Yes—on medical clear-liquid fasts; for calorie-free intermittent fasting, chicken broth adds calories and breaks the fast.
Fasting means different things in different contexts. Some fasts are clinical, like a clear-liquid day before a procedure. Others are lifestyle patterns, like time-restricted eating. Chicken broth sits in a gray zone between those worlds. It is hydrating and gentle, but it also delivers energy and sodium. That mix can help on a clinical plan, yet it conflicts with a strict no-calorie window. This guide spells out when broth fits, when it doesn’t, and how to use it without sabotaging your goals.
Chicken Broth While Fasting: Quick Rule
Here’s the simple rule of thumb: if the fast calls for zero calories, broth doesn’t fit in most cases today. If the fast allows clear liquids that include broth, you can sip it safely. The details below match the common use cases people ask about most.
| Fast Type | Is Broth Allowed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clear-liquid day for a procedure | Usually yes | Hospitals often allow clear broths to keep fluids and salt up |
| Time-restricted eating window | No during the fast | Any calories end the fasting window |
| Religious fasts with liquid allowances | Depends | Follow your tradition’s rules or leader’s guidance |
| “Modified” or “5:2” low-calorie day | Often yes, in calories | These plans allow a small intake; count broth in the day’s budget |
| Pre-bloodwork fast | No | Labs that require fasting typically limit you to water only |
Why Broth Breaks A Strict Window
Plain stock isn’t just flavored water. One cup of typical canned chicken broth lands in the low-teens for calories and carries sodium. That energy switches you from a true fast to a fed state. If your aim is a clean window for metabolic effects tied to a true zero, even a small serving moves you off plan. People who follow a looser “dirty” window sometimes make an exception, but that’s a different style and expectation.
Clinical clear-liquid plans are not the same thing as lifestyle windows. They prioritize hydration and a clean gut, not a zero-calorie metabolism state. In that setting, salted broth can be helpful for comfort and electrolyte intake, which is why many clinics include it on their lists.
How Much Energy Is In A Cup?
Numbers vary with brand, preparation, and dilution. Broadly, a cup of canned chicken broth often sits around 10–20 calories, with minimal protein and carbs, near-zero fat, and a noticeable sodium load. Bone broth tends to be richer and can run higher in protein and sodium. Homemade batches can swing in either direction based on how you skim and season.
Typical Nutrition Snapshot
The figures below reflect common label values and public nutrition datasets. Always check your carton, can, or recipe, since labels vary.
- Calories: about 10–20 per cup
- Protein: about 1–2 grams
- Carbs: about 1 gram
- Fat: under 1 gram
- Sodium: often 400–800 mg per cup, higher for condensed or bone broth
Those calories are small, but not zero, which is the main point for a strict window. Condensed cans need dilution; sipping them straight spikes sodium. Low-sodium cartons taste mild, so many add herbs, lemon, or pepper.
When Broth Helps, And When It Hurts
Good Fits
Clear-liquid plans set by a clinic. These plans often include broth to help you stay hydrated and comfortable ahead of a test or procedure. See the clear liquid diet guidance for what counts.
Low-calorie days on a modified pattern. Some schedules allow a limited intake on set days. A mug of light broth can tame hunger while you stay within that day’s allowance.
Breaking a long window. A small cup can serve as a gentle bridge meal before solid food, especially if your stomach feels touchy. Keep the serving light and follow with balanced food.
Poor Fits
Zero-calorie windows aimed at ketosis and insulin rest. Even a small serving ends the fast. If your target is that clean line, stick to water, plain tea, or black coffee.
Pre-lab fasts. When a lab slip says “fast,” that usually means only water for a set number of hours. Broth adds energy and salt that can nudge results.
Choosing A Broth That Matches Your Goal
If your plan allows broth, pick one that fits your objective. The table below compares common options so you can choose with intent.
| Broth Type | Calories (per cup) | Sodium (mg per cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Light canned stock | ~12–15 | ~500–700 |
| Low-sodium carton | ~10–12 | ~130–200 |
| Bone broth, ready-to-drink | ~35–50 | ~300–600 |
| Homemade, skimmed | varies | varies |
What To Drink During A Strict Window
For a zero-calorie window, keep it simple. A plain-language overview of fasting patterns is available from Harvard Health. Water is the base. Unsweetened tea and black coffee fit for most people who tolerate them. Skip sweeteners, creamers, collagen, oils, and any flavored drink with energy on the label. If caffeine makes you jittery, limit it or choose decaf. If your plan is spiritual or set by a faith tradition, follow the exact rules you’ve been given.
Smart Ways To Use Broth Without Derailing Your Plan
On A Clear-Liquid Day
Choose pale, see-through broth. Strain out any bits. Avoid red or purple hues if your prep sheet bans those colors. Keep portions modest and rotate with water to limit thirst.
On A Low-Calorie Day
Log the serving so it counts toward your budget. Pair it with lean protein and fiber during your eating window to keep hunger in check.
When Ending A Long Window
Start with a small cup. Wait ten minutes. If you feel okay, add a simple plate with protein, slow carbs, and a little fat. That sequence tends to sit well and keeps cravings from spiking.
Special Cases You Should Plan For
Hypertension Or Salt Sensitivity
Many broths carry a heavy sodium load. If you’re watching blood pressure, pick a low-sodium carton or make your own. Taste before you add more salt.
Gut Sensitivity
Rich bone broth can be soothing for some and too heavy for others. If you get bloating or reflux, switch to a lighter stock, skim fat, and sip slowly.
Sport Days
Salted liquids can feel good after long, sweaty sessions. That doesn’t change the energy math. If today’s plan includes a strict window, keep broth for your eating hours.
Simple Homemade Broth That’s Light And Clear
If you make a batch, you control calories and salt. Here’s a clear, lean method that keeps fat low.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken carcass or 2 pounds of bones
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 bay leaf and a few peppercorns
- Fresh parsley stems (optional)
- Cold water to cover
- Salt to taste after cooking
Method
- Cover bones and aromatics with cold water in a large pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and skim foam for the first 30 minutes.
- Simmer uncovered 3–4 hours; keep bubbles low.
- Strain through a fine mesh; chill overnight.
- Lift off solid fat; season the clear broth to taste.
- Dilute with hot water for an even lighter cup on clear-liquid days.
How Broth Compares To Other Popular Drinks
People often swap drinks during a window and get mixed results. Here’s how common picks stack up against a zero-calorie plan:
- Black coffee or plain tea: Nearly zero energy when alone. Skip sweeteners, milk, and cream.
- Flavored seltzer: Works if it has no sugar or energy. Scan the label to be sure.
- Electrolyte mixes: Many carry sugar or acids that add energy. Pick zero-energy packs only.
- Collagen drinks: Protein ends the window. Save these for eating hours.
- Bone broth: Higher in protein and salt than light stock, which makes it better as a small bridge when eating starts, not during a strict window.
Mistakes That Derail A Fasting Plan
- Thinking “liquid” always means “free.” Many drinks carry energy. If the plan says zero, check the label.
- Confusing clinical prep with lifestyle windows. The goals differ. One centers on a clean scope; the other centers on a clean metabolism window.
- Letting salt creep up. Salty broth can drive thirst and puffiness. Balance with water and pick low-sodium cartons when allowed.
- Breaking a window for taste, then feeling stuck. If you crave flavor, brew tea or add citrus slices to water. Save broth for eating hours.
Who Should Skip Broth During Fasting Windows
People with tight glucose targets, those chasing deeper ketosis, and anyone who needs exact lab prep should skip broth while the window is active. If you have chronic kidney disease, advanced heart issues, or you’re pregnant, talk with your clinician about any plan that changes your usual eating pattern. For kids and teens, growth needs come first; fasting windows are not advised without medical guidance.
How To Decide What Fits Your Case
Match the drink to the reason for the fast. If the goal is a clean window with no energy, stick to water, plain tea, or black coffee. If your plan allows a small intake, log broth as food, not just a drink. When a clinic gives you a prep sheet, follow that sheet over any general guide you read online.
Clear Takeaway For Broth And Fasting
Broth can be helpful or it can break the very thing you’re trying to do. In a lifestyle window that calls for zero energy, it ends the fast. In clinical plans that allow clear liquids, it’s often an allowed option and can make the day easier. Use the tables above to match the choice to your situation, and keep servings modest when it’s on the menu.