Finding a box of chicken broth that delivers savory depth without flooding your system with sodium often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack of salty liquid. Most “low-sodium” options still pack surprising amounts of the mineral per serving, leaving you to choose between flavor and your daily limits.
I’m Emma — the founder and writer behind Baby Bangs. I’ve spent the last three years analyzing the nutritional panels, ingredient lists, and customer feedback of over 40 broth products to separate real low-sodium performers from cleverly marketed imposters.
After sorting through the claims, I’ve identified five true contenders that either skip added salt entirely or use almost none. This guide to the best low-sodium chicken broth lands on options that actually let you taste the chicken, not just the salt shaker.
How To Choose The Best Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Shopping for a broth with minimal sodium requires you to look past the front-of-box label and check two things: the exact mg of sodium per serving and the ingredient source. Many brands call themselves “low-sodium” but still contribute significant amounts if you use multiple cups in a soup.
Check the Mg Per Serving — and Your Portion
A “low-sodium” claim on federal guidelines means 140 mg or less per serving. But a serving is usually 1 cup, and most recipes call for 2 to 4 cups. Always multiply the per-serving sodium by the volume you’ll actually use. True sodium-free options contain 0–5 mg per serving, giving you complete control over salt addition.
Scan for Natural Flavor Sources — Avoid Yeast Extract
When sodium is reduced, manufacturers often add yeast extract, maltodextrin, or “natural flavors” to restore savoriness. These can create a metallic aftertaste and provide no real nutritional value. The cleanest low-sodium broths rely solely on slow-simmered chicken bones, mirepoix vegetables, and herbs for depth.
Consider Format: Carton, Powder, or Concentrate
Liquid cartons are the most common and offer no-fuss use, but they have a shorter shelf life after opening. Powdered bouillon (like product 1) lets you control strength per serving and stays shelf-stable for months. Condensed cans (like product 4) are ingredient-specific — great for cream soups but not a direct swap for clear broths.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swanson Unsalted | Liquid Carton | Zero-sodium everyday broth | No added salt, 100% natural | Amazon |
| Gourmend Organic Bone Broth | Bone Broth | Low FODMAP & gut health | 7 organic ingredients, no onion/garlic | Amazon |
| Shirley J Bouillon Powder | Powder | Shelf-stable convenience & volume | Replaces 30+ cartons, low sodium | Amazon |
| Campbell’s Unsalted Cream of Chicken | Condensed Can | Creamy casseroles & sauces | No added salt, no BPA lining | Amazon |
| Herb-Ox Sodium Free Bouillon | Packet Mix | Portable single-serve packs | 0 mg sodium per packet | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Swanson 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth
Swanson’s Unsalted Chicken Broth hits the perfect note for a product that is silent on sodium — there is zero added salt, and the broth relies on the natural flavor of farm-raised chicken and vegetables picked at peak freshness. Each 32-ounce carton contains zero mg of sodium from added salt, though it is not technically a sodium-free food because trace amounts occur naturally, which is exactly what you want from a clean ingredient list.
This broth is fat-free, gluten-free, and made with 100% natural non-GMO ingredients — no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The flavor profile is delicate and mild, making it a versatile base for everything from soups to mashed potatoes to rice pilaf. It shines brightest when you want to add moisture and subtle poultry notes without overpowering the dish’s primary flavors.
One carton’s worth costs about the same as a premium teabag, but the 12-pack ensures you have enough for multiple large batches. The only catch is that once opened, you must use it within 5–7 days, so plan your cooking week accordingly. For an everyday workhorse that lets you control your own sodium addition, this is the standard-bearer.
Why it’s great
- Zero added salt per serving, total sodium control
- 100% natural ingredients, non-GMO and gluten-free
- Mild, versatile flavor works in any recipe
Good to know
- Short refrigerated shelf life once opened (5–7 days)
- Mild flavor may need herb or spice boost for some recipes
2. Gourmend Organic Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth
Gourmend’s Organic Unsalted Bone Broth is a specialized product that solves two problems simultaneously: the need for a truly sodium-free broth (no salt added at all) and the need for a gut-friendly option that won’t trigger IBS symptoms. It is Low FODMAP Certified, meaning it skips traditional onion and garlic bulbs entirely, using only the green tops of leeks and scallions for savory notes without the fermentable sugars.
The broth is made from free-range chicken bones and just 7 organic ingredients, simmered for 16+ hours to extract collagen and gelatin. There are no fillers, stabilizers, yeast extract, preservatives, or anything unpronounceable — and it packs a noticeable protein content from the bone stock. Customers consistently praise it for not causing the digestive distress that standard broths often provoke.
The flavor is clean and mild, noticeably lighter than boxed bone broths that rely on heavy seasoning. It works beautifully sipped straight from a mug or used as a base for soups, but the premium price per fluid ounce is the trade-off. If you need a broth that is as gentle on your stomach as it is on your sodium intake, this is the clear choice.
Why it’s great
- Low FODMAP Certified and gut-friendly
- No salt, filler, or yeast extract
- High protein from 16+ hour bone simmer
Good to know
- Premium tier price per fluid ounce
- Mild flavor may be too subtle for robust recipes
3. Shirley J Rich Chicken Bouillon Powder
Shirley J’s bouillon powder is a high-end instant alternative that finds the sweet spot between low-sodium and deep roasted flavor. It uses less sodium than standard bouillon cubes, providing a rich savory taste at roughly 30% of the daily value per teaspoon, which is notably lower than the 40–60% found in typical cubes. The 1-pound jar replaces the equivalent of over 30 liquid cartons, making it a shelf-stable powerhouse for heavy broth users.
One of its standout features is versatility — this isn’t just a soup starter. Customers report using it as a dry rub for roasting chicken or beef, a seasoning for mashed potatoes, a flavor booster for rice, and even in potato salad. The powder dissolves instantly in hot water without clumps, delivering a chef-quality broth base in seconds.
The trade-off is that while it is “lower sodium” compared to regular cubes, it is not sodium-free. Each teaspoon adds a measurable amount, so those on strict sodium restrictions must account for it. Also, the ingredient list includes yeast extract, which may be a concern for those avoiding processed flavor enhancers. For flavor-per-buck and pantry longevity, though, it dominates.
Why it’s great
- Replaces 30+ cartons in one compact jar
- Rich roasted instant flavor, dissolves easily
- Versatile as seasoning for many dishes
Good to know
- Contains sodium — not suitable for strict zero-salt diets
- Includes yeast extract as a flavor source
4. Campbell’s Condensed Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
Campbell’s has answered the call for those who rely on the classic condensed cream of chicken as a cooking shortcut but need to cut sodium. This unsalted version removes all added salt from the formula, giving you a neutral creamy base that you season yourself. The soup is made with farm-fresh cream, high-quality chicken stock, and tender chicken meat raised without antibiotics — and the cans feature a non-BPA lining.
The value here is in the versatility for bound dishes. Use it as the moisture and fat binder in casseroles like creamy garlic parmesan chicken, replace roux or bechamel in recipes, or thicken a pot pie filling. The unsalted version is not meant for sipping — this is a cooking ingredient first, and without salt, the flavor is quite flat on its own, which is the whole point.
One can yields about 2.5 servings and is microwavable, but you should not confuse this with a clear broth substitute. It serves a narrow niche: any recipe that calls for a can of cream soup now gets a blank salinity slate. If casseroles are your weeknight staple, this is your ticket to controlling the salt dial.
Why it’s great
- No added salt — total control over seasoning
- Made with no antibiotics chicken and non-BPA cans
- Perfect for creamy casseroles and sauces
Good to know
- Not a clear broth — condensed and creamy only
- Flavor is flat without your own seasoning addition
5. Herb-Ox Sodium Free Bouillon Bundle (Beef & Chicken)
Herb-Ox’s Sodium Free Bouillon bundle takes a different route from the other products on this list — it separates beef and chicken into individual packets, giving you 50 of each for 100 total servings. Each packet contains 0 mg of sodium, making it a genuinely sodium-free option for strict dietary needs where even trace amounts are a concern.
Being sodium-free means the flavor relies entirely on dehydrated vegetables, herbs, and spices rather than the savory punches salt normally provides. The resulting broth is light and herbaceous rather than deep or roasted — it won’t fool anyone into thinking it’s a slow-simmered stock. But for instant hot water preparation in an office, travel, or camping setting, the convenience is unmatched.
The main caveat is that many long-time users note the flavor can be thin and slightly artificial if you’re used to liquid cartons. It also contains yeast extract and corn syrup solids, which some shoppers prefer to avoid. For the best result, use one packet per cup of water and boost with fresh herbs or a splash of miso. For pure portability and absolute sodium absence, these packets are peerless.
Why it’s great
- 0 mg sodium per packet
- Portable and shelf-stable, 100 total servings
- Includes both chicken and beef flavors
Good to know
- Thin flavor compared to liquid broths
- Contains yeast extract and corn syrup solids
FAQ
What is the difference between unsalted and low-sodium chicken broth?
How do I make low-sodium broth taste better without adding salt?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best low-sodium chicken broth winner is the Swanson 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth because it delivers zero added salt with clean ingredients at a mid-range price that makes it a sustainable everyday choice. If you need a gut-friendly option with certified Low FODMAP ingredients, grab the Gourmend Organic Bone Broth. And for shelf-stable convenience that gives you volume without taking up fridge space, nothing beats the Shirley J Bouillon Powder.