Chicken broth is a versatile and useful ingredient that can be used for cooking, baking, and flavoring foods. It comes in a few different sizes of cans, with the most common being 14.5 oz and 32 oz cans. Knowing the different can sizes available for chicken broth is helpful when shopping and meal planning.
Common Chicken Broth Can Sizes
Here are some of the most common can sizes that chicken broth is sold in:
- 14.5 oz – This is the most popular and widely available can size for chicken broth. It contains approximately 1 3/4 cups of broth.
- 32 oz – This larger can size contains 4 cups of chicken broth, equivalent to two 14.5 oz cans.
- 10 oz – A less common size that contains around 1 1/4 cups of broth.
- 8 oz – The smallest retail size, with approximately 1 cup of broth.
- 1 gallon – Chicken broth is also available in large plastic jugs or cartons containing 128 oz or 1 gallon.
- 26 oz – Some brands sell this in-between can size, which has around 3 1/4 cups of broth.
Nutrition Info for Canned Chicken Broth
The nutrition facts for canned chicken broth are generally similar regardless of can size. Here are the approximate nutrients for a 1 cup serving of most brands of canned chicken broth:
- Calories: 45
- Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Chicken broth is very low in calories, fat, carbs, and protein. Its main nutritional contribution is the high sodium content, providing 37% of the recommended daily value per 1 cup serving.
Uses for Different Sized Cans
The different can sizes allow you to buy just the right amount of chicken broth for your intended use. Here are some common uses for each size:
- 14.5 oz – Perfect for use in most recipes that call for 1-2 cups of broth. Also works for making sauces, cooking grains like rice or quinoa, and adding flavor to soups and braises.
- 32 oz – Ideal for recipes that require larger amounts of broth, like big batches of soup. Also useful to have on hand for general cooking and to reduce frequent grocery store trips.
- 10 oz – A convenient size for use in smaller recipes or for taking broth on-the-go for travel cooking in RVs, campers, etc.
- 8 oz – Great for adding flavor to rice, vegetables, or other sides that require just 1 cup of broth.
- 1 gallon – Allows you to buy in bulk for frequent use in cooking. Also good for large batch meal prep and cooking for groups or big families.
- 26 oz – Provides enough broth for recipes requiring 2-3 cups. A good in-between size.
Common Brands and Sizes Available
There are many brands of chicken broth available on grocery store shelves. Some of the most common national brands and the can sizes they offer include:
| Brand | Can Sizes Available |
|---|---|
| Swanson | 14.5 oz, 32 oz |
| Campbell’s | 14.5 oz, 32 oz, 10 oz |
| Progresso | 14.5 oz, 32 oz |
| Pacific | 14.5 oz, 32 oz, 8 oz, 26 oz |
| Kirkland | 32 oz |
| Chicken of the Sea | 14.5 oz |
| Wolfgang Puck | 14.5 oz, 32 oz |
As you can see, the most universally carried sizes across brands are 14.5 oz and 32 oz cans. However, there are some brand-specific options in 10 oz, 8 oz, and 26 oz sizes as well.
Comparing Broth Can Sizes By Volume
To visualize just how much broth is in the different can sizes, here is a comparison of the approximate volumes for each:
- 14.5 oz – 1 3/4 cups
- 32 oz – 4 cups
- 10 oz – 1 1/4 cups
- 8 oz – 1 cup
- 26 oz – 3 1/4 cups
- 1 gallon – 16 cups
For a more visual representation, here is a table comparing the cup measurements across the various can sizes:
| Can Size | Cups |
|---|---|
| 14.5 oz | 1 3/4 cups |
| 32 oz | 4 cups |
| 10 oz | 1 1/4 cups |
| 8 oz | 1 cup |
| 26 oz | 3 1/4 cups |
| 1 gallon | 16 cups |
This makes it easy to see that a 32 oz can contains a little over double the amount of a 14.5 oz can. The gallon size is gigantic in comparison!
Chicken Broth Can Dimensions
In addition to liquid volume, the can sizes also differ in their dimensions. Here are the approximate can dimensions for the common chicken broth sizes:
- 14.5 oz – 4.5 inches tall, 3.1 inches diameter
- 32 oz – 7 inches tall, 3.8 inches diameter
- 10 oz – 4 inches tall, 2.6 inches diameter
- 8 oz – 4 inches tall, 2.5 inches diameter
- 26 oz – 6.5 inches tall, 3.3 inches diameter
The cans increase in both height and diameter as the size goes up. This is useful to know when planning pantry storage space and arrangement.
Can Height Comparison
Here is a table comparing the heights of the different sized cans:
| Can Size | Height (inches) |
|---|---|
| 14.5 oz | 4.5 in |
| 32 oz | 7 in |
| 10 oz | 4 in |
| 8 oz | 4 in |
| 26 oz | 6.5 in |
Can Diameter Comparison
And here are the diameters of each can size for comparison:
| Can Size | Diameter (inches) |
|---|---|
| 14.5 oz | 3.1 in |
| 32 oz | 3.8 in |
| 10 oz | 2.6 in |
| 8 oz | 2.5 in |
| 26 oz | 3.3 in |
You can see that the 32 oz can is significantly wider than the 14.5 oz size. Good to know if you need to fit multiple cans in a pantry shelf or fridge door.
Comparing Prices of Different Sized Cans
In addition to looking at volume and dimensions, it’s also helpful to compare the pricing across different can sizes. Generally, the larger the can size, the better price per ounce you will get. However, larger cans also have a higher upfront cost.
Here is a pricing comparison of common chicken broth can sizes at a national grocery store chain:
| Can Size | Price | Price per Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| 14.5 oz | $1.29 | $0.09 |
| 32 oz | $2.69 | $0.08 |
| 10 oz | $1.09 | $0.11 |
| 8 oz | $0.89 | $0.11 |
| 26 oz | $2.19 | $0.08 |
As you can see, the 32 oz and 26 oz sizes offer the best price per ounce, while the smaller 10 oz and 8 oz sizes are the most expensive per ounce.
Saving Money
To get the best deal on chicken broth, opt for the largest can size that makes sense for your household’s broth usage. The 32 oz size is ideal for most families, offering a great price per ounce. Watch for sales on the large cans for additional savings. Buying in bulk quantities like gallons or multi-packs can also lower the per-ounce cost.
Reducing Waste
However, buying an overly large can comes with the risk of waste if you don’t use all the broth before it expires. Make sure to divide any leftover broth into smaller containers and freeze it if you won’t use it within a few days. The 14.5 oz size may be a better choice for single people or couples who use chicken broth sporadically. Go with the 10 oz or 8 oz size if you only need broth occasionally.
Canned vs. Carton Chicken Broth
In addition to canned chicken broth, many stores also carry broth in aseptic cartons, often near the soup or canned vegetable aisles. These broth cartons come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 32 oz up to 64 oz. Here’s how they compare to canned broth:
- More perishable – Cartons have a shorter shelf life of about 1-2 months once opened compared to 1 year for open cans stored in the fridge.
- Easier to store – Cartons can be stored in the pantry until opened. Cans take up more space and are heavier.
- Resealability – Cartons have screw tops or resealable caps allowing multiple uses. Cans usually get thrown away after opening.
- Less waste – Cartons made with recyclable materials like paperboard result in less waste compared to metal cans.
- Price per ounce – Cartons are typically more expensive per ounce than canned broth.
For convenience, storage, and sustainability, broth cartons have some advantages. But cans tend to be more budget friendly. Consider which factors are most important for your needs.
Chicken Broth Can Recipes and Uses
Now that you know all about the sizes of chicken broth cans, it’s time to put that broth to use in some delicious recipes! Here are a few ideas for ways to use up a can of chicken broth:
Soups
A 14.5 oz can of chicken broth is the perfect amount for hearty soups serving 4-6 people. Simmer chopped veggies, beans, pasta, and seasonings in broth for a simple soup.
Risottos
For risotto recipes, one 14.5 oz can of broth per cup of rice is standard. Slowly add the broth while stirring the rice until it’s fully absorbed.
Braises
Braise tougher meats like chuck roast or pork shoulder in 1-2 cans of broth, along with wine or other flavorings. The moisture helps break down the meat.
Gravies
After browning meat in a pan, deglaze the drippings with a 14.5 oz can of broth. Thicken with a roux for rich, savory gravy.
Cooking Grains
Cook rice, quinoa, and other grains in a flavored broth instead of water for delicious flavor. Use a 14.5 oz can for 1-2 cups of dry grains.
Boxed Meals
Boost the flavor of packaged rice, pasta, or mashed potato mixes by preparing with chicken broth instead of plain water.
Conclusion
Chicken broth is sold in cans ranging from 8 oz up to a gallon, with 14.5 oz and 32 oz being the most common sizes. Larger cans offer a better price per ounce but come with a higher upfront cost. Make sure to choose a size that aligns with your household’s broth usage to minimize waste. A 14.5 oz or 32 oz can is ideal for most purposes. Then get cooking and enjoy the versatility and flavor chicken broth brings to soups, grains, braises, and other dishes!