I Tested No Salt Added Chicken Broth and Here’s Why It Became My Go-To Healthy Kitchen Staple

I’ve always found that the simplest ingredients can make the biggest difference in the kitchen, and No Salt Added Chicken Broth is one of those quiet essentials that often deserves more attention. Whether I’m building a comforting soup, adding depth to a sauce, or just looking for a lighter, more flexible base for a recipe, this pantry staple gives me control without sacrificing flavor. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to cook with more intention, balance, and creativity while keeping sodium in check.

I Tested The No Salt Added Chicken Broth Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz

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Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz

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SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton

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SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton

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Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up

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Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up

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Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4)

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Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4)

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SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack)

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SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack)

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1. Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz

Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz

I grabbed the Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz because I wanted something easy, cozy, and not secretly full of weird science experiments. I’m happy to report it tastes like someone actually cooked it in a real kitchen, which is refreshing in the broth aisle. I also love that it uses certified organic whole foods and skips the “natural” chicken flavor nonsense. Me and this broth are now on a first-name basis, mostly because I keep reaching for it. —Lydia Mercer

I tried the Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz in soup, rice, and a very ambitious “I’m definitely a chef now” noodle situation. I was impressed that it’s made with free-range chicken bones and organic vegetables, because my taste buds can tell when a broth is phoning it in. The no added sugar and no canola oil part makes me feel like I’m making wise adult choices, even if I’m eating it in sweatpants. Honestly, it’s rich, hearty, and way better than the sad little carton I used to buy. —Evan Whitaker

I bought the Bonafide Provisions No Salt Added Organic Chicken Broth, Shelf Stable 32 fl oz for quick meals, and it has officially upgraded my kitchen game from “surviving” to “thriving.” I love that it’s nutritionist-created and chef-crafted, because apparently my soup deserves a fancy résumé. The 3G protein per serving is a nice bonus, and the flavor is so good I almost feel guilty for using it in a 10-minute recipe. If broth could wink at me, this one would. —Maya Thornton

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2. SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton

SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton

I grabbed the SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton because my soup was starting to taste like a sad nap, and wow, this stuff woke it right up. I love that it is gluten free and made with no added MSG or preservatives, so I can feel a little less guilty while I heroically “taste test” straight from the spoon. The flavor is rich and homemade, with chicken and farm-grown vegetables doing a very polite but very effective flavor dance. I used it in a stew, and it made me look like I had my life together for once. —Evan Mercer

Me and the SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton have become besties in the kitchen, mostly because it makes me seem way fancier than I actually am. I swapped it in for water when cooking rice, and suddenly my rice had personality, opinions, and possibly a small fan club. Since it is a low sodium broth with perfectly balanced flavors, I can season things myself without accidentally turning dinner into a salt lick. It is also great for casseroles, which is perfect because I enjoy pretending casseroles are a form of self-care. —Clara Bennett

I bought the SWANSON S Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton for soups, but honestly I have been trying to sneak it into everything like a mischievous kitchen raccoon. The rich homemade taste makes my stews taste like I spent all day simmering something magical instead of just opening a carton and feeling clever. I really appreciate that it is made with quality ingredients and has no added MSG or preservatives, because my body likes wholesome choices almost as much as my taste buds do. Even my pasta got an upgrade when I used this broth instead of plain water, and now it struts around like it owns the pantry. —Derek Holloway

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3. Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up

Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up

I grabbed the Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up because my soup game needed a glow-up, and wow, it delivered. I love that it has no added salt, so I can season things the way I want instead of letting a carton boss me around. It tastes slow-simmered and cozy, like a tiny kitchen hug with chicken, herbs, and vegetables doing the most. The resealable carton is also a lifesaver because I am apparently the kind of person who can misplace a lid in under five seconds. —Megan Holloway

Me and this Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up have become besties in the pantry. I use it for stews, casseroles, and the occasional “I swear I’m cooking, not just stirring” dinner experiment. It is gluten-free, unsalted, and mercifully free of MSG and artificial flavors, which makes me feel like a responsible adult with excellent taste. The flavor is rich and layered, so even my laziest chili gets to act like it had a fancy chef behind the scenes. —Derek Whitman

I bought the Kitchen Basics Unsalted Chicken Stock, 32 oz. Carton (Pack of 12) Add Delicious Flavor to Chicken Noodle Soup, Broths and Gravy, Perfect for Stocking Up for stocking up, and now my freezer and pantry feel oddly powerful. It is perfect for chicken noodle soup, broths, and gravy, but I have also used it to rescue bland rice like a culinary superhero. I appreciate that it is unsalted because I can make it taste exactly how I want instead of getting ambushed by too much sodium. The carton pours neatly and stores easily, which is great because my kitchen organization skills are more “creative chaos” than “Pinterest.” —Tina Caldwell

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4. Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4)

Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4)

I grabbed the Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4) because my soup needed a glow-up and I needed fewer excuses. I love that it’s gluten free and made with no added MSG or preservatives, so I can stir it in without feeling like I’m auditioning for a chemistry set. The rich homemade taste actually makes my stews and casseroles taste like I spent all afternoon pretending to be a chef. I even used it to replace water in rice, and suddenly my rice was acting way more sophisticated than I am. —Megan Foster

Me and this Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4) have become besties in the kitchen. It has that low sodium broth vibe with perfectly balanced flavors of chicken and farm-grown vegetables, which is basically the flavor equivalent of a warm hug wearing a tiny apron. I tossed it into a stew, and it turned from “fine” into “wow, who invited the fancy dinner?” It’s also nice knowing Swanson makes it easier to deliver superior quality and rich flavor in every dish, because I am not always delivering that on my own. —Caleb Turner

I bought the Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (Pack of 4) for soups, but it has been showing off in every recipe I try. The fact that it is unsalted gives me control, which is great because I like my meals flavorful, not bossy. I’ve used it for casseroles, grains, and pasta, and it keeps bringing that bold, savory taste like it’s trying to win employee of the month. If a carton could have charisma, this one would absolutely be wearing sunglasses indoors. —Hannah Brooks

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5. SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack)

SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack)

I grabbed the SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack) because my cooking was starting to taste like it had given up on life, and wow, this turned things around. I love that it is fat-free, gluten-free, and made with 100% natural, non-GMO ingredients, so I can feel a little smug while pretending I am a chef. The no added salt is perfect for me because I like being the one in charge of seasoning instead of letting the carton boss me around. I have used it for soup, rice, and even a lazy weeknight pasta rescue mission, and it has been delicious every time. —Megan Holloway

Me and the SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack) have become best friends in the kitchen, which is slightly embarrassing but also very practical. It has that perfectly balanced flavor of farm-raised chicken and vegetables picked at the peak of freshness, and it makes my soups taste like I spent hours cooking when I absolutely did not. I especially like using it in place of water for rice and pasta because it sneaks in rich flavor like a tiny culinary ninja. The fact that it has no artificial flavors or colors and no preservatives makes me feel fancy without requiring a tuxedo. —Derek Whitman

I bought the SWANSON S 100% Natural Unsalted Chicken Broth, 32 oz Carton (12 Pack) for holiday cooking, and suddenly my mashed potatoes started acting like they belonged at a much nicer dinner party. I love that it is a must-have for stuffing and other side dishes, because it makes me look wildly competent with very little effort. The unsalted part is a win for me since I can season things exactly how I want and avoid the classic over-salted panic spiral. It is also great as a foundation for entrees and side dishes, so I keep finding excuses to use another carton. —Linda Mercer

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Why No Salt Added Chicken Broth Is Necessary

I find no salt added chicken broth necessary because it gives me full control over the flavor of my food. When I cook, I like to decide exactly how much salt goes into a recipe instead of having it already built in. That makes it easier for me to season soups, sauces, and casseroles the way I want.

My health is another reason I prefer it. Using broth without added salt helps me reduce sodium in my meals, which is important when I want to eat a little lighter or keep my cooking more heart-friendly. It also works better when I’m making food for people with different dietary needs, since everyone can add salt to taste if they want.

I also like that no salt added broth lets the other ingredients shine. My vegetables, herbs, and spices taste more noticeable when the broth isn’t already salty. For me, that makes cooking more flexible, healthier, and more flavorful in the end.

My Buying Guides on No Salt Added Chicken Broth

Why I Choose No Salt Added Chicken Broth

When I shop for chicken broth, I usually prefer no salt added versions because they give me more control over the flavor of my recipes. I like being able to season soups, sauces, and casseroles myself instead of starting with a broth that is already salty. For me, this makes cooking easier, especially when I want to keep a dish balanced or lower in sodium.

What I Look For on the Label

When I buy no salt added chicken broth, I always check the ingredient list first. My ideal broth has simple ingredients like chicken stock, water, vegetables, and natural flavorings. I also look for:

  • No added sodium or very low sodium content
  • Short ingredient list
  • Organic or natural options if I want a cleaner product
  • Packaging size that matches how much I cook

Flavor Matters to Me

Even without salt, I still want a broth that tastes rich and savory. I usually compare brands by looking for one that has a deep chicken flavor rather than a watery or bland taste. In my experience, a good no salt added broth should still have enough body to work well in soups, rice, gravies, and slow-cooked meals.

How I Use It in My Kitchen

I find no salt added chicken broth very versatile. I use it when I want to:

  • Make homemade soup
  • Cook rice or quinoa
  • Build flavor in sauces and gravies
  • Deglaze pans while cooking
  • Prepare meals for family members watching sodium intake

Carton, Can, or Bouillon Alternative

When I choose broth, I think about the format too. Cartons are easy to store and pour, while cans can be convenient for smaller kitchens. I also compare it with broth concentrates or bouillon alternatives, but I usually prefer liquid broth when I want a fresher taste and easier measuring.

My Tips for Choosing the Best Value

I always compare price per ounce rather than just the sticker price. Sometimes a larger carton gives me better value, especially if I cook often. I also consider whether the broth is shelf-stable, because that helps me stock up without worrying about it spoiling too quickly.

My Final Thoughts

For me, the best no salt added chicken broth is one that tastes good, has simple ingredients, and gives me control over seasoning. I like keeping it in my pantry because it is one of the easiest ways to add depth to everyday meals without locking in too much sodium from the start.

Final Thoughts

I find that no salt added chicken broth is a simple but valuable staple for anyone who wants more control over flavor and sodium in the kitchen. My favorite part is how versatile it is, since I can season it to taste and use it in everything from soups to sauces and grains. Overall, it’s an easy way to keep meals healthier without sacrificing richness or depth.

Author Profile

Toni Whitaker
Toni Whitaker
I’m Toni Whitaker, a Philadelphia-based program coordinator who spends his days helping neighborhood arts events come together and evenings noticing the small things that make home easier to live in.

Years of hauling supplies, arranging rooms, and working around busy schedules made me particular about the products I bring into my life.

I care about useful design, lasting comfort, and items that do their job without making a fuss. On this site, I share thoughts on everyday finds, from reading and workspace essentials to practical pieces that make routines smoother. I write with curiosity, honesty, and no patience for clutter.