7 Best Brands of Chicken Broth That Are Easy to Prepare

The Swanson Chicken Broth 14.5 Oz Can (12 Pack) earns the top spot in 2026 for its consistent flavor, clean ingredient list, and unbeatable shelf-stable convenience. Whether the goal is a quick weeknight soup or a slow-simmered stew, having a reliable chicken broth on hand makes all the difference between a flat dish and one that tastes genuinely homemade.

Chicken broth is one of the most versatile pantry staples in any kitchen. According to Wikipedia, broth is a savory liquid made by simmering meat, bones, or vegetables in water — and it forms the flavor foundation for hundreds of dishes worldwide. From soups and broths used daily in home cooking to risottos, gravies, and braised meats, the right chicken broth elevates nearly every savory recipe it touches. Buyers shopping for chicken broth in 2026 will find a wide range of options, from low-sodium cartons to concentrated paste bases to premium bone broths packed with collagen and protein.

This review covers seven of the best brands of chicken broth available on Amazon right now, drawing on ingredient transparency, sodium content, packaging format, customer feedback, and real-world cooking performance. The full list covers options for budget shoppers, health-conscious cooks, and those seeking restaurant-quality depth. For a broader look at the category, visit the chicken broth reviews hub to compare even more options.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Picks of 2026

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Swanson Chicken Broth, 14.5 Oz Can (12 Pack)
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Pacific Foods, Broth Chicken Free Range Organic, 32 Fl Oz
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  College Inn 100% Natural Chicken Broth, 12 Pack, 32 oz Carton
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  SWANSON S Natural Goodness Lower Sodium Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Better Than Bouillon Premium Roasted Chicken Base, Made with Seasoned Roasted Chicken, 38 Servings, Blendable Base for Added Flavor, 8-Ounce Jar (Pack of 1)
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock, 8.25 oz Carton (Pack of 12) Pantry Staple for Homemade Recipes, Perfect for Gravy or Side Dishes
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Kettle & Fire, Bone Broth, Chicken, 16.9 Oz (Pack of 5)
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Our Hands-On Reviews

1. Swanson Chicken Broth, 14.5 Oz Can (12 Pack) — Best Overall

Swanson has been one of the most recognized names in broth for decades, and the 14.5 oz recyclable can format remains a go-to choice for households that cook frequently. Each can delivers a perfectly balanced blend of farm-raised chicken, fresh-picked vegetables, and high-quality seasonings — with no artificial flavors, no colors, and no preservatives. The broth is certified 100% natural and non-GMO, making it a trustworthy option for shoppers who scrutinize ingredient labels.

The 12-pack format makes bulk buying practical without sacrificing storage flexibility. Individual 14.5 oz cans open, use, and store cleanly — a useful trait when a recipe calls for less than a full 32 oz carton. The broth is both fat-free and gluten-free, which broadens its appeal to cooks managing dietary restrictions. On the stovetop, Swanson's broth heats evenly and produces a clean, golden liquid that integrates smoothly into soups, casseroles, rice dishes, and pan sauces without overpowering the other ingredients.

For everyday cooking in 2026, this remains the benchmark chicken broth. The price-per-ounce at bulk quantity is competitive, and the consistent flavor profile means cooks can rely on it from one batch to the next. Buyers who like to keep a stocked pantry will appreciate the long shelf life of the canned format.

Pros:

• 100% natural, non-GMO, no artificial additives
• Fat-free and gluten-free
• Recyclable can format; convenient single-serve sizing
• Clean, well-balanced chicken flavor

Cons:

• Standard sodium level — not ideal for low-sodium diets
• Cans require a can opener (no pull-tab on all versions)

2. Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, 32 Fl Oz — Best Organic

Pacific Foods positions itself at the premium end of the organic broth market, and for good reason. This broth is made from certified organic free-range chicken combined with sea salt and carefully selected seasonings — a clean, short ingredient list that health-focused buyers tend to prioritize. The free-range sourcing matters both for animal welfare and for the resulting flavor, which tends to be noticeably richer and more savory than conventionally produced broths.

The 32 oz Tetra Pak carton is resealable, meaning partial-use cartons can go directly into the refrigerator without the need for a separate container. This format also eliminates the BPA concerns sometimes associated with canned products. Pacific Foods broth is fat-free and gluten-free, and the organic certification gives buyers confidence that the chicken was raised without synthetic pesticides or antibiotics. It performs exceptionally well as a base for risottos, pasta dishes, and delicate cream soups where the broth flavor is front and center.

The price point is higher than conventional options, which is expected for organic, free-range sourcing. Buyers who cook dishes where broth is a primary flavor — not just a background liquid — report that the investment pays off in noticeably better results. Pacific Foods is a particularly strong choice for home cooks who also prepare vegetarian soups and want a premium broth option that doesn't compromise on quality.

Pros:

• USDA Certified Organic, free-range chicken
• Resealable carton — refrigerator-friendly after opening
• Fat-free and gluten-free with a short ingredient list
• Deeper, more complex flavor than most conventional broths

Cons:

• Higher price per ounce than non-organic competitors
• Single 32 oz size — no bulk multipack option at this tier

3. College Inn 100% Natural Chicken Broth, 12 Pack, 32 oz Carton — Best Value Bulk Pack

College Inn has been a fixture in American kitchens for over a century, and the 12-pack of 32 oz cartons makes it one of the best value options for households that go through broth quickly. Each carton delivers a classic combination of tender chicken, farm-grown vegetables, and herbs and spices — a familiar, reliable flavor profile that works well across a broad range of recipes. The broth is made with premium quality, 100% natural ingredients with no artificial additives.

The large 32 oz carton format is well-suited to bulk cooking — soups, stews, braised meats, and grain dishes that require significant liquid. Buying a 12-pack significantly reduces the per-ounce cost compared to purchasing individual cartons at the grocery store. The resealable carton design allows partial-use storage in the refrigerator for several days. College Inn broth heats up quickly and integrates smoothly into dishes without any off-notes or excessive saltiness.

For large families, meal preppers, or anyone who batch-cooks on weekends, the College Inn 12-pack delivers solid, dependable flavor at a price that makes stocking up practical. It may not have the depth of a premium organic broth, but for everyday cooking — including recipes where broth is one of several flavor components — it performs reliably and consistently.

Pros:

• Exceptional value in 12-pack bulk format
• 100% natural ingredients, no artificial additives
• Resealable carton for easy refrigerator storage
• Versatile flavor suits most savory recipes

Cons:

• Flavor is mild — may feel thin in dishes where broth is the star
• Standard sodium — not suitable for sodium-restricted diets

4. Swanson Natural Goodness Lower Sodium Chicken Broth, 32 oz — Best Low-Sodium Option

Swanson's Natural Goodness line addresses one of the most common objections to store-bought broth: sodium overload. This 32 oz carton contains 33% less sodium than regular Swanson chicken broth — 570 mg per cup versus the standard 860 mg — making it the go-to choice for buyers managing blood pressure, following heart-healthy diets, or simply preferring to control their own salt levels when cooking. The broth is 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Despite the reduced sodium, the broth maintains a well-balanced flavor anchored by farm-raised chicken and fresh-picked vegetables. The lower salt content actually allows the natural chicken flavor to come through more clearly, which many experienced cooks prefer. This format works particularly well in recipes where the broth reduces significantly — braises, pan sauces, and risottos — because standard-sodium broth can become uncomfortably salty when concentrated through evaporation.

The 32 oz recyclable carton is resealable for easy refrigerator storage. This is Swanson's most versatile broth for health-conscious households, and it pairs well with any dish that requires a clean, subtly flavored liquid base. Buyers who regularly cook sodium-sensitive recipes for elderly family members or young children will find this option particularly practical in 2026.

Pros:

• 33% less sodium than standard chicken broth
• 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Natural chicken flavor shines through without salt masking
• Ideal for reduced-sauce recipes that concentrate liquid

Cons:

• Single-carton format — no multi-pack bulk option readily available
• Slightly milder overall than full-sodium varieties

5. Better Than Bouillon Premium Roasted Chicken Base, 8 oz — Best Concentrated Paste

Better Than Bouillon takes a completely different approach to chicken broth: instead of a ready-to-use liquid, it delivers a concentrated roasted chicken paste that dissolves in water to create a richer, more robust broth than ordinary bouillon cubes or powders. One 8 oz jar makes 38 servings — an extraordinary yield that makes it the most economical option on this list when calculated per serving. The paste is made with seasoned roasted chicken, which produces a depth of flavor that carton broths often struggle to match.

The flexibility of a paste format is one of its biggest advantages. Users can dial the concentration up or down based on the recipe — a teaspoon per cup for standard broth, more for a richer reduction, less for a subtle background note. The compact jar takes up minimal pantry space and stays fresh for months after opening when refrigerated. Better Than Bouillon is widely used by both professional cooks and home kitchens that want maximum flavor control without bulk liquid packaging.

The trade-off is that it requires measuring and mixing, which takes an extra few seconds compared to pouring from a carton. Sodium content per serving is notable — buyers managing sodium intake should check the label and adjust serving size accordingly. But for flavor-forward cooking, casseroles, gravies, and dishes where a rich chicken flavor is the priority, Better Than Bouillon consistently outperforms standard ready-to-use broths. It pairs especially well with egg noodles — see the best egg noodle brands for recipe pairing ideas.

Pros:

• 38 servings per jar — outstanding value per serving
• Richer, more complex flavor than standard liquid broths
• Adjustable concentration for recipe flexibility
• Compact storage — takes up far less pantry space

Cons:

• Higher sodium per serving — not ideal for strict low-sodium diets
• Requires measuring and mixing — not as convenient as ready-to-pour

6. Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock, 8.25 oz Carton (Pack of 12) — Best for Gravies & Sauces

Kitchen Basics takes a slow-simmered approach that sets it apart from standard chicken broths. The stock is made by simmering chicken with vegetables and herbs at low heat for an extended period, drawing out collagen and natural gelatin that give sauces and gravies a silkier, more luxurious body. The 8.25 oz single-serve cartons are sized for individual recipe use — the right amount for a pan sauce, a small gravy, or a side dish without the waste that comes with opening a large carton for a small quantity.

The 12-pack format makes this option particularly useful for meal preppers and frequent cooks who value portion control. Each carton is gluten-free and made without artificial flavors. The stock works well across a wide range of applications: soups, gravies, braising liquids, cream sauces, and roasted vegetable side dishes where richness is desired. The smaller carton size also makes it easy to add just a splash to a skillet without committing to a large container.

Kitchen Basics has built a reputation among home cooks who take their sauces seriously. The slow-simmered process is reflected in the finished product — a fuller-bodied liquid with more mouthfeel than a standard filtered broth. Buyers who prioritize cooking technique and want a stock that behaves like a homemade reduction will find Kitchen Basics a dependable shelf-stable alternative.

Pros:

• Slow-simmered for greater depth and body than standard broth
• 8.25 oz individual cartons — ideal for portion-controlled cooking
• Gluten-free, no artificial flavors
• Excellent for gravies, sauces, and braised dishes

Cons:

• Higher cost per ounce in individual carton format
• Small carton size insufficient for large-batch soup recipes

7. Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth, 16.9 oz (Pack of 5) — Best Bone Broth

Kettle & Fire occupies a distinct category: it is not just a chicken broth or stock — it is a true bone broth made through an extended simmering process that extracts collagen, gelatin, and minerals directly from the bones. The result is a nutritionally dense liquid with a characteristic gel-like consistency when refrigerated, a sign of high collagen content. This is the option that dietitians and wellness-focused consumers point to when discussing broths with functional health benefits beyond basic flavor.

Each 16.9 oz carton in the 5-pack is shelf-stable and ready to heat directly or use as a culinary liquid. The crafted-with-premium-ingredients positioning is reflected in sourcing and production standards. Kettle & Fire bone broth works both as a drinking broth — consumed warm by the cup as a protein-rich sip — and as a culinary liquid for soups, ramen, pho, and braised dishes where exceptional body and collagen content are valued. The flavor is notably richer and more gelatinous than conventional broths.

The price per ounce is the highest on this list, which reflects the extended production process and ingredient quality. Buyers who drink broth daily as part of a health routine or who want the most nutritionally complete option for culinary use will find the investment justified. For context, bone broth contains significantly more protein per serving than standard chicken broth — a meaningful difference for buyers tracking macronutrients. This is the standout pick in 2026 for anyone prioritizing nutrition over economy.

Pros:

• True bone broth — high collagen, gelatin, and natural protein content
• Shelf-stable 5-pack — convenient for regular use without refrigeration
• Suitable for drinking straight or using as a culinary base
• Premium ingredients with a noticeably richer flavor profile

Cons:

• Highest price per ounce on this list
• Rich, gelatinous texture may not suit all recipe applications

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Chicken Broth

Choosing the right chicken broth in 2026 is not simply a matter of grabbing the cheapest carton. Several key factors separate a broth that elevates every dish from one that flattens it. Here is what matters most when evaluating options.

Sodium Content

Sodium is one of the most important variables in chicken broth. Standard chicken broths typically contain 800–900 mg of sodium per cup, which can make dishes taste oversalted when the broth reduces through cooking. Lower-sodium options like the Swanson Natural Goodness drop that figure by a third or more, giving cooks more control over the final dish. Buyers who braise, make pan sauces, or reduce broths during cooking should prioritize a low-sodium product. Those who use broth primarily as a soup base or diluted liquid can usually work with standard sodium levels.

Broth vs. Stock vs. Bone Broth

These three terms are often used interchangeably at the grocery store, but they represent genuinely different products. Broth (like Swanson and College Inn) is made primarily from meat — it is lighter in body and lower in protein. Stock (like Kitchen Basics) is made with bones and connective tissue, producing a thicker, more gelatinous liquid with greater body. Bone broth (like Kettle & Fire) involves extended simmering of bones for 12–24 hours, extracting the maximum amount of collagen, gelatin, and minerals — making it the most nutritionally dense of the three. The right choice depends on intended use: everyday cooking favors broth, while gravies and sauces benefit from stock, and nutrition-focused buyers reach for bone broth.

Organic and Clean-Label Ingredients

The difference between a conventional chicken broth and an organic one often comes down to sourcing standards. Organic certifications (like those on Pacific Foods) require that the chicken was raised without synthetic pesticides, GMO feed, or routine antibiotics. For buyers who prioritize clean labels, the shorter the ingredient list, the better. The most trusted brands in 2026 — whether organic or conventional — share one common trait: they avoid artificial flavors, artificial colors, and synthetic preservatives. Reading the ingredient list takes less than ten seconds and immediately separates quality products from lesser ones.

Packaging Format and Convenience

Chicken broth comes in four main formats: cans, Tetra Pak cartons, concentrated paste, and ready-to-drink cartons. Cans (like Swanson 14.5 oz) are shelf-stable and stackable but require a can opener. Cartons (like Pacific Foods and College Inn) are resealable and refrigerator-friendly after opening. Concentrated paste (Better Than Bouillon) delivers maximum storage efficiency and serving flexibility — one jar replaces dozens of cartons. Ready-to-drink bone broth cartons (Kettle & Fire) prioritize convenience for on-the-go consumption. Buyers who cook in large batches should prioritize bulk carton multipacks; those with limited pantry space benefit most from the paste format.

What People Ask

Next Steps

1. Check the current price and availability of the top pick — Swanson Chicken Broth 12-Pack — on Amazon before purchasing, as prices fluctuate regularly.
2. Compare sodium levels across all seven options by reviewing the nutrition labels on each product page, then select the one that fits daily sodium targets.
3. Visit the full chicken broth category page to see additional brand options, user ratings, and side-by-side comparisons beyond this list.
4. If bone broth is the priority, check Kettle & Fire's current multipack pricing — buying a 5-pack frequently offers a better per-unit cost than single cartons.
5. Explore pairing ideas — chicken broth pairs naturally with the best egg noodle brands for quick noodle soups, and serves as a base for many recipes featured in the best vegetable soup brands guide.