighter and made from meat) is typically lower in fat than chicken stock (richer and made from bones).
Health Benefits: Low-fat chicken broth supports hydration, weight management, digestion, and immune function, making it a healthy dietary choice.
Easy Weight Loss Aid: Its low-calorie, flavorful nature helps create a sense of fullness, effectively supporting weight management efforts.

Understanding Broth vs. Stock

It's important to understand the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock. Though often used interchangeably, they differ significantly in their ingredients and resulting nutritional profiles.

Chicken Broth: Generally made from simmering meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It is typically a lighter, clearer, and more flavorful liquid meant for sipping or as a base for dishes where a delicate flavor is desired. Due to the shorter simmering time and use of less fatty meat, it contains less fat and fewer calories than stock.
Chicken Stock: Made by simmering roasted bones with vegetables for a longer period. This process extracts more collagen, giving the liquid a thicker, more gelatinous texture and a richer mouthfeel. Because stock uses bones and often more connective tissue, it typically has a higher fat and calorie count.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Fat Content

The fat content of chicken broth depends on its origin. While both can be low in fat, how they achieve this differs.

Homemade Chicken Broth: Taking Control

Making broth at home allows for complete control over the ingredients, including the amount of fat. The final fat content is determined by the parts of the chicken used and whether the fat is removed after cooking.

Preparation: If using bone-in chicken with skin, the fat will render out during the simmering process, creating a layer of fat on top of the cooled broth. Using leaner cuts or trimming the fat beforehand reduces the initial fat introduced.
Easy Fat Removal: The easiest method for creating low-fat homemade broth is to refrigerate the finished product after straining. Once chilled, the fat will solidify and float to the surface, where it can be easily skimmed and removed with a spoon. This method ensures a very low-fat product without sacrificing flavor.

Store-Bought Chicken Broth: Label Reading is Key

Most commercially prepared chicken broths are designed to be low in fat. Many are labeled 'fat-free' or list a minimal amount of fat on their nutritional panel. For example, some products list 0g or 0.5g of total fat per cup. However, there are still important considerations:

High Sodium: A significant drawback of many store-bought broths is the high sodium content, with some containing a large percentage of the daily recommended intake in a single cup. Always opt for 'low sodium' or 'sodium-free' versions to avoid excessive salt.
Additive Concerns: Some processed broths may contain MSG or other additives to enhance flavor. For a cleaner, healthier option, read labels and look for products with simple, natural ingredients.

The Low-Fat Chicken Broth Comparison


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth (Skimmed)	Store-Bought Low-Sodium Broth	Chicken Stock (Typically)
Fat Content	Very low to zero	Very low (often 0-0.5g/cup)	Higher (around 3g/cup)
Sodium Content	Fully controlled by user	Varies; 'low-sodium' is available	Can be higher due to longer cooking
Flavor Profile	Depends on ingredients; very fresh	Consistent; can be less complex	Richer, more concentrated flavor
Nutrient Density	Good source of minerals and collagen	Less nutrient-dense than homemade	Rich in collagen and minerals
Cost	Less expensive to make	Moderately priced	Higher cost for prepared versions

Health Benefits of Low-Fat Broth

Incorporating low-fat chicken broth into your diet offers numerous health advantages:

Hydration: As a mostly water-based liquid, chicken broth is an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially when sick.
Weight Management: The savory, satisfying flavor of low-fat broth can promote a feeling of fullness without adding significant calories, making it a valuable tool for weight loss.
Digestive Health: Gelatin and amino acids like glycine and glutamine in broth support a healthy gut lining and aid digestion.
Immune System Support: The minerals and amino acids extracted from the chicken can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Joint Health: The gelatin and collagen can help support joint health and mobility.

Conclusion

Chicken broth is low in fat, but with important caveats regarding preparation. Commercially produced broths are reliably low in fat, provided you read the label and choose a low-sodium option. For homemade broth, making it low-fat is a simple process of trimming fat and skimming the finished product. Low-fat chicken broth offers a nutrient-rich, versatile, and satisfying addition to any healthy diet. For more detailed nutritional information, consult databases provided by organizations like the USDA.

USDA FoodData Central is an authoritative resource for nutritional information on a wide range of foods, including various types of chicken broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all chicken broth is automatically low fat. The fat content depends on the preparation method, ingredients used (e.g., skin and bone content), and whether the fat is skimmed after cooking. Many store-bought versions are low-fat, but homemade broth can have more fat if not removed.

To make homemade broth low in fat, trim excess skin and fat from the chicken before simmering. After cooking, let the broth cool and refrigerate it. The fat will solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim and discard with a spoon.

No, chicken stock is typically higher in fat than chicken broth. Stock is made by simmering bones for a longer time, which extracts more collagen and fat, resulting in a richer, higher-calorie liquid.

The main concern with many store-bought chicken broths is their high sodium content. It is important to check the nutritional label and choose a 'low sodium' or 'sodium-free' version, especially if you are monitoring your salt intake.

Yes, low-fat chicken broth can support weight loss. It is low in calories but provides a satisfying, savory flavor that can help you feel full, which may reduce overall calorie intake and prevent overeating.

Yes, chicken broth is a good source of several nutrients. It contains amino acids, minerals like calcium and magnesium, and is good for hydration. These nutrients contribute to digestive health, immune support, and joint health.

While both are low in fat, bouillon is a dehydrated stock that can be higher in sodium and typically contains fewer nutrients than homemade or quality store-bought broth. Low-sodium bouillon options are available.