Is Stock Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Homemade or quality stock is processed (Level 2) — made by simmering bones or vegetables in water with aromatics and salt. It is one of the most fundamental preparations in cooking, requiring no industrial additives.
Key Findings
- •Homemade stock (bones, water, vegetables, herbs) is Level 1-2 — a foundational cooking technique
- •Quality commercial stocks with 8-10 recognizable ingredients are Level 2
- •Stock concentrates and bases with yeast extract and natural flavors are Level 3
Why Is Stock Level 2?
Stock-making is a slow extraction process: bones (often roasted first), vegetables (onion, celery, carrot), herbs, and water are simmered for hours, then strained. Collagen from bones converts to gelatin, giving stock its body. Quality commercial stocks maintain this simplicity with ingredients like chicken bones, water, onions, carrots, celery, salt, and herbs. Some commercial stocks add yeast extract or natural flavors for deeper flavor at lower cost, but the best brands keep ingredient lists to 8-10 items.
Stock Processing Level Distribution
How 869 stock products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 13.2 · Average nutrition score: 4.9/10
Stock Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed stock products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Chicken Bone Broth | Brodo | 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 29 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 |
| 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 |
| Seaweed Mushroom Bone Broth, Seaweed Mushroom | Brodo | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Beef Bone Broth 28 G Protein Powder | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Beef Bone Broth 28 G Protein Powder | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Beef Bone Broth 28 G Protein Powder | Now | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Stock Labels
- 1
Quality stock lists bones or meat as the first ingredient, not water
- 2
Yeast extract and natural flavors are shortcuts that indicate less actual bone or vegetable content
- 3
Stock that gels when refrigerated contains real collagen from bones — a sign of quality
- 4
Avoid stocks listing sugar, caramel color, or MSG — these indicate an industrial product
Frequently Asked Questions
Is store-bought stock ultra-processed?
Quality store-bought stock with bones, water, vegetables, and salt is Level 2 — not ultra-processed. However, cheaper stocks with yeast extract, natural flavors, sugar, and caramel color are more processed (Level 3). Read the ingredient list carefully.
Is bone broth the same as stock?
Bone broth is essentially stock — bones simmered in water for extended periods. The term "bone broth" is a marketing distinction, not a processing one. Both are Level 1-2 when made traditionally.
How can I tell if stock is good quality?
Look for bones or meat as the first ingredient, a short ingredient list (under 10 items), no yeast extract or natural flavors, and no added sugar or caramel color. Quality stock will gel when refrigerated due to natural collagen.