Is Swanson bone broth healthy? An in-depth nutritional review

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Globally, the bone broth market has grown significantly, reflecting a resurgence in consumer interest in traditional remedies. This trend brings to the forefront a key question for many health-conscious shoppers: is Swanson bone broth healthy when compared to homemade versions or other commercial options?

Quick Summary

This review examines Swanson bone broth's nutritional profile, including its protein, collagen, and sodium content. It compares its potential health benefits and drawbacks against homemade bone broth, focusing on convenience versus nutrient density.

Key Points

Convenience vs. Density: Swanson offers high convenience but lower nutritional density compared to traditional homemade bone broth due to a shorter simmering process.
Moderate Protein, High Sodium: While providing a moderate amount of protein, Swanson bone broth products contain significant sodium, which is a concern for those watching their intake.
Less Collagen than Homemade: The lack of gelatinization in Swanson bone broth when cold indicates a lower concentration of natural collagen, which may limit the joint and skin benefits often associated with the food.
Mindful of 'Natural Flavoring': Some Swanson products contain "natural flavoring," a vague ingredient that gives homemade broth the advantage of full ingredient control.
Not a Nutritional Powerhouse: While a fine addition to a balanced diet, Swanson is better viewed as a convenient, flavorful broth with some protein, not a therapeutic 'elixir' for maximum health benefits.
Heavy Metal Risk Exists: As with all bone broths, there is a low-level risk of heavy metal contamination from the animal bones, a concern for those who consume it frequently or in large quantities.

Bone broth has been a staple in traditional diets worldwide for centuries, revered for its nourishing and healing properties. In recent years, it has gained immense popularity in the wellness community, with enthusiasts touting its benefits for gut health, joint support, and skin elasticity. However, with a growing market comes a wide array of products, from artisanal and small-batch brands to mass-produced options like Swanson. While homemade broth, simmered for hours, is known for its rich nutritional content, the question for many is whether the convenience of a store-bought version offers similar health advantages.

Understanding the Nutritional Basis of Bone Broth

Traditional bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for extended periods, a process that extracts valuable nutrients. The resulting liquid contains:

Protein: Broken down from the bones and tissues, providing essential amino acids.
Gelatin and Collagen: Cooked collagen transforms into gelatin, which can support the gut lining and skin health.
Amino Acids: Including glycine, proline, and glutamine, which are linked to anti-inflammatory effects and immune support.
Minerals: Small amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium are transferred from the bones.

For many, these are the primary reasons for consuming bone broth. But does a large commercial product like Swanson deliver the same nutritional punch?

Swanson Bone Broth: A Nutritional Breakdown

Swanson offers several bone broth products, each with slightly different nutritional profiles. A standard 32-ounce carton of their chicken bone broth, for example, lists 8 grams of protein and 350mg of sodium per 1-cup serving. Its ingredients are straightforward: chicken stock, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The 'sipping' cups, designed for on-the-go consumption, often contain 10 grams of protein and 460mg of sodium per serving.

Key Considerations on Swanson's Nutrition

Protein and Collagen: The protein content is moderate, but some products carry a disclaimer, like the one found on the 32 oz carton, stating it is "not a good source of protein" despite listing 8g. This suggests that while it contains some protein, it may not be sufficient for meeting significant daily protein needs. Additionally, it does not gelatinize when cold, a tell-tale sign that it contains less natural collagen and gelatin compared to a properly slow-simmered homemade version.
Sodium Content: The sodium level is a significant factor. A single cup of Swanson bone broth can contain a substantial portion of the recommended daily sodium intake, especially for those on low-sodium diets. This can be a major drawback for regular consumption.
Ingredients and Processing: While made with natural, non-GMO ingredients, some beef varieties mention "natural flavoring", which can be a vague term. The quicker processing methods used for mass production mean less time for nutrient extraction compared to traditional, long-simmering methods.

Swanson vs. Homemade Bone Broth: A Comparison


Feature	Swanson Bone Broth	Homemade Bone Broth
Convenience	High. Shelf-stable cartons and sipping cups are ready to heat and serve.	Low. Requires hours of simmering and a large stockpot.
Nutrient Density	Moderate. Lower concentration of natural collagen and gelatin due to shorter simmering.	High. Long simmering extracts maximum minerals, collagen, and amino acids.
Ingredients Control	Limited. Dependent on brand's sourcing and manufacturing. May include "natural flavorings".	Absolute. Full control over quality of bones, vegetables, and seasonings.
Sodium Levels	High. May contain significant amounts of added salt.	Low to zero. You control how much, if any, salt is added.
Heavy Metal Risk	Potential for trace amounts, as with any bone broth. Generally considered low, but a concern for high-volume consumption.	Potential for trace amounts, depending on the animal's source and environment.
Cost	Relatively inexpensive per serving.	Variable. Can be more cost-effective long-term but requires initial investment in ingredients.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While a convenient and flavorful option, there are important points to weigh when considering Swanson bone broth for your diet:

Lower Collagen Yield: For those seeking the specific joint and skin benefits linked to high collagen, Swanson's may not be the most effective choice. Its lack of gelatinization suggests a lower concentration compared to homemade versions or specialized supplements.
Heavy Metal Risk: Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for heavy metals like lead to leach into bone broth, as bones accumulate these over an animal's lifetime. While the risk from moderate consumption is likely minimal, high or frequent consumption warrants caution.
High Sodium Intake: Individuals managing blood pressure or following a sodium-restricted diet need to be mindful of the high sodium content in Swanson's products. While Swanson's bone broth is flavorful, much of this flavor can come from added salt.

Making an Informed Decision

So, is Swanson bone broth healthy? It depends on your health goals and lifestyle. If convenience is your top priority and you're looking for a low-calorie, warm, savory drink or soup base, Swanson is a perfectly fine option. It can provide a simple, flavorful way to get a moderate protein boost. However, it should not be considered a miracle health elixir or a direct replacement for a dense, homemade broth if you are targeting maximum nutrient density and therapeutic levels of collagen and minerals.

For those who prioritize specific health benefits, such as significant improvements in joint pain, gut healing, or skin elasticity, a homemade, slow-simmered broth or a high-quality, specialized bone broth product may be a more effective choice. Always consider your overall dietary pattern and specific health needs when incorporating any new food or supplement. A conversation with a healthcare professional can help you determine the best fit for your nutritional plan.

Conclusion

Ultimately, is Swanson bone broth healthy? The answer is nuanced. As a convenient, low-calorie, and flavorful beverage or cooking ingredient, it can fit into a healthy diet. However, its mass-produced nature means it doesn't pack the same nutritional density—particularly in terms of collagen and gelatin—as a traditional, homemade version. Its higher sodium content is also a consideration for some. While convenient and tasty, it's best viewed as a simple broth with some added protein rather than a nutritional powerhouse, especially when compared to its more robust, home-prepared counterpart.

Frequently Asked Questions

While traditional homemade bone broth is praised for its high gelatin and amino acid content that supports gut health, Swanson's product, due to its mass-produced nature and shorter simmering, contains less of these key nutrients. It's a less potent option for significant gut healing compared to a dense, homemade broth.

Swanson bone broth contains some naturally occurring collagen protein, but likely not enough to provide significant therapeutic effects for joint health. Some sources suggest it does not have enough collagen to reap the full health benefits.

Yes, the sodium content in Swanson bone broth can be a concern, especially for those with high blood pressure or on low-sodium diets. A single cup can contribute a significant portion of your daily sodium intake.

Swanson bone broth is made by simmering bones and vegetables, resulting in a product with a higher protein and collagen content than regular broth. For example, some Swanson chicken bone broth has 8g protein per serving, whereas regular chicken broth may have only 1-4g.

Drinking Swanson bone broth daily is generally safe for most people, but those watching their sodium intake should be mindful of the high salt levels. For maximum health benefits, a high-quality homemade broth might be a better daily option.

Yes, it is possible for bone broth to contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, which can accumulate in animal bones. While the levels in commercial products are generally low, some experts advise caution against consuming large volumes over a long period.

The lack of gelatinization when cold is a common observation with commercial broths like Swanson, indicating a lower concentration of extracted collagen and gelatin. A traditional homemade bone broth, when properly made, should gel after cooling.