Is Broth Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Simple broth made from bones or meat simmered in water is processed (Level 2). Commercial boxed and canned broths vary widely — quality brands with short ingredient lists are Level 2, while cheaper versions with yeast extract, sugar, and natural flavors push to Level 3.
Key Findings
- •Homemade broth from meat, bones, water, and salt is Level 1-2
- •Quality commercial broth with 6-8 ingredients and meat listed first is Level 2
- •Budget commercial broths with yeast extract, sugar, and natural flavors are Level 3
Why Is Broth Level 2?
Traditional broth is made by simmering meat, bones, or vegetables in water with salt and aromatics — a slow extraction process that requires no additives. Commercial broth production often takes shortcuts: yeast extract provides umami without long simmering, natural flavors boost taste cheaply, sugar balances flavor, and caramel color gives a rich appearance. The best commercial broths list chicken or beef as the first ingredient and keep additives minimal. The worst list water first followed by flavor enhancers.
Broth Processing Level Distribution
How 993 broth products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 13.5 · Average nutrition score: 4.6/10
Broth Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed broth products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Bone Broth 28 G Protein Powder | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Beef Bone Broth, Beef | Brodo | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Chicken Bone Broth Protein Powder, Chicken | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Chicken Bone Broth 29 G Protein Powder | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Gordon's, Chesapeake Classics, Clam Broth Juice | Gordon's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Chicken Bone Broth | Brodo | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Seaweed Mushroom Bone Broth, Seaweed Mushroom | Brodo | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Chicken Bone Broth | Brodo | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Beef Bone Broth Protein Powder, Beef Bone Broth | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Beef, Chicken & Turkey Hearth Bone Broth, Beef, Chicken & Turkey | Brodo | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Broth Labels
- 1
The first ingredient should be chicken, beef, or vegetables — not water
- 2
Yeast extract is a flavor shortcut that suggests less actual meat or bone content
- 3
"Natural flavors" is a broad term that can mask industrial flavor compounds
- 4
Low-sodium versions often have cleaner ingredient lists since salt masks flavor shortcuts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is store-bought broth ultra-processed?
Most store-bought broth is not ultra-processed, falling at Level 2-3 depending on the brand. Look for broth with meat or bones as the first ingredient and fewer than 10 total ingredients. Avoid brands heavy on yeast extract and natural flavors.
What is the difference between broth and stock?
Broth is traditionally made from meat (sometimes with bones), while stock focuses on bones for collagen and body. In practice, commercial products use the terms interchangeably. Both are Level 2 when made simply.
Is bone broth ultra-processed?
Traditional bone broth (bones simmered in water with vinegar, salt, and aromatics) is Level 1-2. Commercial bone broth products vary — check for added natural flavors, yeast extract, or sugar that indicate more processing.