Decoding the Ingredients in Campbell's Low Sodium Beef Broth

December 31, 2025 •

2 min read

Campbell's offers a variety of lower-sodium broths, with versions containing 30% less sodium or even no salt added, to help consumers manage their dietary intake. Understanding the components of these popular pantry staples is crucial for those mindful of their diet and ingredient list transparency.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the components in Campbell's various low sodium beef broths, highlighting the specific ingredients in the 30% Less Sodium and No Salt Added versions and comparing them to the regular option.

Key Points

Two Primary Options: Campbell's offers a 30% Less Sodium broth and a No Salt Added variety, both with distinct ingredient profiles.
Yeast Extract is Key: Both low sodium versions use yeast extract as a natural flavor enhancer to provide a rich umami taste without relying heavily on salt.
Flavor from Concentrates: The No Salt Added broth incorporates ingredients like onion juice concentrate and tomato paste to build flavor.
Recipe Flexibility: Using a low sodium broth gives home cooks greater control over the final salt content of their dishes.
Ingredient Transparency: The packaging of some low sodium products, particularly in Canada, lists ingredients like carnauba wax, which is related to the carton.
Healthier Alternative: Choosing low sodium beef broth is a simple way to reduce dietary sodium, which is beneficial for managing blood pressure.

Understanding Campbell's Low Sodium Beef Broth Varieties

Campbell's provides two primary low-sodium beef broth options: the "30% Less Sodium" ready-to-use broth and the "No Salt Added" variety. While both aim to reduce sodium, their ingredient lists differ, impacting flavor and recipe suitability. Note that ingredients can vary slightly by region (e.g., Canadian versions may list carnauba wax used in packaging).

The Ingredients in 30% Less Sodium Beef Broth

The 30% Less Sodium broth's base is beef broth made from water and beef stock. It balances seasonings and enhancers to reduce salt without sacrificing flavor. Key ingredients typically include:

Beef Broth (Water, Beef Stock)
Seasoning (Water, Natural Flavour, Salt, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Sugar)
Reduced Salt
Dextrose (for sweetness)
Yeast Extract (umami flavor)
Sunflower Oil
Carnauba Wax (in some packaging)

The Ingredients in No Salt Added Beef Broth

The "No Salt Added" version offers even lower sodium, achieving flavor through a different ingredient blend. A typical list includes:

Beef Broth (Water, Beef Stock)
Yeast Extract (umami flavor)
Dextrose and Sugar
Onion Juice Concentrate
Tomato Paste
Beef Fat
Natural Flavour (from vegetables like celery and garlic)

Comparing Campbell's Beef Broth Options

A comparison reveals the ingredient and nutritional differences between Campbell's beef broths:


Feature	Campbell's 30% Less Sodium Beef Broth	Campbell's No Salt Added Beef Broth	Campbell's Regular Beef Broth
Sodium Content (per 1 cup)	610 mg	~40 mg (naturally occurring)	Varies by product, typically higher
Beef Flavor Source	Beef stock, seasoning	Beef stock, enhancers, beef fat	Dried beef stock, natural flavoring, beef tallow (in condensed)
Key Flavor Enhancers	Natural Flavor, Yeast Extract, Sugar	Yeast Extract, Onion Juice Concentrate, Tomato Paste, Natural Flavor	Monosodium Glutamate (in condensed)
Sweeteners	Dextrose	Dextrose, Sugar	Dextrose (in condensed)
Fat Content	Sunflower Oil	Beef Fat	Beef Tallow (in condensed)
Additives	Carnauba Wax (packaging)	None listed	Caramel Color (in condensed)

Why Choose Low Sodium?

Reducing sodium intake benefits health, particularly for blood pressure and heart health. Low sodium broths allow for precise salt control in cooking. Ingredients like yeast extract and natural flavors ensure a rich taste despite less salt.

How to Cook with Campbell's Low Sodium Broth

Low sodium broth can replace regular broth, but you might need to add a pinch of salt later to taste. This allows for seasoning control. It's great for stews, flavoring rice, or making gravy. More recipes are available on Campbell's website.

Conclusion

Campbell's low sodium beef broth offers a healthier alternative with variations in ingredients. The 30% Less Sodium uses natural flavors and reduced salt, while the No Salt Added relies on enhancers like vegetable concentrates. Understanding these differences helps consumers choose the best broth for their dietary needs and culinary creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the sodium content and the ingredients used to achieve flavor. Low sodium versions contain significantly less salt, utilizing flavor enhancers like yeast extract, natural flavors, and vegetable concentrates to create a rich taste.

The ingredient lists for the 30% Less Sodium and No Salt Added broths generally do not list MSG directly. However, yeast extract, which is present in both, contains naturally occurring glutamates.

No, the "No Salt Added" broth is not completely free of sodium. It contains naturally occurring sodium from ingredients like beef stock, typically around 40mg per serving.

Yes, you can substitute low sodium beef broth for regular broth in most recipes. You may need to add a small amount of salt to taste later in the cooking process, giving you more control over the final flavor.

Yeast extract is used as a natural flavor enhancer to provide a deep, savory umami taste. It helps to compensate for the reduction in salt in the low sodium versions, ensuring the broth remains flavorful.

Carnauba wax is used in the packaging, not in the broth itself. Its purpose is to create a barrier on the carton to protect the product.

While the ready-to-use low sodium broths generally do not contain wheat, it is essential to check the specific product label. The condensed version, for example, is noted to contain wheat.