Quick Answer
Yes, you can drink chicken broth straight from the can, but it may not be the most appetizing experience. Chicken broth is perfectly safe to consume straight from the can, but it lacks the flavors and aromas that develop during heating. Many people find the taste of unheated broth unappealing. Heating the broth allows the flavors to bloom and makes for a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Can You Physically Drink Chicken Broth from the Can?
Physically speaking, there is nothing stopping you from drinking chicken broth straight from the can. Canned chicken broth is a shelf-stable product that can be safely consumed without heating. Here are some key points about the safety and feasibility of drinking unheated chicken broth:
- Chicken broth is commercially sterilized – During the canning process, chicken broth is heated to 240°F for an extended period of time. This sterilizes the contents, killing any potentially harmful microbes and making the broth safe to drink straight from the container.
- Cans are vacuum sealed – Canned broth is packaged in containers that have been hermetically sealed after sterilization. This vacuum seal prevents microbes from entering and contaminating the contents after canning.
- Preservatives help prevent spoilage – Most commercially canned broth contains preservatives like sodium or potassium chloride. These salt compounds prevent microbial growth and preserve freshness.
- Refrigeration extends shelf life – Unopened canned broth can be stored for 2-5 years at room temperature. Refrigerating after opening extends the shelf life for 4-5 days.
- Broth can be consumed cold – Unlike foods like condensed soup, broth is designed to be consumed as a liquid. So it can be drunk straight from the can without any heating or dilution.
So in summary, there are no safety issues with drinking chicken broth straight from a commercially sterilized can. The shelf-stable formula is designed to be consumed directly from the container without preparation.
Does Chicken Broth Taste Good Unheated?
While chilled chicken broth is safe to consume, it may not provide the most enjoyable drinking experience. Here’s an overview of how heating affects the taste of chicken broth:
- Heating distributes flavors – In the can, broth has a layered taste. Heating circulates the flavors evenly throughout the liquid.
- Heat blooms certain flavors – Many aromatic compounds in broth only become volatile at higher temperatures. Heating helps release these aromas.
- Fat is dispersed better – The small amount of fat in broth remains congealed when cold. Heating emulsifies the fat, dispersing it throughout.
- Perceived thickness improves – Broth can seem thinner when cold. Heating gives it a richer, more viscous mouthfeel.
- Saltiness is enhanced – Flavor perception changes with temperature. Heated broth often tastes more well-seasoned than cold broth.
Additionally, piping hot broth provides sensory pleasure and comfort that chilled broth cannot replicate. Overall, while cold canned broth is perfectly edible, it lacks the full, robust flavor and satisfying thickness of a heated serving. Many people opt to heat broth before drinking simply for improved taste and mouthfeel.
Taste Test: Heated vs. Unheated Chicken Broth
To demonstrate the taste difference, I conducted a simple taste test. I purchased a can of Swanson Chicken Broth and tried 3 ounce samples both straight from the can chilled and heated to 165°F. Here is my subjective assessment:
Chilled Chicken Broth:
– Thin, watery mouthfeel
– Flat, one-dimensional flavor
– Layered taste – front is salty then vague savory flavors
– Fat/oil coated the glass instead of dispersing
– Mild aromas of chicken and vegetables
– Slightly unpleasant metallic/canned aftertaste
Heated Chicken Broth:
– Richer, thicker texture
– Robust, well-blended flavor
– Distinct savory umami taste throughout
– Dispersed fat gives broth a silky feel
– Strong appetizing aromas of chicken
– Well-seasoned taste
– No metallic aftertaste
Heating made the broth taste like a completely different beverage! The heated broth was aromatic, savory and appetizing. The chilled broth was unappealingly watery and lacked cohesion of flavors. This test confirms that enjoying canned broth heated is far superior to drinking it straight from the can.
Nutrition Comparison of Heated vs. Unheated Broth
Heating broth does not significantly impact its nutritional value. According to the USDA, chicken broth has the following nutritional information per 1 cup serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 48 |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
| Fat | 2.6 g |
| Carbs | 5.8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 840 mg |
These values remain the same whether the broth is served hot or cold. Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are also unaffected by heating.
The only potential nutritional difference would be if boiling caused some volatile nutrients like vitamin C to leach out. However, canned broth is already cooked during the canning process. Any heat-sensitive nutrients would already be diminished straight from the can.
So enjoying broth heated or chilled makes no real difference nutritionally. Heating simply improves the sensory experience and flavor.
Do People Actually Drink Cold Chicken Broth?
While it’s possible to drink canned chicken broth cold, it is not commonly done. Some groups that may consumer unheated broth include:
- Campers/hikers – When outdoors, heating up broth may not be feasible. Hikers and campers may drink it cold for quick protein and electrolytes.
- Raw food adherents – Those avoiding cooked foods may drink broth straight from the can rather than heating it.
- Those in urgent need – Someone needing quick nourishment due to illness or lack of other options may consume cold broth faute de mieux.
- Athletes – Some use canned broth mid-workout for a hit of minerals without having to heat it.
However, most people find sipping room temperature broth unpalatable. The general public overwhelmingly chooses to heat canned broth prior to drinking. Consuming it unheated is possible but rare.
Tips for Making Cold Broth More Palatable
If you want to drink canned chicken broth cold, here are some tips to make it more enjoyable:
- Chill it thoroughly first – Ice cold broth is more refreshing than lukewarm.
- Use it to make a smoothie – Blended with fruit, veggies, and protein powder, chilled broth makes a nutrition-packed smoothie.
- Add fresh garnishes – Fresh herbs, a squeeze of citrus, or a splash of vinegar brighten up the flavor.
- Spice it up – Stir in hot sauce, chili oil, wasabi, or other piquant spices to mask the canned taste.
- Fortify the flavor – Stir in a spoonful of miso paste, tomato paste, or bouillon to add savory depth.
- Dilute it – Water down the broth slightly to temper the salty canned broth taste.
- Disguise it in a cocktail – The savory umami taste of broth complements Bloody Marys or micheladas.
Getting creative with extra ingredients and chilling can make straight canned broth more palatable. But for the best flavor, it’s still ideal to heat it up first!
Should You Make Drinking Cold Broth a Habit?
While canned chicken broth is perfectly safe at cold temperatures, it is not recommended to make a daily habit of drinking it straight from the can. Here are some downsides to consider:
- Unpleasant taste – The thin, watery, metallic taste can be unappealing when consumed regularly.
- High sodium – Canned broth is very high in added sodium, which may raise blood pressure if consumed often.
- Risk of foodborne illness – Once opened, cold broth must be stored properly and consumed within 4-5 days to avoid bacterial growth.
- Missed health benefits – Heating the broth releases beneficial compounds like collagen and glucosamine that are less bioavailable cold.
- Lack of protein/nutrients – Broth has minimal protein and nutrients compared to a meal. It should not replace proper food.
Instead of drinking cold broth from the can, it is better to heat it and use it as the base for healthy soups and stews packed with vegetables, herbs, lean proteins and whole grains. This provides far superior nutrition and enjoyment at mealtimes.
Cold canned broth can work in a pinch but should not be a dietary staple.
The Bottom Line
In summary:
- It is physically safe to drink chicken broth straight from a shelf-stable can.
- However, chilled broth has a thinner texture and muted flavor compared to heated broth.
- Heating distributes fat, unlocks aromas and improves the overall sensory experience.
- Most people heat canned broth prior to drinking for improved taste and mouthfeel.
- Cold broth is unheated is not ideal as a regular habit due to high sodium and diminished nutrition.
- Enjoying canned broth heated or using it as an ingredient in other dishes is recommended for best nutrition and flavor.
While drinking cold broth from the can is physically possible, heating the broth provides a far tastier and more nutritious experience for the broth connoisseur!