A Look at the Core Ingredients
Pacific Foods is known for its commitment to using simple, high-quality, and often organic ingredients. The base for most of its chicken broth products starts with just a few core components, which are then enhanced with different seasonings depending on the specific product. Whether you're making a soup base, a risotto, or simply sipping it warm, understanding the ingredient profile is key to choosing the right broth.
The foundation of Pacific chicken broth is typically a combination of water and organic chicken. For their organic varieties, this means the chicken is raised without antibiotics and artificial growth hormones. The broth is then slow-simmered to create a rich and savory flavor profile.
Pacific's Popular Chicken Broth Varieties
Pacific offers several types of chicken broth, each with a slightly different ingredient list tailored to a specific dietary need or flavor profile. Let's break down some of the most common products.
Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
This is one of the most popular offerings, known for its clean label. The ingredients reflect a focus on organic sourcing and simple seasoning.
Ingredients include:
- Organic Chicken Broth (Water, Organic Chicken, Rosemary Extract [Antioxidant])
- Organic Chicken Flavor
- Sea Salt
- Organic Onion Powder
- Organic Turmeric Extract
- Organic Rosemary Extract
Low Sodium Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
For those watching their salt intake, this version offers the same great taste with less sodium.
Ingredients include:
- Organic Chicken Broth (Water, Organic Chicken, Rosemary Extract [Antioxidant])
- Organic Chicken Flavor
- Organic Onion Powder
- Organic Yeast Extract
- Organic Rosemary Extract
Organic Chicken Bone Broth with Sea Salt
Bone broth products are made by simmering bones for a longer period to extract naturally occurring collagen.
Ingredients include:
- Organic Chicken Bone Broth (Water, Organic Chicken, Organic Onions, Organic Spices, Organic Carrots, Organic Celery, Organic Rosemary Extract [Antioxidant])
- Sea Salt
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
What Makes Pacific Broth Stand Out?
Pacific Foods goes beyond just providing chicken broth; their focus on clean, simple ingredients and dietary inclusivity sets them apart. Here are some key features that apply to many of their chicken broth products:
- Certified Organic: A majority of their products carry USDA organic certification, guaranteeing no artificial ingredients or GMOs.
- Allergen-Friendly: Most varieties are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and wheat-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary restrictions.
- No MSG or Artificial Additives: The seasoning comes from natural sources like onion powder and herb extracts, not synthetic flavor enhancers.
- Keto and Paleo Friendly: The simple, clean ingredient list aligns with many popular low-carb and paleo diets.
Comparison Table: Pacific Chicken Broth Ingredients
| Feature | Organic Free Range Broth | Low Sodium Organic Broth | Organic Chicken Bone Broth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Organic chicken, sea salt, organic seasonings | Organic chicken, organic seasonings | Organic chicken bones, organic vegetables, spices |
| Key Flavorings | Organic onion powder, turmeric, rosemary | Organic onion powder, yeast extract, rosemary | Organic onion, carrot, celery, spices, apple cider vinegar |
| Sodium Content | Standard level (570mg per cup) | Significantly lower (approx. 50mg per cup) | Lower than standard broth (90mg per cup) |
| Key Nutrient | Savory flavor base | Same flavor, less salt | High in naturally occurring collagen |
Understanding Ingredient Differences
For most home cooks, the differences in these ingredient lists affect two main factors: flavor and dietary needs. The Low Sodium broth is the clearest example, offering a healthier sodium level without sacrificing the rich, foundational taste. The addition of yeast extract in some versions (like the low-sodium) is a common way to boost savory, umami flavors in a natural way, while bone broths contain simmered vegetables and spices for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
The Role of Spices and Extracts
Pacific Foods utilizes specific extracts and powders for their flavor and preservative qualities. For example, rosemary extract acts as a natural antioxidant, helping to preserve freshness. The use of turmeric extract also contributes to both color and flavor in certain products. These carefully chosen ingredients replace the need for artificial additives and preservatives commonly found in conventional broths.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Pacific chicken broth reflect a commitment to simplicity, organic standards, and catering to specific dietary needs. From the base of organic chicken to the thoughtful use of natural seasonings and extracts, the ingredient list is clean and straightforward. By offering a variety of products, including low-sodium and bone broth options, Pacific ensures there is a high-quality, flavorful choice for every home cook and health-conscious consumer. For more information on their products, you can visit the Pacific Foods website.