SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH, CHICKEN scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional characteristic is its **moderate sodium content**, which is a key factor in its overall score.
FoodScore: 45/100 (Decent), indicating it is a processed food with some nutritional considerations.
Contains 237.92mg of sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to daily intake.
Zero grams of added sugar, total fat, and fiber per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), meaning it undergoes significant industrial processing.
A convenient option for adding flavor to dishes, but consider its sodium contribution.
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 NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH, CHICKEN receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects its profile as a processed food, as indicated by its NOVA 3 classification, which incurs a 5-point penalty. A significant factor in its score is the sodium content, at 237.92mg per 100g. While not excessively high, this amount contributes to the daily recommended intake, especially if consumed in larger quantities or multiple servings. The product contains 0g of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar, and fiber per 100g, which are positive attributes. However, it also provides minimal protein (0.83g per 100g) and negligible amounts of essential micronutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, and various vitamins. The presence of natural flavoring and yeast extract indicates a formulation designed for taste enhancement, common in processed broths. Compared to a home-cooked chicken broth made with whole ingredients, this SWANSON product offers less protein and micronutrient density, with a higher sodium level for a similar volume.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in swanson natural goodness chicken broth, chicken actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Aids in Hydration
SWANSON chicken broth is primarily water, making it a useful option for contributing to daily fluid intake. For individuals who find plain water unappealing, or during periods of mild dehydration, consuming broth can be a palatable way to increase fluid consumption. This can be particularly helpful when recovering from illness or engaging in light physical activity where fluid replacement is beneficial. Its liquid form allows for easy digestion and absorption.
Low Calorie Flavor Base
With only 6 calories per 100g, this SWANSON broth provides a low-calorie base for cooking. It can add significant flavor to meals without contributing substantial energy, which can be beneficial for those managing calorie intake. Using broth instead of higher-fat ingredients like butter or oil for sautéing vegetables or deglazing pans can help reduce the overall caloric density of a dish. This makes it a versatile ingredient for enhancing the palatability of various recipes.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient
This chicken broth serves as a highly versatile ingredient in many culinary applications. It can be used as a liquid base for soups, stews, and sauces, or to cook grains like rice and quinoa, imparting a savory flavor. The convenience of a ready-to-use broth like this allows for quick meal preparation, which can support consistent home cooking. Its neutral chicken flavor profile makes it adaptable to a wide range of cuisines and dishes.
SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH, CHICKEN scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional characteristic is its moderate sodium content, which is a key factor in its overall score.
How to eat it
Chicken broth is commonly used as a foundational liquid in cooking, adding depth and moisture to various dishes. It's typically consumed in 1-cup portions as part of a larger meal or as a light, savory beverage. Common pitfalls include not accounting for its sodium content when adding other salty ingredients.
Use SWANSON chicken broth as a flavorful liquid for cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous instead of plain water.
Incorporate it into homemade soups and stews to enhance savory notes without adding significant calories or fat.
When making sauces or gravies, use this broth as a base to reduce the need for higher-fat liquids.
Consider diluting the broth with water if you are sensitive to sodium or are adding other salty ingredients to your recipe.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains salt and natural flavoring, which are common in processed broths. While generally safe for most individuals, those monitoring their sodium intake, such as individuals with hypertension, should be mindful of the 237.92mg of sodium per 100g. The term "natural flavoring" is a broad category and does not specify the exact components, which might be a consideration for individuals with specific sensitivities, though adverse reactions are uncommon. There are no declared major allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg on the label for this specific SKU. Overall, for a processed product, the ingredient list is relatively straightforward, and it poses no unusual or significant cautions for the general population beyond typical sodium considerations.
Is SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH healthy?
SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH scores 45/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category on FoodScore. It is low in calories, fat, and added sugar, but also provides minimal protein and micronutrients. Its primary nutritional consideration is its sodium content, at 237.92mg per 100g.
How does SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH compare to other chicken broths?
Compared to homemade chicken broth, SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH is more processed (NOVA 3) and typically contains higher sodium levels. When compared to other branded broths like Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, this SWANSON SKU may have a similar nutritional profile, but specific comparisons would require checking the individual product's label for sodium and other nutrient values.
What is 'natural flavoring' in this broth?
The 'natural flavoring' in SWANSON NATURAL GOODNESS CHICKEN BROTH refers to flavor components derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. These are added to enhance the taste profile of the broth. The exact composition is proprietary and not detailed on the label.
How much SWANSON chicken broth can I consume daily?
A typical serving size is 1 cup (240g). Given its sodium content of 237.92mg per 100g, one serving would contribute approximately 571mg of sodium. While this fits within daily recommendations for most, consuming multiple servings daily, especially alongside other high-sodium foods, could lead to exceeding daily sodium limits. Moderation is key.
Can I use this broth for a low-sodium diet?
This SWANSON chicken broth contains 237.92mg of sodium per 100g, which is not considered a low-sodium product. For individuals on a strict low-sodium diet, it would be more appropriate to choose a 'low sodium' or 'unsalted' chicken broth option, or to make broth from scratch without added salt.