What Are The Differences Between Stock And Broth? - Healthline

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribe

Nutrition

Evidence BasedWhat Are the Differences Between Stock and Broth?

Written by Taylor Jones, RD on June 15, 2017

Traditional broths are meat-based while stocks are bone-based. This subtle difference makes stocks a thicker liquid compared to broths.

Stocks and broths are flavorful liquids that are used to make sauces and soups, or consumed on their own.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.

This article explains the differences between stocks and broths, and gives instructions for how to make and use each.

Broth Is Lighter and More Flavorful

Broth is traditionally made by simmering meat in water, often with vegetables and herbs. This flavored liquid is then used for a variety of culinary purposes.

In the past, the term “broth” was only used to refer to meat-based liquids. Today, however, vegetable broth has become very common.

The most common flavors of broth are chicken, beef and vegetable, though nearly any type of meat can be used.

Bone broth has also become extremely popular in the past few years, and is made by simmering bones, vegetables and herbs in water for up to 24 hours.

Though it is frequently called a broth, bone broth is technically stock because it requires the addition of bones.

In order to avoid confusion, the rest of this article will refer to bone broth as stock.

Because of the rich flavor of broth that comes from meat, vegetables and herbs, you can drink broth plain. People often do this to remedy a cold or the flu.

In fact, drinking warm, steaming broth is an effective way to loosen up mucus when you have a stuffy nose. It is even more effective in the form of chicken soup.

Broth is cooked for a relatively short amount of time, since meat will become tough if you cook it for too long. Therefore, if you’re making broth, remove the meat as soon as it is fully cooked, after no longer than an hour.

The meat can then be used for another recipe, or chopped and added back to the finished broth to create chicken soup, for example.

Broth is thinner than stock and more flavorful than water. Therefore, it is most commonly used as a base for soups or as a cooking liquid.

Here are some of the most common dishes broth is used in:

Cream sauces
Risotto
Dumplings
Casseroles
Stuffing
Cooked grains and legumes
Gravies
Soups
Sautéed or stir-fried dishes

Summary:
Broth is prepared by simmering meat, vegetables and herbs in water to create a flavorful liquid. It can be consumed alone or used to create soups or other dishes.

Stock Is Thicker and Takes Longer to Make

Unlike broth, stock is based on bones rather than meat.

It is made by boiling bones or cartilage in water for many hours, which allows the bone marrow and collagen to be released.

This gives stock a thicker, more gelatinous consistency than broth.

Because it’s made with bones and cartilage, not meat, stock is cooked for much longer than broth, typically for at least 6–8 hours. This allows the stock time to thicken and become more concentrated as the collagen is released.

You can make stock with many types of bones, including chicken, beef, pork and even fish.

Traditionally, stock is meant to be used as a neutral base for recipes. It’s intended to add mouthfeel but not an overwhelming flavor.

Before you use bones to make stock, clean them of all meat. If you want to make a neutral stock, do not add other seasonings or aromatic ingredients.

However, if you want more flavor, add meat, vegetables and herbs. Traditional additions include onions, carrots, parsley, thyme and bones with meat left on.

This results in a liquid that is just as flavorful as broth, but with an added thickness.

Whether you choose a plain stock made from just bones, or a flavorful stock made with meat and vegetables depends on how you will use it.

Here are some of the most common dishes stock is used in:

Sauces, including cream sauces, au jus and tomato sauce
Gravy
Braising liquid
Stews or soups
Cooked grains and legumes

Summary:
Stock is prepared by simmering bones for many hours to create a thick liquid you can use as a base for soups and sauces.

Is There a Difference in How They’re Used?

You may have noticed that many of the uses for stock are also listed as uses for broth.

The two are very often used interchangeably, and it’s fine if you substitute broth for stock in most recipes, and vice versa.

Yet, if you have a choice between the two, use broth when a dish is largely based on the flavor of the liquid, such as in a broth-based soup.

On the other hand, you can use stock when the dish gets plenty of flavor from other ingredients, such as in a stew flavored with the drippings of a roast.

Summary:
Stock and broth are often used interchangeably, though broth may be better suited for dishes based on the flavor of the liquid.

Is One Healthier Than the Other?

When it comes to health, stock and broth each have their pros and con

Broth contains about half the calories per cup (237 ml) that stock does. One cup of chicken broth provides 38 calories, while one cup of stock contains 86 calories.

Stock contains slightly more carbs, fat and protein than broth, though it’s also significantly higher in vitamins and minerals.

Here’s how a cup of broth compares to a cup of stock:

Chicken Broth	Chicken Stock
Calories	38	86
Carbs	3 grams	8.5 grams
Fat	1 gram	3 grams
Protein	5 grams	6 grams
Thiamine	0% of the RDI	6% of the RDI
Riboflavin	4% of the RDI	12% of the RDI
Niacin	16% of the RDI	19% of the RDI
Vitamin B6	1% of the RDI	7% of the RDI
Folate	0% of the RDI	3% of the RDI
Phosphorus	7% of the RDI	6% of the RDI
Potassium	6% of the RDI	7% of the RDI
Selenium	0% of the RDI	8% of the RDI
Copper	6% of the RDI	6% of the RDI

Because broth is lower in calories, it may be the preferred option for those who are trying to limit their calorie intake.

Nevertheless, stock contains more nutrients, as well as collagen, marrow, amino acids and minerals. These may protect the digestive tract, improve sleep and support joint health.

Unfortunately, there have not been any studies to date examining the potential benefits of stock, also known as bone broth.

Additionally, adding vegetables and herbs to either stock or broth can increase the vitamin and mineral content and release beneficial aromatic plant compounds.

Parsley, oregano and thyme, for example, are all sources of antioxidants that are commonly used in stock and broth. And certain cooking methods, including simmering, actually increase their antioxidant capacity.

These herbs and many others that are commonly used in broths or stocks also exhibit some anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Onions and garlic also have their own unique benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Summary:
Stock and broth are nutritionally similar, though broth is lower in calories and stock contains more vitamins, minerals, collagen and marrow.

What About Bouillon, Consommé and Bone Broth?

In addition to broth and stock, here are a few related terms worth discussing.

Bouillon

Bouillon is simply the French word for broth. However, it is often used in place of broth, especially in the case of bouillon cubes.

Bouillon cubes are simply broth that has been dehydrated and shaped into small blocks. They must then be mixed with water and rehydrated before use.

Consommé

Consommé is a stock that has been further concentrated and refined by a process involving simmering the stock with egg whites, meat and vegetables.

Impurities are then skimmed from the surface.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is gaining a reputation as a superfood. However, as mentioned previously, bone broth is simply a new term for a very traditional food: stock.

Bone broth differs from stock in that it may be cooked longer. It may also include an acidic component like vinegar to aid in breaking down connective tissue.

Aside from these distinctions, stock and bone broth are essentially the same thing.

Summary:
Bone broth, consommé and bouillon are all very similar to or, in some cases, the same as stock or broth.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth

You can get premade broth from the store, but it’s easy and healthy to make at home too.

Here is a recipe for a basic chicken broth.

It’s good on its own, but don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients if you want to incorporate different flavors.

Basic Chicken Broth

Ingredients

2–3 pounds (0.9–1.4 kg) chicken meat, which can include bony pieces
1–2 onions
2–3 carrots
2–3 stalks celery
Parsley, several stems
Thyme, several sprigs
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper

These amounts can easily be adjusted based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Bay leaves, peppercorns and other herbs are also common additions.

Directions

Combine chicken meat, roughly chopped onions, carrots, celery, whole garlic cloves and herbs in a stock pot.
Add water until contents are covered, and turn on medium-high heat.
When water starts to boil, turn heat down to medium-low so the mixture simmers very gently. Add water as needed to ensure meat is always just covered.
Allow to simmer for approximately one hour, or until chicken is fully cooked.
Remove chicken and store for use in another recipe. If desired, return any cleaned bones to the pot and continue to simmer for another hour or more.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Drain broth through a strainer into another large pot or bowl and discard solids. Divide into smaller containers for refrigeration or freezing.

Summary:
You can easily make broth at home by boiling meat, vegetables and herbs in water for up to one hour. The broth should then be strained and is ready for use.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock

Here are the instructions for preparing a chicken stock, including extra vegetables and herbs for flavor.

Basic Chicken Stock

Ingredients

Chicken carcass, bones, neck or other parts with cartilage (cooked or raw)
2 onions
1–2 carrots
2–3 stalks celery
Parsley, several stems
Thyme, several sprigs
2 cloves garlic

These ingredients and amounts can also be adjusted based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Directions

Break apart chicken carcass into pieces small enough to fit into your stock pot.
Combine carcass, roughly chopped onions, carrots, celery, whole garlic cloves and herbs in the pot.
Cover with water and turn on medium-high heat.
When water starts to boil, turn heat down to medium-low so the mixture simmers gently. Add water as needed to ensure bones are always just covered.
Allow to simmer for 6–8 hours, skimming foam and fat from the top as necessary.
Drain stock through a strainer into another large pot or bowl and discard solids. Divide into smaller containers for refrigeration or freezing.

Summary:
You can make stock by boiling bones in water for 6–8 hours until the liquid becomes thick and gelatinous. Include vegetables, meat and herbs if you want to give it more flavor.

The Bottom Line

The terms “broth” and “stock” are often used interchangeably. Though their ingredients are largely the same, there is a difference between them.

Stock is made from bones, while broth is made mostly from meat or vegetables.

Using bones in stock creates a thicker liquid, while broth tends to be thinner and more flavorful.

Though broth and stock do have small differences, many people use them for the same purposes.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Arreola R, et al. (2015). Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25961060/
Bower A, et al. (2016). The health benefits of selected culinary herbs and spices found in the traditional Mediterranean diet.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25749238/
Butt M S, et al. (2009). Garlic: nature's protection against physiological threats.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19484634/
Saketkhoo K et al. (1978). Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/
Samonina G, et al. (2000). Protection of gastric mucosal integrity by gelatin and simple proline-containing peptides.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10825688/
Soup, chicken broth, low sodium, canned. [Fact Sheet]. (2019). USDA FoodData Central.https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171609/nutrients
Soup, stock, chicken, home-prepared. [Fact Sheet]. (2019). USDA FoodData Central.https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172884/nutrients
Suleria H A R, et al. (2015). Onion: nature protection against physiological threats.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24915405/
Trentham D E, et al. (1993). Effects of oral administration of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8378772/
Yamadera W, et al. (2007). Glycine ingestion improves subjective sleep quality in human volunteers, correlating with polysomnographic changes.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1479-8425.2007.00262.x

Share this article

Written by Taylor Jones, RD on June 15, 2017

Read this next

5 Healing Bone Broth Recipes for Your Body, Gut, Skin, and SoulMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Bone broth boasts many benefits for gut healing, joint repairing, sleep, and more. Pressed for time or want a variety? These recipes will hit the spot.
READ MORE
Does Bone Broth Protein Have Health Benefits?Written by Ryan Raman, MS, RD
Bone broth protein is claimed to provide all of the benefits of bone broth and protein in a convenient form. But does it really work?
READ MORE
What Foods Make You Happiest? Hint: It’s Not What You Think
Research shows that certain food may affect mood and mental health. Eating these foods may make you feel happier.
READ MORE
Eating Nuts May Help Reduce Food Cravings, Promote Weight Management
A new study says swapping high carb snacks for nuts can help curb cravings for sweets and promote weight management. Participants who made the switch…
READ MORE
Strangers With Vitamins? Amy Sedaris Shares How She Boosts Her Brain Health
Actor and comedian Amy Sedaris, known for her role in "Strangers With Candy," shares her approach to healthy aging and cognitive well-being.
READ MORE
We Tried and Found Coffee Alternatives That Taste Like the Real ThingWritten by Catherine Conelly
We researched the most popular types of coffee alternatives and chose seven products to try. Here's what taste closest to coffee and what didn't.
READ MORE
Your Favorite Holiday Beverage May Weaken Your Bones, Experts Say
Many popular holiday drinks, such as hot chocolate, are high in sugar, which can impact bone health by causing increased calcium loss.
READ MORE
Most People Aren't Getting Enough Omega-3: What Are the Health Impacts?
New research shows that people are generally not consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids. Experts weigh in and explain how to get more.
READ MORE
Over 1 Million Bags of Shredded Cheese Recalled Over Metal Particles, Listeria
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for over 1 million bags of shredded cheese due to the possible presence of metal particles or…
READ MORE
Plant-Based Diets Could Be as Healthy as Mediterranean Diet, Study Finds
A new study suggests that well-designed plant-based dietary plans could match the nutritional quality of a Mediterranean-style omnivorous dietary…
READ MORE

Tag » How Many Calories In Chicken Broth

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media

Nutrition

Nutrition

Broth Is Lighter and More Flavorful

Stock Is Thicker and Takes Longer to Make

Is There a Difference in How They’re Used?

Is One Healthier Than the Other?

What About Bouillon, Consommé and Bone Broth?

Bouillon

Consommé

Bone Broth

How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth

Basic Chicken Broth

How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock

Basic Chicken Stock

The Bottom Line

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Contact