Using broth or stock is a sure-fire way to amp up the flavors of your favorite recipes. Sure, you could use plain old water, but these flavor-infused liquids give you a leg up. They contribute rich, hearty notes to your favorite soup recipes, and they’re also great for making rice, risotto, polenta, grits, beans, casseroles and more.
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Recipes often seem to refer to broth and stock interchangeably, and you’ll find dozens of store-bought options on the shelves at the grocery store (including those pricey bone broth boxes). So what’s the deal with stock vs. broth: Are they the same, and is it better to use one instead of the other in certain recipes?
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Is Broth Different from Stock?
There is one major difference between broth and stock: Broth is made from meat and vegetables, but stock is made with bones. While both are flavorful, broth tends to be thinner. It’s cooked for less time, and it doesn’t contain stock’s thick, viscous texture. When collagen-rich bones are simmered for hours, the heat coaxes out all kinds of flavor, along with gelatin. That’s why stock is usually solid (like Jell-O) when it’s refrigerated, while broth keeps a liquid form. Next, find out the difference between bouillon and broth.
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So why isn’t bone broth called broth stock? Probably because it doesn’t sound as good. Bone broth is a stock that is simmered for a very long time—sometimes as long as 48 hours. It also involves the addition of apple cider vinegar, which aids in the release of nutrients like glucosamine, amino acids and electrolytes.
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When it comes to vegetable broth vs. stock, they’re the same thing. Vegetables don’t contain gelatin, so it’s impossible to make a vegetarian stock without bones. The major difference between the two at the grocery store is the broth may contain salt. It’s not always true, but stock is generally considered a sodium-free product because it’s intended to be the base or the start of your dish.
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Can You Substitute Broth for Stock?
You can always substitute equal parts broth for stock. Since stock is generally thicker and more flavorful, you might find your favorite recipes get more of a flavor boost by using stock. We like using stock for soups where the liquid is the star, like chicken and dumplings, lemony turkey rice soup and French lentil and carrot soup. Since broth is thinner, it’s better suited for dishes where you want other flavors to shine, like tomato soup, chili and slow cooker sweet potato soup.
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In a pinch? Check out our guide for the best broth substitutes.
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What Is the Difference Between White Stock and Brown Stock?
White and brown stock can be made with chicken, beef, pork or veal bones. The difference between the two is whether the bones are blanched before they’re simmered (creating white stock) or roasted and coated with tomato paste (for brown stock). In classical French cuisine, these stocks are used to make the mother sauces. White stocks create the base for white sauces, like bechamel and veloute. Brown stocks would be used for richer, heartier sauces, like demi-glace or sauce tomat.
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Which Is Healthier, Stock or Broth?
In general, stock contains more calories, fat and carbohydrates than broth. But, it also contains more protein, vitamins and minerals. Bone broth (a type of stock, despite its name) includes even more nutrients, including amino acids and minerals.
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If you’re looking for the healthiest stock or broth, we suggest making it at home. Follow our guide for how to make chicken stock. That allows you to control the sodium levels (something that can be quite high at the grocery store). You can add vegetables, herbs and spices to further increase the nutrient and antioxidant levels.
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Give your newfound knowledge a test-drive by making our best broth soup recipes.
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Classic French Onion Soup
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does. I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
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Dill Chicken SoupI could eat soup for every meal of the day, all year long. I particularly like dill and spinach—they add a brightness to this light and healthy soup. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Mexi-Stroni SoupIf you're a fan of classic minestrone but love bold Mexican flavors, this soup's for you! It's pumped up with spices, veggies and pasta for a filling bowl of fun. —Darlene Island, Lakewood, Washington
Hearty Vegetable SoupThis hearty vegetable soup is packed with flavorful veggies and garbanzo beans in a tomato-based broth. This crowd-pleaser is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Turkey Dumpling SoupSimmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California
Southwest-Style Wedding SoupI turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Turkey Ginger Noodle SoupI wanted something comforting yet healthy, and ginger is my favorite spice. This recipe was a must-try for me, and it didn't disappoint. —Adina Monson, Nanaimo, British Columbia
Sausage Bean SoupYou’re moments away from a flavor-packed soup that keeps you warm on even the chilliest nights. It's just the kind of recipe we Minnesotans love. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Pork Edamame SoupMy husband grew up in a traditional Asian household and gives this soup high marks for authentic taste. I think the Asian hot chili sauce is what makes the dish, but any type of hot sauce would give it a delicious kick! —Kari Sue, Bend, Oregon
Italian Sausage and Zucchini SoupEveryone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida
Best Lasagna SoupAll the traditional flavors of lasagna come together in this heartwarming bowl of comfort. —Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey
Chicken Barley SoupChicken barley soup is such an easy comfort food, you'll want it on rotation for all of soup season.
Super Fast Mexican SoupWe take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Texas Black Bean SoupThis hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Chicken Noodle SoupYou don’t need a whole chicken to make homemade chicken noodle soup. Here's how to make it with bone-in chicken, chewy egg noodles and an aromatics-infused broth.
Land of Enchantment PosoleMy family named this spicy soup after our state moniker, “New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.” We usually make it around Christmas when we have lots of family over…and we never have leftovers.
—Suzanne Caldwell
Artesia, New Mexico
Italian-Style Lentil SoupA nutritious, inexpensive source of protein, lentils are low-fat, lens-shaped seeds that are delicious in salads, sides and soups, like our Italian-style lentil soup that's cozy, comforting and packed with nutrients.
Asparagus SoupEach spring my husband takes our dogs and searches for wild asparagus. He's been so successful that I finally developed this asparagus soup recipe. We look forward to this special soup every year.—Betty Jones, Kohler, Wisconsin
Chicken and DumplingsOur homemade chicken and dumplings tastes just like Grandma's! This comforting soup features tender chicken and veggies, a rich, creamy gravy and homemade drop dumplings that puff up to light and fluffy perfection.
Thai Curry SoupPacked with vegetables and protein, this Thai curry soup is an easy, flavorful dish that takes just 30 minutes to prep and cook.
Sausage & Cannellini Bean SoupHere's my reproduction of a dish from a famous Chicago eatery. We think it rivals the original. I usually cook this at least once a week. It's a tasty way to keep my lunchbox full of healthy options. —Marilyn McGinnis, Peoria, Arizona
Spicy Veggie & Lentil SoupI enjoy this recipe because it’s meatless, inexpensive and simply delicious! You can substitute any vegetables you like—it’s all a matter of preference. Serve warm pita bread on the side. —Geraldine Hennessey, Glendale, New York
Vegetable Steak SoupYour crew will chase away winter's chill with a spoon when you cook up this hearty soup. It has such a rich flavor...and it's full of nutritious vegetables and chunks of tender steak. —Brigitte Schultz, Barstow, California
CioppinoIs cioppino a soup or a stew? It doesn't matter! This cioppino recipe teems with fish and shellfish swimming in an aromatic tomato broth that calls out for a hunky of crusty bread.
Thai Chicken Noodle SoupThe slowly simmered broth of this Thai chicken noodle soup is well worth the wait. Though once you add all your favorite toppings, it will be hard to slow down while you're enjoying this soup.
Chipotle Butternut Squash SoupMy hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Bacon-Beef Barley SoupHere’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Lemon Chicken & Rice SoupYears ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington
Carolina Shrimp SoupFresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Sausage & Greens SoupI always have an abundance of fresh vegetables on hand, so I wanted to create a delicious soup to enjoy during the colder months. I think I found a winner! —Angie Pitts, Charleston, South Carolina.
One-Pot Spinach Beef SoupMy idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Hearty Pasta FagioliHere's a convenient spin on a classic Italian favorite. Spaghetti sauce and canned broth form the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee
Minestrone with TurkeyI remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Beef Lentil SoupThis beef lentil soup combines tender ground beef, nutritious lentils, and fresh vegetables in a hearty broth, making it a comforting one-pot meal all year long.
Maryland Crab SoupMaryland crab soup is packed with chunky crabmeat, vegetables and seasonings in a vegetable broth. Start preparing this recipe several hours before you want to eat, then let the slow cooker work its magic.
Andouille Sausage SoupI make a soup every football Sunday. I came up with this recipe because I wanted to use lots of vegetables to keep it healthy, but wanted it to be interesting. My wife suggested adding the andouille and now it's one of my favorite andouille sausage recipes. —Steven Thurner, Janesville, Wisconsin
Coconut Curry Vegetable SoupI've been a vegetarian since high school, so modifying recipes to fit my meatless requirements is a challenge I enjoy. This soup tastes rich and creamy and is packed with nutrients! —Carissa Sumner, Washington, DC
Hearty Vegetable Lentil SoupMy mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.
Spicy Sausage Soup with TortelliniThis soup is such a family treasure, both my daughters asked for the recipe when they moved out on their own. I cook the tortellini separately, but you can let it plump up in the soup broth, too. —Cynthia Krakowiak, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Crockpot Chicken Noodle SoupNothing says "simple" like using a slow cooker to make Crockpot chicken noodle soup! Prep your ingredients, set the slow cooker and wait for magic to happen.
Coconut Curry Chicken SoupSimilar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas
Spicy Kielbasa SoupRed pepper flakes bring a little zip to this hearty soup that's full of good-for-you ingredients. Should you have any left over, this soup is fantastic reheated, after flavors have had time to blend. I like to serve steaming bowls with rye bread. —Carol Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Beef Barley Lentil SoupI serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
So-Easy-Yet-Delicious Onion SoupTopped with a slice of cheesy toast hot from the broiler, homemade onion soup is guaranteed to please. Add a green side salad for a complete meal. —Hildy Schlegel, Addison, New York
Anaheim Chicken Tortilla SoupPut a little spice in your menu with my favorite Anaheim pepper recipe. The peppers, jalapenos and cayenne heat up this full-flavored tortilla soup. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Easy Pork PosoleLooking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage, hominy and more. It all goes into the slow cooker, so you can come home at night to a table-ready dinner. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Shrimp Pad Thai SoupPad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington.
Veggie Meatball SoupIt's a snap to put together this hearty soup before I leave for work. I just add cooked pasta when I get home, and I have a few minutes to relax before supper is ready. —Charla Tinney, Tyrone, Oklahoma
Italian Shredded Pork StewNeed a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin
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