Is There a Lot of Protein in Pho Broth? Breaking Down the Truth

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

While a typical serving of pho can pack 20 to 33 grams of protein, the vast majority comes from the meat or tofu toppings, not the broth itself. The broth provides important nutrients and flavor, but it is not the primary protein source.

Quick Summary

A full bowl of pho is rich in protein due to generous meat or tofu additions, though the broth itself contributes a relatively small amount. The traditional bone broth does, however, provide collagen and other minerals that add to the dish's nutritional value. The total protein varies based on ingredients.

Key Points

Low Protein in Broth: The liquid base of pho contains minimal protein, contributing only a few grams per cup.
High Protein in Full Bowl: A complete bowl of pho with meat or tofu contains a high amount of protein, ranging from 20 to 33 grams per serving.
Source is the Solids: The bulk of the protein comes from added ingredients like thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu, not the broth itself.
Nutrient-Rich Broth: While low in protein, the long-simmered bone broth is rich in collagen and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
High Sodium Concern: The main nutritional downside of pho is its often high sodium content, which can be managed by choosing low-sodium broth or limiting sauces.
High Protein Options: Choosing leaner cuts of meat like eye of round or chicken breast, or adding extra tofu, can maximize the protein content of your meal.

The Broth vs. The Bowl: Unpacking Pho's Protein Content

Many assume the rich flavor of pho's broth implies a high protein content, but the reality is more nuanced. The term "pho" actually refers to the entire noodle dish, and the protein figures often cited apply to the full, ingredient-packed bowl, not just the liquid base. A cup of prepared pho broth typically contains a relatively small amount of protein, often just a few grams. The broth's strength is in its depth of flavor, which comes from hours of simmering bones with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, and not from a high concentration of macronutrients.

Where the Protein in Pho Really Comes From

The bulk of the protein in a standard bowl of pho is delivered by the savory additions chosen to accompany the noodles and broth. The protein source significantly impacts the bowl's overall nutritional profile, offering a complete set of essential amino acids.

Beef: Thinly sliced lean cuts, such as eye of round or flank steak, are classic choices for beef pho (Phở Bò). The meat is often added raw and cooked gently by the heat of the simmering broth just before serving. Heartier options like brisket or meatballs are also popular and contribute to the high protein count. A typical serving of beef pho can contain between 28 and 33 grams of protein.
Chicken: For a leaner option, chicken pho (Phở Gà) features shredded or sliced chicken breast. This version typically offers 20 to 30 grams of protein per bowl.
Tofu: Vegetarian and vegan versions of pho replace meat with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, which still provide a significant amount of protein. A vegetarian bowl of pho can offer around 15 to 20 grams of protein, especially when extra tofu is added.

The Nutritional Contribution of Pho Broth

While not a protein powerhouse, the traditional bone broth is still a valuable component. The long simmering process extracts collagen and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bones. Collagen is a type of protein that, while not contributing to the primary macronutrient count like meat protein, is beneficial for skin, joint health, and digestion. So, while the broth doesn't make pho a high-protein meal on its own, it certainly adds to the dish's nourishing qualities.

How Protein Content Varies by Pho Type


Type of Pho	Primary Protein Source	Approx. Protein (per bowl)	Approx. Calories (per bowl)
Beef Pho	Thinly sliced beef, brisket, meatballs	28–33g	400–500
Chicken Pho	Shredded or sliced chicken breast	25–30g	350–450
Vegetarian Pho	Tofu, tempeh, mushrooms	15–20g	300–400

Pho vs. Other Popular Noodle Soups: A Protein Comparison

Comparing pho to other Asian noodle dishes highlights its standing as a solid protein source. For instance, while delicious, many versions of ramen contain more fat and often less protein than pho.


Soup Type	Primary Protein Source	Approx. Protein (per bowl)	Approx. Fats (per bowl)
Pho (Beef)	Lean beef cuts	28–33g	5–10g
Ramen	Fatty pork, eggs	10–25g	15–25g

Customizing Your Pho for Maximum Protein

If you're aiming for a protein-rich meal, you can easily customize your pho. Requesting extra meat or tofu will significantly boost the total protein content. Opting for leaner cuts of beef, like eye of round, can maximize protein while minimizing saturated fat. For those watching their carbs, swapping out some of the rice noodles for extra vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts can help increase the overall nutrient density while keeping protein high.

Conclusion: The Whole Bowl Counts

To answer the question, is there a lot of protein in pho broth? The simple answer is no. The flavorful broth itself contains minimal protein, although it is rich in minerals and collagen from its slow-simmered bone base. The protein content that makes pho a satisfying and nutritious meal comes primarily from the added meats, tofu, or other toppings. By choosing lean proteins and customizing your ingredients, a bowl of pho is an excellent way to get a balanced, high-protein meal. For more detailed nutritional information and health benefits of pho, refer to guides like the one provided by Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard cup of pho broth contains a minimal amount of protein, typically only 3 to 4 grams. The majority of the protein in a bowl of pho comes from the added ingredients like meat or tofu.

Yes, beef pho typically offers slightly more protein than chicken pho. A bowl of beef pho can have between 28 and 33 grams of protein, while chicken pho provides around 25 to 30 grams.

Yes, traditional pho broth made from simmering beef or chicken bones for hours contains collagen. The long cooking process extracts this beneficial protein from the bones, which is good for skin and joint health.

Yes, vegetarian pho can be a good source of protein, especially if it includes tofu or tempeh. A well-prepared bowl of vegetarian pho can provide 15 to 20 grams of protein.

To increase the protein in your pho, you can ask for extra meat or tofu. You can also opt for leaner protein options like eye of round beef or chicken breast.

In most cases, yes. Pho typically contains more protein and less fat than the average bowl of ramen, making it a generally healthier choice.

The simmering process extracts complex flavor compounds, collagen, and minerals from the bones and spices, creating a rich broth. However, this process does not result in a high concentration of the macronutrient protein, which is primarily found in the meat fibers themselves.