Is there a difference between stock and broth

Take a look in your pantry right now: You probably have a can or two of chicken broth in there, or maybe a carton of chicken stock. And if you're gearing up to make a big pot of soup, you may be wondering what you should use. Here's the short answer: For any given recipe, stock and broth are pretty much interchangeable. (In fact, Ree Drummond sometimes calls for either in her recipes, like this Hamburger Soup.) If you use one to make gravy and the other to make soup, you're unlikely to be able to tell the difference. So, is there really a difference between stock and broth? Do you need both in your kitchen? And what's the deal with bone broth? Read on to find out. And the next time you make roast chicken, save the bones and carcass and use them to make your own stock. Be sure to do the same with your Thanksgiving turkey, too!

Table of Contents Show

What Is Stock?
What Is Vegetarian Stock?
What Is Bone Broth?
Stock Vs. Broth: What's the Difference?
Which is better broth or stock?
What are three key differences between a stock and a broth?
Can you use stock vs chicken broth?
Which is healthier stock or broth?

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Stock — whether it's made from beef, chicken, pork, or seafood — is the very foundation of so many classic recipes, from velvety sauces to comforting soups. But how is it different from broth? And what about bone broth? The trendy hot beverage that fans say is something of a cure-all. Let's break down the essential differences between stock and broth.

What Is Stock?

Chicken stock. Photo by Meredith Publishing.

The most basic stock is made from bones, water, and mirepoix (a mixture of onions, carrots, and celery) that are slowly simmered over a long period of time. The extended cooking time gently draws flavor and coaxes collagen from bones. The collagen is what gives the stock its jiggly texture when chilled.

Of course, there are many variations on the basic stock. There's no wrong answer when it comes to seasoning stock, but if it's going to be used in a recipe, keep it simple. Seasoned cooks know that including too much can affect the taste of the final recipe, making it too salty or too herbaceous.

What Is Vegetarian Stock?

Meatless variations of stock follow the same principle, cooking ingredients slowly over a long period of time to extract maximum flavor. Richer variations of vegetarian stock call for roasted or caramelized veggies, tomato paste, and smoked salts. Like the meat-based versions, it's important not to over-season stock that will be used in other recipes.

What Is Bone Broth?

Despite its name, bone broth is essentially stock that is simmered for a longer time. This results in a thicker, more collagen-rich broth that's often sipped on its own. And, while bone broth bars will likely never replace the ubiquitous coffeehouse, serving cups of bone broth has gained ground in recent years.

Stock Vs. Broth: What's the Difference?

Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

The difference between stock and broth is in the bones. Stock is always cooked with bones, but not necessarily with meat. Broth on the other hand is technically any liquid that has meat cooked in it, which may or may not contain bones. The final result is a much thinner liquid than stock that doesn't gel when chilled. And unlike stock, broth is often taken a step further with the addition of herbs and spices, and other ingredients.

Finally, don't confuse stock or broth with bouillon cubes or granules. Those are highly concentrated versions of a broth that's used as a shortcut.

Check out our collection of Broth and Stock Recipes.

Here's More on Stock/Broth

How to Make Stock From Kitchen Scraps
10 Easy, 5-Ingredient Soup Recipes
How to Make Vegetable Stock

Updated by

Melanie Fincher

Melanie Fincher is a Birmingham, Alabama–based food writer who covers everything from cooking techniques to gadget reviews. She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content.

Which is better broth or stock?

Is Stock or Broth Healthier? Stock, whether homemade or store-bought, is considered healthier because it's inherently higher in protein and usually contains less sodium per serving than broth.

What are three key differences between a stock and a broth?

There are three important factors that differentiate stock and broth: the ingredients, cook time, and the presence (or lack) of seasoning.

Can you use stock vs chicken broth?

You can use stock vs broth interchangeably. Stock will have more flavor and a stronger chicken taste than broth. It is also thicker and will require less water to use in recipes. If you are using it for soup, or want the flavor of stock without as much thickness, you can use broth.

Which is healthier stock or broth?

Protein and Sodium From a nutrition label standpoint, stock is inherently higher in protein than broth so if you're looking to add grams to your daily intake go for stock — though remember, stock on its own is not a significant source.