SWANSON Chicken Broth receives a FoodScore of 45/100 (Decent). Its primary nutritional characteristic is its low calorie and macronutrient content, balanced against its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food.
SWANSON Chicken Broth scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore.
It contains 0g of total fat, 0g of added sugar, and 0g of fiber per 100g.
The product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed), contributing to score penalties.
Sodium content is 237.92mg per 100g, which is moderate.
Use this broth as a base for soups or to add moisture to dishes without significant calories.
Scores -1 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0.83g
2% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
237.92mg
10% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 45
SWANSON Chicken Broth achieves a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects its minimal caloric and macronutrient contribution, alongside its classification as a processed food. Per 100g, it provides only 6 calories, 0.83g of protein, and no fiber, total fat, or added sugar. While the absence of added sugars and unhealthy fats is a positive aspect, the product offers negligible amounts of essential micronutrients, with 0% DV for potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. The sodium content is 237.92mg per 100g, which is a moderate level for a prepared food. The inclusion of natural flavoring and yeast extract contributes to its NOVA 3 classification, indicating it is a processed food. This processing incurs a 5-point penalty in the FoodScore calculation. Compared to a home-cooked chicken broth made with whole ingredients, SWANSON Chicken Broth lacks the variability in nutrient density and the potential for higher micronutrient content that fresh ingredients typically provide.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in swanson chicken broth actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Low Calorie Base for Cooking
SWANSON Chicken Broth provides a very low-calorie liquid base for various culinary applications. With only 6 calories per 100g, it allows for flavor enhancement in dishes like soups, stews, and sauces without significantly increasing the overall caloric load. This can be beneficial for individuals managing their calorie intake or seeking to add moisture and savory depth to meals without relying on higher-calorie alternatives like oils or creams. Its minimal energy contribution makes it a suitable choice for diluting richer recipes or preparing light meals.
Zero Added Sugar and Fat
This product contains 0g of added sugar and 0g of total fat per 100g. This nutritional profile makes it a suitable option for individuals aiming to reduce their intake of added sugars and unhealthy fats. Many prepared broths can contain hidden sugars or higher fat content, but SWANSON Chicken Broth avoids these. This characteristic supports dietary patterns focused on minimizing discretionary calories from these sources, allowing consumers to control the fat and sugar content of their overall meal preparation.
Flavor Enhancement Without Significant Macronutrients
SWANSON Chicken Broth offers a way to enhance the savory flavor of dishes without contributing significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, or fats. Its primary role is to provide a liquid medium and a background of chicken flavor, derived from ingredients like chicken stock and natural flavoring. This can be particularly useful in recipes where the main ingredients already provide sufficient macronutrients, and the broth is intended to complement rather than contribute substantially to the nutritional profile. It helps create a satisfying taste experience while maintaining control over the dish's nutritional composition.
SWANSON Chicken Broth receives a FoodScore of 45/100 (Decent). Its primary nutritional characteristic is its low calorie and macronutrient content, balanced against its NOVA 3 classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
SWANSON Chicken Broth is commonly used as a foundational liquid in a variety of cooked dishes. It serves as a base for soups, stews, gravies, and sauces, and can also be used to braise meats or cook grains like rice and quinoa. A typical serving size is 1 cup, providing a savory element to meals.
Use SWANSON Chicken Broth as a low-calorie liquid base for homemade soups, adding plenty of vegetables and lean protein to boost nutrient density.
When cooking grains like rice or couscous, substitute water with chicken broth to infuse additional savory flavor without adding significant calories or fat.
Consider diluting the broth with water if you are particularly sensitive to sodium, especially when using it in recipes that already contain other salty ingredients.
Use this broth to deglaze pans after cooking meats or vegetables, capturing flavorful browned bits to create a quick sauce or gravy.
Store opened cartons of SWANSON Chicken Broth in the refrigerator and use within 7-10 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portion control.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for SWANSON Chicken Broth relates to its sodium content, which is 237.92mg per 100g. While not excessively high, regular consumption in large quantities or as part of a diet already high in processed foods could contribute to exceeding daily sodium recommendations. Individuals with hypertension or other cardiovascular concerns should monitor their intake. The product contains natural flavoring and yeast extract, which are common ingredients in processed foods and can contribute to the overall processed nature of the product. There are no declared allergens on the label, and no specific interactions or risks for particular populations (e.g., children, diabetics) beyond general sodium intake considerations.
SWANSON Chicken Broth is a low-calorie and fat-free liquid that can be part of a balanced diet. It provides minimal macronutrients and micronutrients, serving primarily as a flavor base. Its NOVA 3 classification indicates it is a processed food, which is a factor in its FoodScore of 45/100. It is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.
How does SWANSON Chicken Broth compare to other brands?
Compared to other prepared chicken broths like Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Broth, SWANSON offers a similar nutritional profile in terms of low calories and fat. Differences often lie in specific ingredients, such as organic certifications or the presence of specific flavor enhancers. SWANSON is a cost-effective and widely available option for a basic chicken broth.
What is 'natural flavoring' in SWANSON Chicken Broth?
The term 'natural flavoring' on an ingredient list refers to substances derived from a natural source (like a spice, fruit, vegetable, or meat) whose primary function is flavor, not nutrition. In SWANSON Chicken Broth, it contributes to the savory chicken taste. While derived from natural sources, it is still a processed ingredient and can be complex in its composition.
How much SWANSON Chicken Broth can I consume daily?
There isn't a strict daily limit for SWANSON Chicken Broth, but it's important to consider its sodium content. A 1-cup serving contains approximately 560mg of sodium. If you use it frequently or in large quantities, ensure your overall daily sodium intake remains within recommended guidelines, especially if you are managing blood pressure.
Can I use SWANSON Chicken Broth for a low-sodium diet?
SWANSON Chicken Broth contains 237.92mg of sodium per 100g, which is a moderate level. For individuals on a strict low-sodium diet, this product might be too high. SWANSON does offer lower-sodium versions of their chicken broth, which would be a more suitable choice for those monitoring their sodium intake closely.
Is SWANSON Chicken Broth gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, SWANSON Chicken Broth does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. It is generally considered a gluten-free product, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Always check the most current product label for any changes.