Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Low-Sodium Bone Broth | Bone Broth Without the Salt Crash

Standard bone broth often packs a surprising wallop of sodium — hundreds of milligrams per cup that silently sabotage anyone watching their blood pressure or managing water retention. The category has quietly evolved beyond those salt-heavy sipping broths, with several companies now dialing the sodium down while keeping the collagen and amino acid profile intact. Finding a clean, flavorful, truly low‑sodium option that doesn’t taste watered down is the real challenge.

I’m Emma — the founder and writer behind Baby Bangs. I spend my time cross‑referencing nutritional panels, filtering out broths that hide sodium in “natural flavor” loopholes, and verifying which brands actually deliver on their low‑sodium claims without sacrificing protein content or gut‑healing potential.

Whether you are on a renal diet, following a strict keto protocol, or just trying to cut salt without cutting flavor, the market has options that work. This guide breaks down the five top contenders for best low-sodium bone broth and shows you exactly where each one earns its place in your pantry.

How To Choose The Best Low-Sodium Bone Broth

The low‑sodium bone broth aisle has become a confusing mix of “reduced sodium,” “unsalted,” and “no salt added” labels that mean very different things. A genuinely low‑sodium broth keeps the sodium under 140 mg per serving — the FDA’s threshold for the “low sodium” claim — while still delivering the collagen and amino acids that make bone broth worth sipping.

Check the Sodium‑to‑Protein Ratio

The biggest trap is buying a low‑sodium broth that also strips protein content. Your target is at least 8‑10 grams of protein per serving with sodium under 140 mg. If a broth claims low sodium but delivers only 2‑3 grams of protein, you are paying for flavored water. The ratio matters more than either number in isolation.

Powder, Carton, or Concentrate — Which Form Fits Your Sodium Goal?

Cartons (like Swanson and College Inn) deliver convenience but force you into a fixed serving size that might still be higher in sodium than a single powdered serving you dilute yourself. Powders (Bluebird Provisions, Kroma’s) give you complete control — use less powder per cup to drop sodium further. Concentrates (Savory Choice) offer the best of both: portion‑controlled packets that dissolve instantly with no leftover waste.

Watch for Hidden Sodium in “Natural Flavors”

Some brands that advertise “no salt added” still contain significant sodium from hidden sources like celery juice powder, sea salt in the “natural flavor” base, or the bones themselves if not thoroughly rinsed before simmering. The only reliable way to compare is to read the Nutrition Facts panel — never trust the front‑of‑package marketing claim alone.

Quick Comparison

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Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
Bluebird Provisions Chicken Bone Broth Powder Premium Powder Ultra‑low sodium target & gut healing 130 mg sodium, 12 g protein per serving Amazon
Kroma’s 24K Chicken Bone Broth Powder Organic Powder Clean‑label wellness ritual with turmeric Organic, 12 g protein, turmeric + ginger Amazon
Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth Carton Value Budget‑friendly bulk cooking & soups No salt added, 384 oz total Amazon
College Inn Chicken Bone Broth Resealable Carton Convenient everyday bone broth base No MSG, twist‑off cap, 12‑pack Amazon
Savory Choice Reduced Sodium Concentrates Multi‑Flavor Packets Portion control & variety cooking 30 packets, 3 flavors, instant dissolve Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. Bluebird Provisions Chicken Bone Broth Powder

130 mg sodium12 g protein

Bluebird Provisions takes the top spot because it hits the hardest number in this category: just 130 mg of sodium per serving alongside a full 12 grams of protein. That is a sodium‑to‑protein ratio nearly impossible to find in liquid carton broths, which typically hover around 300‑400 mg sodium for the same protein yield. The ingredient list is refreshingly sparse — dehydrated chicken bone broth made from pasture‑raised chicken bones and water, period. No onion, no garlic, no natural flavors, no hidden salt sources.

The powder format gives you complete control over strength. You can use a heaping scoop for a richer broth or dial it back for barely‑salted sipping. It dissolves cleanly in hot water with no clumping, though it does lack the mouthfeel of a long‑simmered liquid broth. The umami flavor is present but mild — expect a gentle savory note rather than a punchy bouillon hit. This works well for fasting protocols, elimination diets, or anyone who needs the lowest possible sodium without sacrificing protein density.

One important note: the 7.1‑ounce container yields roughly 7 servings at the standard serving size. That is a smaller volume than a 12‑pack of cartons, so factor in the cost per gram of protein when comparing value. For the specific goal of high protein with minimal sodium, however, nothing else on this list competes.

Why it’s great

  • Only 130 mg sodium with 12 g protein — category’s best ratio
  • Single ingredient: pasture‑raised chicken bones and water
  • No onion, garlic, or common gut irritants

Good to know

  • Smaller container — only about 7 servings per pouch
  • Mild flavor may need seasoning adjustment for some palates
Daily Wellness

2. Kroma’s 24K Chicken Bone Broth Powder

Organic proteinTurmeric + ginger

Kroma’s 24K stands out for its organic certification and clean ingredient profile — cage‑free chicken bones, no GMOs, no dairy, no gluten, and no artificial anything. Each serving delivers 12 grams of protein with a noticeably lower sodium content than most premium sipping broths, though the exact sodium count sits slightly above Bluebird’s extreme low. The real differentiator here is the infusion of turmeric and ginger, which adds an anti‑inflammatory angle that standard broths lack.

The powder dissolves easily in hot water and produces a warm, golden‑tinted broth that tastes more like a spiced sipping tea than a traditional stock. That makes it ideal for morning wellness rituals or post‑workout recovery where you want the collagen and protein without feeling like you are drinking soup. The 7‑pack format (7 servings) makes it a trial‑friendly option — you can test whether the spiced profile works for your palate before committing to a larger tub.

On the downside, the added turmeric and ginger mean this is not a neutral base for cooking. Use it for sipping only — it will conflict with recipes that call for a plain bone broth. The per‑serving cost also runs higher than the value picks below, but the organic label and clean additives justify the premium for buyers who prioritize ingredient sourcing above all else.

Why it’s great

  • Organic, cage‑free chicken bones with 12 g protein
  • Turmeric and ginger add anti‑inflammatory benefits
  • Quick dissolve with no artificial ingredients

Good to know

  • Spiced flavor limits cooking versatility
  • Higher per‑serving cost than mid‑range options
Best Value

3. Swanson 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth

Unsalted384 oz total

Swanson’s Unsalted Chicken Broth is the volume king of this roundup — twelve 32‑ounce cartons totaling nearly 4 gallons of liquid. It is labeled “unsalted” rather than “low sodium,” and the distinction matters: unsalted means no salt was added during processing, but the chicken and vegetable base still contribute naturally occurring sodium. The actual sodium content per cup typically lands around the 140‑160 mg range, which qualifies as low sodium for most dietary needs but runs slightly above the ultra‑low numbers of the powdered options above.

This broth shines as a cooking staple. It is fat‑free, gluten‑free, non‑GMO, and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Use it to replace water in rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or stuffing for an instant flavor boost without the salt bomb of regular broth. The flavor profile is classic Swanson — mild, slightly vegetal, and perfectly neutral for recipes where you do not want the broth to dominate the dish.

The trade‑off is protein content. Standard chicken broth (even unsalted) generally delivers around 1‑2 grams of protein per cup compared to bone broth’s 8‑12 grams. If your primary goal is protein density for muscle repair or satiety during intermittent fasting, this is not the right choice. But for bulk cooking on a budget where sodium reduction is the priority and protein is secondary, this 12‑pack offers unbeatable value.

Why it’s great

  • 384 oz total — massive volume for the price point
  • Clean ingredients with no added salt, fat, or preservatives
  • Versatile neutral flavor for cooking and soups

Good to know

  • Low protein (~1‑2 g per cup) — not a true bone broth
  • Naturally occurring sodium still present (~140‑160 mg/cup)
Cooking Blend

4. College Inn 100% Natural Chicken Bone Broth

Bone brothTwist‑off cap

College Inn’s entry is one of the few liquid bone broths in this lineup that actually carries the “bone broth” label rather than simply “broth.” That distinction signals a longer simmer time — typically 8‑12 hours versus the 2‑4 hours of standard broth — which extracts more collagen, gelatin, and amino acids. The result is a noticeably richer mouthfeel and a protein count that, while still lower than the powdered options, exceeds what Swanson’s unsalted broth delivers.

The convenience factor here is strong. Each 32‑ounce carton features a twist‑off, resealable top that keeps the broth fresh in the fridge for days after opening. No decanting, no leftover waste from oversized containers. The flavor is clean with no artificial flavors, no added MSG, and no preservatives, making it a solid base for chicken noodle soup, white chicken chili, or simply sipped warm with a pinch of pepper.

The sodium content is the catch. College Inn does not market a specific “low sodium” or “unsalted” version of this bone broth in the same way Swanson does. The standard formulation contains more sodium than the unsalted alternatives, so buyers strictly limiting salt should verify the label on the specific batch. If sodium is your primary filter, the powdered options above or Swanson’s unsalted broth are safer bets. But for the best tasting liquid bone broth that still sits below the heavy‑salt competitor brands, College Inn wins.

Why it’s great

  • True bone broth with collagen from long simmering
  • Resealable carton tops are convenient for daily use
  • No MSG, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Good to know

  • Sodium content is moderate — check the label for your limit
  • Protein still lower than powdered bone broth options
Variety Pack

5. Savory Choice Reduced Sodium Broth Concentrates

30 packets3 flavors

Savory Choice takes a different approach: 30 individual packets across three flavors — reduced sodium beef, chicken, and vegetable broth concentrates. Each 9.6‑gram packet dissolves instantly in hot water to produce a single serving of broth, eliminating the waste of opened cartons and the measuring guesswork of powder scoops. This is the most portion‑controlled option in the roundup, which matters enormously if you track sodium intake by the meal.

The reduced sodium claim holds up reasonably well across all three flavors. The beef and chicken versions deliver a savory depth that rivals full‑sodium bouillons, largely because the concentrate format allows for roasted vegetable and meat extracts that do not rely on salt for flavor. The vegetable broth is clean and light — useful as a neutral base for grains and risottos. All three are gluten‑free, dairy‑free, and non‑GMO, with the vegetable version being vegan‑friendly.

The trade‑off is protein. These are concentrates, not bone broths — they lack the collagen and gelatin content that makes bone broth a protein source. Expect 1‑2 grams of protein per serving rather than 8‑12. If your goal is low‑sodium cooking versatility with zero waste, this is the smartest buy. If you need protein density for gut healing or fasting, stick with the powdered bone broth options above.

Why it’s great

  • 30 pre‑portioned packets — zero waste, perfect control
  • Three flavors (beef, chicken, vegetable) for cooking variety
  • Gluten‑free, dairy‑free, non‑GMO, instant dissolve

Good to know

  • Low protein content — not a substitute for bone broth
  • Vegetarian version lacks the collagen of animal‑based broths

FAQ

Is unsalted bone broth the same as low‑sodium bone broth?
No. “Unsalted” means no salt was added during processing, but naturally occurring sodium from the bones and vegetables remains — typically 140‑200 mg per cup. “Low sodium” means the finished product contains 140 mg or less per serving. Check the Nutrition Facts panel rather than relying on the label phrase.
Does low‑sodium bone broth still have enough collagen for gut health?
Yes, as long as the broth was simmered long enough (8‑12 hours) to extract gelatin and collagen from the bones. The sodium content and the collagen content are independent variables. Powdered bone broths often preserve collagen better because the dehydration process is gentler than high‑heat canning used in cartons.
Can I use low‑sodium bone broth for cooking if I follow a keto diet?
Absolutely. Low‑sodium bone broth is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it a strong keto staple. Just watch the protein count if you are strict about ketosis limits — bone broth’s protein can add up if you use it as a base for multiple recipes in one day.
Why do some low‑sodium bone broths still taste salty?
Certain brands use celery juice powder, yeast extract, or “natural flavors” that contain hidden sodium compounds. The broth may register low sodium on the label but still produce a salt‑forward taste. If the flavor bothers you, try an unsalted brand with no added natural flavors — Swanson’s Unsalted Chicken Broth is a reliable starting point.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most users, the best low-sodium bone broth winner is the Bluebird Provisions Chicken Bone Broth Powder because it delivers the highest protein count (12 g) with the lowest sodium count (130 mg) of any option tested, all from a single clean ingredient. If you want an organic sipping broth with anti‑inflammatory spices for a daily wellness ritual, grab the Kroma’s 24K Chicken Bone Broth Powder. And for bulk cooking where value and convenience matter more than protein density, nothing beats the Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth 12‑Pack.