The Best Store-Bought Broth: Insights from Chefs

When it comes to making flavorful meals, few ingredients can elevate a dish like stock or broth. These simmered liquids can serve as the backbone for everything from comforting soups to rich sauces. But with countless options lining your grocery store aisle, how do you choose the best one? We consulted four culinary professionals to sift through the noise and share their top picks and tips.

Chefs’ Pick for Best Store-Bought Broth

The unanimous favorite among the chefs we spoke to was Kitchen Basics. Chef Ashish Alfred, known for his appearances on Chopped and as a co-host on Bar Rescue, swears by Kitchen Basics when he isn’t making stock from scratch. He describes it as “a great stand-in for homemade stock,” boasting a body and silky texture that many store-bought options simply can’t match.

Alfred elaborates that Kitchen Basics’ range includes chicken, beef, vegetable, seafood, turkey, and even specialty items like culinary stocks with flavors like garlic and caramelized onion. This variety allows cooks to find the perfect base for any recipe.

Chef Toni Elkhouri of Cedar’s Cafe agrees, stating that Kitchen Basics’ products are “less salty and well-reduced,” making them a versatile addition to her kitchen. Chefs often sprinkle in fresh herbs to enhance the stock further, ensuring each dish bursts with flavor.

What Makes It So Delicious

So, what sets Kitchen Basics apart? Chef Laura Pensiero, a registered dietitian and owner of Gigi Trattoria, highlights the stock’s richness and full-bodied texture. She notes that it’s perfect for risottos, braises, or hearty soups. Fellow food writer Marissa Stevens echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Kitchen Basics offers the closest taste to homemade broth, making it her go-to in recipe testing and meal prep.

Stevens appreciates the stock’s ability to be both rich without being overly salty or processed. In her experience, the carefully simmered flavor makes Kitchen Basics ideal for various culinary applications.

Another Great Option

Another broth that chefs frequently recommend is Swanson Natural Goodness. Chef Ashish Alfred cites it as a fantastic backup for its light and clean flavor, which allows other ingredients to shine. Its lower sodium content makes it easier to control the overall seasoning of a dish, making it suitable for quick pan sauces or soups where you want a more delicate broth.

Chef Pensiero keeps both Kitchen Basics and Swanson Natural Goodness on hand, as each offers unique advantages depending on the dish being prepared. Swanson’s clean taste complements lighter meals, ensuring that other flavors remain prominent.

Chefs’ Tips for Choosing Store-Bought Stocks or Broths

Looking for the best packaged stock? Chef Alfred has four insightful tips to help navigate the options available in grocery stores:

1. Read the Label: Choose broth that lists simple ingredients such as chicken, water, carrots, celery, and herbs. Avoid products that sound excessive or artificial, as they are likely masking inferior flavors.

2. Check Sodium Levels: Keep an eye on the sodium content. Alfred prefers low-sodium or unsalted options, allowing for better control over the flavor profile of his dishes. An overly salty broth can ruin a dish before it even starts.

3. Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to “doctor up” your store-bought broth. Simmering it with garlic, fresh herbs, or even a Parmesan rind can elevate its flavor profile significantly. Just a little tweaking can result in a homemade-tasting broth.

4. Be Picky with Vegetable Broth: Often, vegetable broths can be muddy or overly sweet. If you’re unsure, Kitchen Basics’ veggie stock is a recommended choice that avoids these pitfalls.

The Bottom Line

The consensus among chefs is clear: Kitchen Basics is the leading choice for store-bought broth, with Swanson Natural Goodness as a great alternative. When shopping, prioritize low-sodium or unsalted varieties with natural ingredients. This ensures that your culinary creations start off on the right foot, without unwanted surprises from overly processed flavors. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider enhancing your broth with herbs and spices to make it your own.