Is there a low sodium vegetable broth? A comprehensive guide

November 3, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the World Health Organization, excess sodium intake is a major cause of high blood pressure and contributes to millions of deaths globally. For those looking to reduce their salt intake for better health, a critical question arises: Is there a low sodium vegetable broth? The answer is yes, and exploring your options—from store-bought brands to simple homemade recipes—can significantly improve your diet and well-being.

Quick Summary

This guide confirms the availability of low sodium and no-salt-added vegetable broths. It outlines the health benefits of reduced sodium intake, clarifies label differences, and compares store-bought options versus homemade versions. The article also provides a simple recipe and explores flavor-boosting alternatives to salt.

Key Points

Availability: Low-sodium and no-salt-added vegetable broths are widely available from many brands, including Pacific Foods and Trader Joe's.
Labeling: 'Low Sodium' means 140mg or less per serving, while 'Reduced Sodium' simply indicates 25% less than the regular version.
Health Benefits: A low-sodium diet helps lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and support kidney health.
Homemade Option: Making your own broth from vegetable scraps ensures a zero-sodium base and helps reduce food waste.
Flavor Alternatives: Use herbs, spices, lemon juice, vinegar, or aromatics like garlic and onion to add flavor to your broth without extra salt.
Flavor Control: Choosing a low-sodium broth base gives you maximum control over the final seasoning of your dish.

Yes, low sodium vegetable broth is widely available

For anyone monitoring their sodium intake, the search for a suitable vegetable broth can be challenging, as many commercial products are surprisingly high in salt. The good news is that the demand for healthier alternatives has led many manufacturers to offer low-sodium and no-salt-added vegetable broths that are readily available in most grocery stores and online.

Prominent brands like Pacific Foods, Trader Joe's, and Campbell's, for example, all offer versions specifically designed to contain significantly less sodium than their regular counterparts. These products provide a convenient base for soups, sauces, and stews while giving home cooks more control over the final salt content of their meals. You can also find low-sodium options from health-conscious brands such as Imagine and 365 by Whole Foods Market.

How to read labels: Low-Sodium vs. Reduced-Sodium

When shopping for broth, it's crucial to understand the terminology on the packaging to ensure you're getting a product that fits your dietary needs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets specific guidelines for these labels.

Low Sodium: This label indicates that a single serving of the product contains 140 milligrams (mg) or less of sodium.
Reduced Sodium: This means the product contains at least 25% less sodium than the brand's regular version. A 'reduced sodium' product may still be high in sodium, so it's essential to check the nutrition facts panel.
No Salt Added: This label is the most straightforward, indicating that no salt was added during processing. These products will often have the lowest sodium content, typically consisting only of naturally occurring sodium from the ingredients.

Why choose low sodium vegetable broth?

The benefits of choosing a low-sodium vegetable broth extend beyond simply managing your salt intake. Here's why it's a smart choice for your kitchen and your health.

Health benefits of a low-sodium diet

Excessive sodium consumption is linked to a range of health issues, and opting for low-sodium ingredients is a direct way to combat these risks.

Lower Blood Pressure: A reduced sodium intake can help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and may also modestly reduce it in those with normal blood pressure.
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke: By lowering blood pressure, a low-sodium diet decreases the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Improved Kidney Health: High sodium levels can put extra strain on the kidneys. Reducing sodium helps maintain healthy kidney function.
Better Flavor Control: Regular broths are often heavily seasoned. Using a low-sodium base allows you to build and customize flavors with herbs, spices, and other aromatics, giving you full control over the final taste.

How to make your own low sodium vegetable broth

Making your own vegetable broth is not only cost-effective but also the best way to ensure it contains zero added sodium. It's also an excellent way to use up vegetable scraps that might otherwise go to waste.

Ingredients:

Scraps from carrots, celery, and onions
Garlic cloves
Herb stems (parsley, thyme)
Black peppercorns
Bay leaves
Water

Instructions:

Sauté (optional): For deeper flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery scraps in a little olive oil in a large stockpot for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Combine: Add all the remaining ingredients and enough water to cover them completely.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook, partially covered, for 45 to 60 minutes.
Strain: Once the broth has simmered, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl, discarding the solid vegetables and herbs.
Store: Cool the broth completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator (up to a week) or freezer (up to six months). Freezing in smaller portions, like ice cube trays, is a convenient way to have broth ready for any recipe.

Flavoring your food without salt

Once you have your low-sodium base, you can enhance the flavor of your dishes without relying on salt. A variety of herbs, spices, and other ingredients can provide a rich, complex flavor profile.

Herbs and Spices: Experiment with a wider range of dried and fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, ginger, and cumin.
Acid: Add a splash of lemon juice or different kinds of vinegar (apple cider, balsamic) to brighten flavors.
Aromatics: Increase the amount of onions and garlic, or add leeks, shallots, or fennel to your recipes.
Nutritional Yeast: This provides a nutty, savory, or cheesy flavor that can substitute for some of the saltiness.

Comparison: Low-Sodium Broth vs. Regular Broth


Feature	Low Sodium Vegetable Broth	Regular Vegetable Broth
Sodium Content	140 mg or less per serving. 'No Salt Added' versions are typically even lower.	High, often over 500 mg per cup. Some brands may exceed 800 mg.
Flavor Control	High. Allows you to season dishes to your exact preference without risk of over-salting.	Low. The high salt content makes it difficult to adjust seasoning without making the dish overly salty.
Health Impact	Supports heart health, helps manage blood pressure, and reduces risk of related diseases.	Increases sodium intake, which is linked to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.
Ingredient Quality	Manufacturers often focus on more natural ingredients and avoid artificial additives like MSG in low-sodium versions.	May contain flavor enhancers, preservatives, and MSG.
Preparation	Can be bought or made at home. Homemade offers the lowest possible sodium.	Typically a store-bought product, less common to be made at home with very high salt.

Conclusion

For those managing their sodium intake, low-sodium vegetable broth is not only available but is a superior choice for cooking. It offers significant health benefits, including better blood pressure management, and provides the freedom to create flavorful dishes with precise seasoning. Whether you choose a reputable store-bought brand or make a batch of your own using vegetable scraps, embracing a low-sodium broth is a simple yet impactful step towards a healthier lifestyle. The abundance of alternative flavorings, from herbs and spices to lemon and vinegar, ensures that you can enjoy delicious, vibrant meals without relying on excess salt. By making this one small switch in your pantry, you can take a big step toward a more flavorful and healthier diet.

Outbound link

For more information on the health impacts of dietary sodium, consult resources from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

'Low Sodium' broth contains 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving, according to FDA guidelines. 'No Salt Added' broth means no salt was added during processing, so it typically has the absolute lowest sodium content, consisting only of naturally occurring sodium from the ingredients.

Making your own vegetable broth is the best way to ensure it has no added sodium and can be more cost-effective, especially using vegetable scraps. However, store-bought low-sodium options are a convenient and healthy alternative for those who don't have the time to make their own.

Many brands offer low-sodium vegetable broths. Some popular examples include Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium, Trader Joe's Organic Low Sodium, Campbell's No Salt Added, Imagine Organic Low Sodium, and 365 by Whole Foods Organic Low Sodium.

You can add flavor using a variety of herbs and spices (rosemary, thyme, paprika), aromatics (garlic, onion, ginger), and acid (lemon juice, vinegar). Roasting your vegetables before simmering can also create a deeper flavor.

While regular store-bought stock can sometimes be lower in sodium than regular broth, this isn't always the case, and both can be very high in salt. It is always best to purchase specifically labeled 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' versions of either stock or broth if you are monitoring your intake.

Common vegetables for a flavorful broth include carrots, celery, and onions, known as mirepoix. You can also add garlic, leek, mushroom trimmings, parsley stems, and peppercorns for extra depth.

Yes, reducing sodium intake, for example by using low-sodium broth, is directly linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, which is vital for heart health.