SWANSON, INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR, CHINESE HOT & SOUR
SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content, despite being low in calories and fat.
SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR has a FoodScore of 40/100 (Poor).
This product is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
A single serving contains 332.92mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
It provides minimal protein (0.83g) and no fiber, unlike a home-cooked broth.
Use this broth as a flavor base rather than a primary source of nutrition.
Scores -6 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
332.92mg
14% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
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What holds it back
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 40
SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR receives a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily influenced by its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. While the product is notably low in calories at 10 per 100g and contains no total fat, saturated fat, or added sugar, it also offers minimal beneficial nutrients. It provides only 0.83g of protein and 0g of fiber per 100g. A key concern is the sodium content, at 332.92mg per 100g, which is a substantial amount for a broth and can quickly add up when consumed in typical serving sizes. The ingredient list includes soy lecithin, an emulsifier, and various flavorings and extracts, which are common in ultra-processed items. Compared to a home-cooked Chinese hot and sour broth made with whole ingredients, this SWANSON product lacks the naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and fiber that would be present from fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and a homemade bone broth base, which would typically contribute to a higher nutritional score.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in swanson, infused broth, chinese hot & sour, chinese hot & sour actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Low Calorie and Fat Content
This SWANSON broth is notably low in calories and fat, containing only 10 calories and 0g of total fat per 100g. This makes it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their caloric intake or looking to reduce fat in their diet. It can be incorporated into meals to add flavor without significantly increasing the overall energy content, which can be beneficial for weight management strategies when used as part of a balanced diet.
Convenient Flavor Base
The product offers a convenient and ready-to-use flavor base for various dishes. Its distinct Chinese Hot & Sour profile can enhance soups, stir-fries, or noodle dishes without requiring extensive preparation of individual spices and ingredients. This convenience can be particularly helpful for individuals with limited time for cooking, allowing them to quickly add a specific flavor dimension to their meals.
Zero Added Sugar
SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR contains 0g of added sugar per 100g. This aligns with dietary recommendations to limit intake of added sugars, which can contribute to excess calorie consumption without providing significant nutritional value. Choosing products with no added sugar can support better blood sugar management and overall dietary health.
SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content, despite being low in calories and fat.
How to eat it
This broth is typically consumed as a base for soups, stews, or as a flavorful liquid for cooking grains and vegetables. A common serving size is one cup, which provides a quick way to add flavor to a meal. It's often used when time is limited and a homemade broth is not feasible.
Use this broth as a base for a quick homemade soup by adding fresh vegetables, lean protein, and noodles to boost nutrient density.
Dilute the broth with water to reduce its sodium concentration if you are sensitive to salt or are managing blood pressure.
Pair with whole grains like brown rice or quinoa cooked in the broth to add fiber and complex carbohydrates to your meal.
Consider using it in smaller quantities as a seasoning liquid for stir-fries rather than consuming it as a standalone beverage.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with sodium-sensitive hypertension should be mindful of the high sodium content (332.92mg per 100g) in SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR. While a single serving may not exceed daily limits, regular consumption or combining it with other high-sodium foods could lead to excessive intake. The product contains soy sauce and wheat, making it unsuitable for individuals with soy or wheat allergies, or those following a gluten-free diet. The presence of milk in the flavoring also indicates a potential allergen for individuals with dairy sensitivities. As an ultra-processed food, it contains various extracts and flavorings, which some individuals may prefer to limit in their diet.
Is SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR healthy?
SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it is low in calories, fat, and added sugar, it is an ultra-processed product and high in sodium. It provides minimal protein and no fiber or significant micronutrients, meaning it does not contribute substantially to a balanced diet on its own.
How does SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR compare to other broths?
Compared to a homemade Chinese hot and sour broth, this SWANSON product is lower in beneficial nutrients like fiber and certain vitamins and minerals, which would naturally come from fresh ingredients. When compared to other store-bought broths like Pacific Foods Organic Bone Broth, it may have similar sodium levels but often lacks the protein content found in bone broths, making it less nutritionally dense.
What does 'flavoring (white pepper extract, ginger extract, milk)' mean in the ingredient list?
This indicates that the product uses concentrated extracts from white pepper and ginger to achieve its flavor profile, rather than whole spices. The inclusion of 'milk' in the flavoring means that dairy is present, which is important for individuals with milk allergies or sensitivities to note. These are common components in ultra-processed foods to enhance taste.
What is a typical serving size for this broth?
A typical serving size for SWANSON INFUSED BROTH, CHINESE HOT & SOUR is 1 cup. While this serving is low in calories (25 calories per cup), it contributes a significant amount of sodium (832mg per cup), which is about 36% of the daily value for sodium. It's important to consider this when planning your daily sodium intake.
Can I use this broth for a low-sodium diet?
No, this broth is not suitable for a low-sodium diet. With 332.92mg of sodium per 100g, and 832mg per 1-cup serving, it is considered high in sodium. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should look for broths specifically labeled 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' to manage their intake effectively.