They might look the same, but one is better for certain types of recipes. We break down everything you want to know about stock vs. broth.
Stock vs. Broth: Which Soup Base Is Best?
Updated on May 18, 2023
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
In a pinch? Check out our guide for the best broth substitutes.
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.
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.
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.
Give your newfound knowledge a test-drive by making our best broth soup recipes.
French Onion SoupEnjoy 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
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
Beef Barley SoupThis hearty beef barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Crockpot Chicken Noodle SoupThis satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
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.
Miso SoupCurl up with a steamy bowl of miso soup, a comforting Meatless Monday meal when you need something delicious and lightning fast. You'll love the flavorful broth made with dashi powder, gingerroot and miso for its bold pop of savory goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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
Traditional Italian Wedding SoupYou don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana
Turkey Noodle SoupTurn your holiday leftovers into a comforting meal with this turkey noodle soup recipe. Save that turkey carcass to create the robust roasted turkey broth!
White Bean and Sausage SoupWhite bean and sausage soup blends Mediterranean flavors, creamy beans, veggies and fresh herbs for an Italian-style bowl that's nutritious, filling and comforting.
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
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.
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 DumplingsThis homestyle chicken and dumpling soup recipe is just like mom's with its classic mirepoix base and doughy drop dumplings.
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.
Vegetable Lentil SoupVegetarians and veggie-curious eaters will both love this vegetable lentil soup that's equal parts healthy and tasty.
Vegetable Beef SoupA bounty of fresh and frozen veggies, from carrots and potatoes to green beans and okra, and chunks of tender beef make this vegetable beef soup a hearty and delicious delight.
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.
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
Pasta Fagioli SoupFilled with fresh turkey sausage, beans and pasta, pasta fagioli soup is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavor.
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.
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini SoupThis recipe for sausage tortellini soup is delicious, filling and easy to execute.
Coconut Curry SoupEnjoy a taste of Thai cuisine with this coconut curry soup that needs just 20 minutes of prep time. Packed with chicken, vegetables and bold spices, it's a comforting and delicious dish for busy weeknights.
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
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
Chicken Tortilla SoupThere's nothing quite like an easy soup recipe on a busy night. This flavor-packed chicken tortilla soup will warm up your kitchen (and then your belly) in just 30 minutes.
PozoleA traditional Mexican soup, pozole is usually enjoyed around the holidays, but it makes a comforting, slightly spicy, slightly smoky dish throughout the year, topped with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
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.
Meatball SoupMeatball soup is comforting, satisfying and, most of all, simple to make. Homemade meatballs are simmered in beef broth with kidney beans, vegetables and pasta for this mouthwatering meal.
Broth Soup Recipes FAQs
How do you turn broth into soup?
To turn broth into easy soup recipes, simply simmer it with vegetables, grains, noodles or proteins. Start by sauteing aromatics like onions, garlic or celery to create depth, then add your broth and chosen add-ins. For example, a broth with shredded chicken, carrots and noodles becomes chicken noodle soup.
What are the best bone broth soup ideas?
The best bone broth soup ideas include ramen, chicken noodle and beef vegetable—flavorful soups that highlight the broth’s rich, savory character to create deeply comforting soups with complex layers of flavor. Bone broth pairs especially well with barley, mushrooms and leafy greens. Homemade bone broth is always best, but you can also use store-bought bone broth and brighten it with herbs or a splash of lemon juice.
What hearty broth soups can you make with vegetarian broth?
Some of our favorite hearty vegetarian broth soups include lentil, minestrone and mushroom barley because they’re packed with legumes, grains and umami-rich veggies. Our best vegetarian soup recipes use ingredients like miso paste, soy sauce and nutritional yeast to deepen flavor without meat. Even a handful of sauteed mushrooms or a splash of tamari can make vegetarian broth taste rich and satisfying.
