Will Beef Broth Take Me Out of Ketosis? A Keto Dieter's Guide

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

The ketogenic diet, which limits carbohydrate intake to typically less than 50 grams per day, relies on the body entering a metabolic state called ketosis. For those concerned about their daily carb count, the question, 'Will beef broth take me out of ketosis?' is a valid one, and the answer lies in understanding what you're consuming.

Quick Summary

Pure, unadulterated beef broth is extremely low in carbohydrates and suitable for a ketogenic diet, as it won't raise blood sugar or insulin levels. The main concern is with store-bought versions that may contain hidden sugars or additives, but careful label reading can prevent this. Broth also provides essential electrolytes, helping combat the 'keto flu'.

Key Points

Check the Label: For store-bought broth, always check the nutrition facts for hidden sugars, starches, or thickeners that could contain carbs.
Opt for Pure: Plain, unadulterated beef broth, especially homemade, contains virtually no carbs and is perfectly safe for ketosis.
Use to Combat Keto Flu: Broth's high electrolyte content, including sodium and potassium, helps alleviate common 'keto flu' symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
Choose Bone Broth for Extra Benefits: Beef bone broth, simmered longer to extract more collagen and minerals, offers additional gut-health and joint-health benefits.
Control Your Ingredients: Making homemade beef broth gives you full control, ensuring no unwanted additives compromise your state of ketosis.
Don't Overdo the Protein: While broth is safe, excessive protein from other sources could potentially impact ketosis through gluconeogenesis, though this is less of a concern with broth's moderate protein content.

The Role of Carbohydrates in Ketosis

Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose (sugar) from carbohydrates. The strict limitation of carbohydrates forces the body to produce ketones as an alternative fuel source. Consuming too many carbs can disrupt this process by reintroducing glucose, causing the body to switch back to its preferred fuel source and effectively 'kicking' you out of ketosis.

The Macronutrient Profile of Beef Broth

At its core, traditional beef broth is made by simmering beef bones and meat in water with some herbs and vegetables. This process extracts collagen, amino acids, and minerals without adding significant carbohydrates. A typical cup of pure beef broth contains virtually no carbs and is primarily composed of water, trace fats, and some protein, making it a very safe bet for staying in ketosis.

The Difference Between Homemade and Store-Bought Broth

While homemade beef broth is almost always a safe, low-carb option, the same cannot be said for all commercially available products. Here's why:

Additives and Thickeners: Some store-bought broths, especially bouillon cubes or powdered mixes, contain added ingredients like starches, yeast extracts, or maltodextrin to enhance flavor or consistency. These can add unexpected carbs and potentially spike blood sugar.
Sugar: A common tactic to improve flavor in mass-produced products is to add a small amount of sugar. Always check the nutrition label for 'sugars' and the ingredients list for added sweeteners.
Labeling Issues: Even products labeled 'low-carb' or 'keto-friendly' can have 1-3 grams of carbs per serving. While a single serving might not be enough to cause issues, consuming multiple servings or being extra strict with your carb limits means every gram counts.

How to Select a Keto-Friendly Beef Broth

To ensure your broth is keto-compliant, follow these guidelines:

Read the Nutritional Label: Examine the Total Carbohydrates and Sugars section. For best results, choose a broth with 0-1 gram of net carbs per serving.
Scrutinize the Ingredients List: Look for a short, simple list. Ideal ingredients include water, beef bones, vegetables (like carrots and celery), and herbs. Avoid any that list sugar, corn syrup solids, or starch.
Choose Homemade: Making your own broth gives you complete control over the ingredients. It's surprisingly simple and guarantees zero hidden carbs.
Consider Bone Broth: If your goal is to boost nutritional intake, opt for beef bone broth. It is simmered longer and offers more collagen and electrolytes while remaining very low in carbs.
Beware of Broth-Based Soups: When purchasing premade soups that list beef broth as an ingredient, be extra vigilant. These often contain other high-carb vegetables, pastas, or fillers that will break ketosis.

The Health Benefits of Broth on a Keto Diet

Beyond its carb-free nature, beef and bone broth offer several advantages for those following a ketogenic diet:

Combats Keto Flu: When transitioning to ketosis, the body sheds water and electrolytes. Symptoms like headaches and fatigue, known as the 'keto flu,' can be mitigated by replenishing electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which broth provides.
Supports Gut Health: Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which help soothe and repair the gut lining.
Increases Satiety: A warm cup of broth can be surprisingly filling, helping to curb cravings and reduce overall calorie intake.
Nutrient Density: Broth is a source of easily absorbable minerals that can be beneficial when limiting certain food groups.

Beef Broth vs. Bone Broth: A Keto Comparison

For keto dieters, both beef broth and beef bone broth are excellent options, but understanding their subtle differences can help you make an informed choice.


Feature	Homemade Beef Broth	Standard Store-Bought Broth	Keto-Specific Bone Broth
Net Carbs	~0g per cup	~1-3g per cup (read labels)	~0-1g per cup
Protein	Low-Moderate	Low	Moderate-High (More collagen)
Additives	None	Possible added sugars, starches, and MSG	Clean, usually no additives
Keto Suitability	Excellent	Varies (Check label)	Excellent
Electrolyte Content	Moderate	Varies (Can be high in sodium)	High (Sodium, potassium, magnesium)

The Bottom Line: Will Beef Broth Take You Out of Ketosis?

Pure beef broth, either homemade or a carefully selected store-bought version with no added sugars or starches, will not take you out of ketosis. In fact, its low-carb, hydrating, and electrolyte-rich profile makes it a valuable addition to a ketogenic diet. The key to success is diligence in checking product labels for hidden carbs and opting for the simplest, cleanest ingredients available. By being mindful of your source, you can enjoy beef broth worry-free and even leverage its benefits to support your keto journey.

To learn more about the scientific basis of ketosis and how different foods affect it, you can explore resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can drink beef broth every day on a keto diet. A couple of cups per day is a common practice and is unlikely to affect ketosis, especially if you ensure it has no added carbs.

Not significantly. Both are very low in carbs. However, bone broth is simmered longer and tends to be richer in collagen and protein, though this protein is generally not at a level to disrupt ketosis in typical serving sizes.

You should check the ingredient list for common additives like maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, or starch. The nutrition label should show less than 1 gram of total carbohydrates per serving.

Adding most common herbs and spices like black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder will not break ketosis. However, be cautious with pre-mixed seasoning blends, which might contain sugar or other carb-based fillers.

Beef bouillon cubes or powders can be keto-friendly, but you must check the label carefully. Many contain maltodextrin or other fillers that increase the carb count.

Yes, a warm cup of broth can be very satiating. The combination of fluids and nutrients helps you feel full, which can help reduce cravings between meals.

For maximum electrolyte benefit, consider consuming bone broth, which is naturally rich in sodium, potassium, and magnesium. You can also add a pinch of high-quality salt, like pink Himalayan or sea salt, to your homemade broth.