Soup, vegetable broth, ready to serve
FDC 171583cup (221 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Vegetable broth sits outside the Nutrient Density Score at only 5 calories per 100 g, too sparse in energy for the scoring model that ranks foods by nutrients per calorie.
It's used much like chicken broth, as a light soup base, a cooking liquid for grains and vegetables, or a warm sipping drink on its own, with a cup (221 g) the standard serving. Carbohydrate and sugar are both minimal in the listed values, and sodium is moderate at 296 mg per 100 g, making it a comparatively gentle option next to the salt-heavy dry soup and gravy mixes also found in this category.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around soup, vegetable broth, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0.07 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.03 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 296 mg | 13% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.93 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.55 g | |
| Protein | 0.24 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 19 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 3 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 12 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 11 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.15 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 654 mg | 28% |
| Carbohydrate | 2.1 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 1.2 g | |
| Protein | 0.53 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 42 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 6.6 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.13 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 2.2 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.88 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 27 µg | 3% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171583Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the soups & sauces median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Soup, chicken broth, ready-to-serveDensity null vs NASoup, beef broth, cubed, dryDensity 1 vs NASoup, onion, dry, mixDensity 1 vs NAOriginal analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ready-to-serve vegetable broth is a fully cooked, seasoned liquid used the same way as chicken or beef broth but built entirely from vegetables and aromatics, making it the standard base for vegetarian and vegan soups, risottos and grain dishes, and for deglazing a pan of roasted vegetables into a quick sauce. It can also be sipped warm on its own as a light savory drink, or used in place of water when cooking couscous, lentils or beans for extra savory flavor throughout the grain. Because it's meat-free, it's the broth most recipes call for when a dish needs to stay strictly vegetarian without swapping in a chicken or beef version.
Refrigerate after opening and use within a few days, or freeze extra in small portions for future recipes so an open carton doesn't sit unused in the refrigerator. Per 100g it has just 5 calories and 296mg of sodium, with a full cup of 221g totaling around 11 calories, making it a very low-calorie way to add cooking liquid and flavor to a dish without contributing meaningfully to protein, fat or carbohydrate totals, since protein sits at just 0.24g and fat at 0.07g per 100g, well below what a homemade stock simmered with meat or bones would carry.
Frequently asked questions about soup, vegetable broth
How many calories are in ready-to-serve vegetable broth?
It has just 5 calories per 100g, with a full cup serving of 221g totaling around 11 calories.
What is vegetable broth used for?
It's the standard base for vegetarian and vegan soups, risottos and grain dishes, and can be used to deglaze a pan of roasted vegetables.
How should vegetable broth be stored after opening?
Refrigerate it in a sealed container and use within a few days, or freeze extra in small portions.