Is Swanson broth chicken Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims of "organic" to the actual composition of the product. The ingredients list for Swanson chicken broth reads: Chicken stock, Chicken flavor, sea salt, Carrot juice, Onion juice, Garlic, Spice, Tomato paste, and Turmeric.

The verdict is clear immediately due to the first two ingredients. Chicken stock is the liquid produced by simmering chicken bones and meat in water. This is the primary definition of an animal-derived product. Following that, Chicken flavor is added. In industrial food production, this is often a concentrated extract derived from chicken fat or hydrolyzed chicken protein. Even though the vegetables listed are organic, they cannot outweigh the animal nature of the base ingredients.

It is also worth noting the inclusion of Tomato paste and Turmeric. These are likely added not just for flavor, but for color—specifically to mimic the golden hue of a traditional bone broth. However, the presence of these plant-based spices does not make the product vegan, as the foundation remains animal-based.

Nutritional Value

While this product is not suitable for vegans, it is relatively low in calories, which is typical for a broth. A standard serving usually contains fewer than 15 calories, with negligible fat content. However, because it is a savory liquid, the sodium content is the primary nutritional concern. It typically contains a significant amount of sodium per serving, which is something to monitor if you are watching your blood pressure or fluid retention.

From a macronutrient perspective, the Chicken stock provides a small amount of protein, but not enough to be considered a significant source. The carbohydrates come primarily from the organic vegetable juices. For those on a Keto or Paleo diet, this product is technically compliant (as it is animal-based and low carb), but strictly forbidden for Vegans.