Is Swanson bone broth chicken lemon rosemary Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Kosher, we look at the source of the ingredients and any processing agents used. For the Swanson Chicken Bone Broth with Lemon & Rosemary, the verdict is clear because the formula is relatively simple and avoids common non-Kosher culprits.

The primary ingredient, Chicken Bone Broth, is naturally Kosher provided the chicken is slaughtered according to Kosher standards. Major national brands like Swanson typically adhere to these standards to ensure broad market compliance. The vegetable components—carrots, cabbage, celery, and onions—are all inherently Kosher. However, a crucial step in Kosher vegetable preparation is checking for small insects, a process known as toleing. Large-scale commercial production usually utilizes hydroponic or strictly controlled farming methods to minimize this risk, making the vegetable base safe.

The flavor profile comes from concentrated lemon juice, rosemary, and parsley. These are all plant-based and pose no Kosher concerns. The tomato paste and salt are also standard, though it is worth noting that salt in broths is almost always mined salt (Kosher) rather than sea salt, which can sometimes require a fish-checking process depending on the source. There are no dairy derivatives, wine, or hidden animal byproducts in this specific lemon rosemary variety, making it a safe choice.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this broth is designed to be a low-calorie flavor enhancer rather than a meal replacement. A standard serving contains roughly 15 to 20 calories, with less than 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of sugar. This makes it an excellent addition to a Kosher diet that also focuses on weight management or blood sugar control.

While it does not contain the high collagen counts found in raw, unfiltered bone broths due to the pasteurization process, it still offers a savory alternative to water or high-sodium bouillon cubes. It fits well within low-carb and Keto dietary limits, provided you are mindful of the total sodium content, which is moderate for a prepared broth.