Is it Healthy to Eat Chicken Broth Every Day?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 article in the Journal of Food Science, chicken-vegetable bone broth may help reduce bone breakdown in older adults. This scientific finding, among others, has sparked significant interest in the question: is it healthy to eat chicken broth every day? While anecdotal claims abound, understanding the evidence-based benefits and potential drawbacks is key to making an informed decision for your daily diet.

Quick Summary

The daily consumption of chicken broth, particularly bone broth, offers notable benefits for hydration, gut health, joints, and immunity. While generally safe, potential downsides include high sodium levels in commercial versions and nutrient deficiencies if used as a meal replacement. Homemade, low-sodium versions are recommended for a balanced routine.

Key Points

Rich in Amino Acids: Daily consumption of chicken bone broth provides gut-healing amino acids like glutamine and glycine, which help repair and soothe the digestive tract.
Supports Joint and Bone Health: The collagen and minerals extracted from bones, including calcium and magnesium, help support joint cartilage and bone density.
Excellent for Hydration: As a liquid rich in electrolytes like sodium and potassium, broth is an effective way to maintain hydration, especially when sick or after exercise.
Mind Sodium Intake: Many commercial broths are high in sodium. Choose low-sodium varieties or make homemade broth to manage your salt intake and prevent associated health risks.
Not a Meal Replacement: A chicken broth-only diet is unsustainable and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and potential health issues. It should complement a balanced diet, not replace whole foods.
Weigh Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade broth offers more control over ingredients and higher nutrient density, while store-bought is convenient but may contain unwanted additives and high sodium.
Consider Heavy Metals: While minimal, long-term overconsumption of bone broth could increase exposure to trace heavy metals. Sticking to 1-2 cups daily is a safe approach.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Distinguishing Broth from Bone Broth

While often used interchangeably, standard chicken broth and chicken bone broth offer different nutritional profiles due to their preparation methods. Standard broth is typically made from meat and vegetables simmered for a shorter time, resulting in a lighter flavor and a lower nutrient density. In contrast, bone broth is simmered for a much longer period, extracting more collagen, minerals, and amino acids from the bones. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone considering daily intake for specific health benefits.

Health Benefits of Daily Chicken Broth Consumption

Incorporating a serving of chicken broth, especially nutrient-rich bone broth, into your daily routine offers several potential health advantages. These benefits stem from its rich content of collagen, amino acids like glycine and glutamine, and essential minerals.

Supporting a Healthy Gut

Promotes a strong intestinal lining: Amino acids such as glutamine and glycine are vital for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. They help strengthen the intestinal barrier, which may aid in healing conditions like leaky gut syndrome and reducing overall gut inflammation.
Aids digestion: The gelatin in bone broth is known for soothing and healing the gut lining. It is also easily digestible, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Boosting Joint and Bone Health

Provides joint support: Bone broth contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, compounds found in cartilage that are often sold as joint health supplements. While the amount varies, regular intake may help support cartilage and reduce joint pain.
Strengthens bones: Homemade chicken bone broth can be a source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining bone density and strength.

Aiding Weight Management

Increases satiety: As a high-protein, low-calorie liquid, a cup of bone broth can help you feel full and satisfied, which may reduce overall calorie intake and assist with weight loss goals.
Supports metabolism: The hydrating properties and protein content help keep metabolic functions running smoothly.

Other Immune and Anti-Aging Benefits

Immune support: Research suggests that chicken broth may have immunomodulatory effects, potentially boosting the immune system. A warm cup is also a traditional remedy for cold symptoms, providing hydration and soothing a sore throat.
Anti-aging effects: The collagen and amino acids in bone broth are the building blocks for protein synthesis, which can boost the body's natural collagen production. This contributes to better skin elasticity and healthier hair and nails.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While daily chicken broth consumption is generally safe, it's not without potential risks, particularly with commercial products. Moderation and mindful sourcing are key.

Risk of Excessive Sodium

Many store-bought chicken broths and bouillon products are notoriously high in sodium to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, which can damage organs over time. Opting for low-sodium commercial varieties or making homemade broth allows for better control over salt content.

Nutrient Deficiencies and Imbalances

Using chicken broth as a sole meal replacement, as in a restrictive mono-diet, is not a safe or sustainable practice. It lacks major nutrients like fiber and healthy fats, which can lead to hunger, energy crashes, and nutritional deficiencies. Broth should complement a balanced diet, not replace it entirely.

Heavy Metal Contamination

Some studies have raised concerns that small amounts of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, can leach from animal bones into broth during the simmering process. While the risk from store-bought and homemade broths is considered minimal, limiting intake to one or two cups daily can help mitigate any potential concern.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Chicken Broth


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Store-Bought Chicken Broth
Nutrient Density	Higher, especially in bone broth, due to longer simmering time and control over ingredients.	Variable; can be less nutrient-dense than homemade.
Sodium Control	Full control over the amount of salt added, allowing for low-sodium versions.	Often very high in sodium; low-sodium options are available but must be checked.
Additives & Preservatives	Free from artificial additives, flavor enhancers, or preservatives.	May contain preservatives, MSG, and artificial flavors.
Cost	More cost-effective over time, especially when using leftover carcasses and vegetable scraps.	Can be more expensive per serving, but offers convenience.
Convenience	Requires significant preparation time (several hours of simmering).	Instantly ready to use; offers maximum convenience.

How to Safely Incorporate Chicken Broth into Your Diet

For a healthy daily regimen, the key is to integrate chicken broth smartly. Start your day with a warm cup for a gut-health boost, or use it as a low-calorie, flavorful base for a variety of meals. Consider simmering your own broth for maximum nutritional value and control over ingredients. Remember that chicken broth is a supplement to, not a replacement for, a full and balanced diet rich in whole foods. For those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, gout, or kidney disease, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential before starting a daily regimen.

Conclusion: A Nutritious Addition, Not a Cure-All

In summary, eating chicken broth every day can be a healthy practice when approached correctly. The nutritional advantages, particularly from longer-simmered bone broth, can support gut, joint, and immune health. However, the potential pitfalls of high sodium and nutrient deficiencies from restrictive diets must be avoided. By choosing low-sodium options, considering homemade versions, and consuming it as part of a varied and balanced diet, you can safely enjoy the comforting and nourishing benefits of chicken broth as a daily supplement.

Note: For those considering a significant change to their diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions, speaking with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is always recommended. for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, incorporating chicken broth daily can support weight loss. It is low in calories but can help increase satiety due to its protein content, making you feel fuller for longer. However, it should be part of a balanced diet, not used as a restrictive replacement for meals.

Yes, standard chicken broth is simmered for a shorter time and is typically less nutrient-dense. Bone broth, simmered for much longer, extracts higher levels of protein, collagen, and minerals, offering more significant health benefits for daily consumption.

To avoid excessive sodium, you can either make your own broth at home, which gives you complete control over the salt content, or purchase low-sodium or sodium-free versions of commercial brands.

Chicken bone broth is rich in amino acids like glutamine and gelatin, which can help soothe and repair the intestinal lining, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for overall gut health.

Yes, drinking excessive amounts, especially commercial varieties, could lead to high sodium intake. Furthermore, overconsumption of bone broth, in particular, may expose you to trace amounts of heavy metals like lead from animal bones, though the risk is considered low.

In most cases, homemade chicken broth, especially bone broth, is considered healthier. It allows you to control the ingredients, nutrient density, and sodium levels, while store-bought versions may contain additives and high amounts of salt.

Yes, many people substitute their morning coffee with a warm cup of chicken bone broth. It provides hydration and nutrients without the caffeine, and the glycine content may promote better sleep later in the day.