Chicken vs. vegetable stock: Which is healthier?

Plus, how to find the best store-bought options for you.

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Today's Ingredients After a few years of pescatarianism, I've started eating a little chicken here and there. Mostly, this looks like buying a rotisserie chicken — shout-out to Kenny's infamous newsletter from last year — after an exhausting day of work or when I surf till dark and need protein ASAP. Now that I occasionally have a chicken carcass to use, I've been making stock from the bones. However, for years I stuck to vegetable stocks made with carrots, celery, onion, and aromatics — which I found had plenty of flavor without any animal parts included. So I, too, have wondered about the nutritional difference between chicken and veggie stock. Today, Kirsten Seele, a registered dietitian and Wellos coach, is here to help us understand how the two staples compare when it comes to healthfulness.   • Food to live well: 19 foods that can fight sugar cravings   • News to know: Is the body roundness index the new BMI?   • Exercises to try: 8 alternative moves when leg curls aren't your thing Eat up, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Ginger Wojcik June 18, 2024 • 3.5 min read Powered by   Let's Ask the Dietitian Q: Chicken vs. vegetable stock: Which is healthier? A: As for nutritional value, one isn't "healthier" than the other. Vegetable stock will generally be lower in calories (15 calories per cup) than chicken or beef stock (around 86 calories per cup). However, chicken or beef stock will likely provide more nutrients (protein, niacin, potassium, etc). Making homemade stocks with carcasses, bones, and/or vegetables and herbs helps you control your salt intake and may be more nutritious (depending on what you add to the pot). Stock is made by simmering bones (or vegetables) for many hours to create a robust liquid that can be used to add flavor and body to recipes. My favorite is mushroom risotto — yum! Common stocks include chicken, beef, and vegetable stock. Store-bought stocks tend to contain small amounts of protein, potassium, and other nutrients. Something to keep in mind: One cup provides as much as 22% of the daily value (DV) of sodium. Eek! "Unsalted" versions can drop sodium to only 2% of the DV, so make sure to look closely at the nutrition label if this is a concern. Stock concentrates also tend to be higher in sodium. Some recipes may taste better with chicken, beef, or veggie stock, so use whichever flavor you prefer or whatever is most convenient for you to make at home! Bon appétit!   Written by Kirsten Seele Wellos Coach and Registered Dietitian Wellos optimizes your nutrition and lifestyle by helping you make changes that are easy to manage. Every member is different, and Wellos provides tools and tracking built around the outcomes you want to achieve. Wellos is a sister brand of Healthline. 💛 JOIN WELLOS 💛     Based on your interests 14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally READ ON     Kitchen Kit Perfection in a box       e-jen Kimchi Fermentation Box Fermentation isn't for everyone. It takes patience and, usually, some trial and error to get it right. But you can make the process a lot easier by investing in a user-friendly vessel like this one. With this container, the contents you're trying to ferment are encased in an airtight space, which promotes fermentation while preventing mold growth. Use it to make sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and other yummy prebiotic foods! SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.       the takeout What we're digesting 🧠 No, these drugs for high cholesterol don't cause memory loss. We debunk this common myth with a look at the existing research. 💤 Can eating more fruits and vegetables help you sleep better? More evidence that diet and sleep quality are closely linked. 🎆 Reasons your eczema may be flaring up. Being aware of your triggers is an important part of managing your condition. 🌳 Quiz: What's your stress-coping style? If you're feeling overloaded from life, you're not alone. Thanks for reading, friends. On Thursday, our dietitians will be back to share their favorite travel snacks. See you then! Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by a rotisserie chicken.

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