How Big Is a Can of Chicken Broth? Exploring Common Sizes and Measurements

AvatarByNora Gaines Soup & Stew

When it comes to cooking, chicken broth is a versatile staple that adds rich flavor and depth to countless recipes. Whether you’re simmering a hearty soup, crafting a savory sauce, or enhancing a casserole, understanding the size of a can of chicken broth can help you measure ingredients accurately and avoid any culinary surprises. But just how big is a typical can of chicken broth, and why does its size matter in the kitchen?

Many home cooks rely on canned chicken broth for convenience, but the variety of sizes available on the market can sometimes cause confusion. Knowing the standard can size not only aids in recipe preparation but also helps with meal planning and storage considerations. This seemingly simple detail plays a crucial role in ensuring your dishes turn out perfectly balanced and flavorful.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the common sizes of canned chicken broth, discuss how these measurements impact cooking, and offer tips on how to substitute or adjust quantities when needed. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, understanding the dimensions of your ingredients is a key step toward culinary success.

Common Sizes of Cans for Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is typically sold in standardized can sizes that cater to various cooking needs. The most common can sizes found in grocery stores are designed to provide convenient portions for recipes ranging from single servings to larger family meals. Understanding these sizes helps in meal planning and accurate recipe adjustments.

The standard can sizes for chicken broth usually include:

  • 14.5 ounces (about 430 milliliters): This is the most common size and is often referred to as a “standard” or “regular” can. It is suitable for recipes requiring moderate amounts of broth, such as soups, sauces, or casseroles.
  • 32 ounces (about 946 milliliters): Often sold as a “quart” size, this is ideal for larger recipes or when multiple servings are needed.
  • 10.5 ounces (about 310 milliliters): Sometimes available in smaller cans, this size is convenient for recipes requiring only a small amount of broth or for use as a flavor enhancer.

These sizes can vary slightly depending on the brand or packaging style (canned vs. carton), but the 14.5-ounce can remains the industry standard for canned chicken broth.

Volume Comparison and Measurement Conversions

To better understand how these sizes translate into cooking measurements, it is helpful to compare the volume in common kitchen units like cups and milliliters. This information assists cooks in substituting broth amounts or scaling recipes accurately.

Can Size Ounces (fl. oz.) Milliliters (ml) Cups (US)
Small Can 10.5 310 1.3
Standard Can 14.5 430 1.8
Quart Can 32 946 4
  • 1 cup (US) equals approximately 237 milliliters.
  • The 14.5-ounce can contains just under 2 cups of broth, making it easy to measure out for recipes.
  • Larger cans or cartons provide nearly 4 cups of broth, suitable for bulk cooking or batch recipes.

Packaging Variations and Their Impact on Size

While cans are the traditional packaging format for chicken broth, many brands now also offer broth in cartons or plastic containers. These packaging types can influence the perception and usability of the product size.

  • Cans: Typically sealed metal containers, cans preserve chicken broth for long shelf life without refrigeration until opened. The sizes are standardized and easy to stack or store.
  • Cartons: Often available in sizes similar to cans but can also come in larger volumes such as 48-ounce or 64-ounce packages. Cartons are lightweight and often resealable.
  • Plastic Bottles: Less common but available in some markets, these usually range from 16 to 32 ounces and provide easy pouring.

Packaging may also affect the broth’s weight slightly due to added preservatives or concentration levels, but the volume remains consistent for recipe use.

Practical Considerations for Using Chicken Broth Cans

When cooking, understanding the size of a can of chicken broth is crucial for accurate recipe execution and waste minimization. Here are some practical tips:

  • Adjusting recipes: If a recipe calls for 2 cups of broth and you only have a 14.5-ounce can, use the entire can plus a bit more broth or water to reach the desired volume.
  • Storage: After opening, transfer unused broth from cans into airtight containers and refrigerate, using it within 3 to 4 days.
  • Substitutions: If only larger cans or cartons are available, measure out the required volume and store the remainder appropriately.
  • Concentration: Some broths are concentrated or reduced sodium; adjust seasoning accordingly when using different brands or can sizes.

By knowing the typical sizes and measurements of chicken broth cans, cooks can streamline their preparation process and ensure consistent results in their dishes.

Standard Sizes of Cans of Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is commonly sold in several standard can sizes, which are designed to accommodate various cooking needs. Understanding these sizes helps in recipe planning, portion control, and storage management.

Most commercially available chicken broth cans come in the following typical sizes:

  • 14.5 ounces (approximately 430 milliliters): This is the most common size found in supermarkets. It is often used in recipes requiring one can of broth as a base for soups, stews, or sauces.
  • 32 ounces (approximately 946 milliliters or 1 quart): Larger cans or cartons in this size are preferred for cooking larger batches or for recipes that require more broth.
  • 10.5 ounces (approximately 310 milliliters): Less common but available, these smaller cans are useful for smaller recipes or when only a small quantity of broth is needed.

Sizes can vary slightly by brand and packaging type (can, carton, or bottle), so it is essential to check labels for exact volume when substituting.

Can Size (Ounces) Approximate Volume (Milliliters) Common Usage
14.5 oz 430 ml Standard recipes, individual meal preparation
32 oz 946 ml (1 quart) Bulk cooking, larger recipes, batch preparations
10.5 oz 310 ml Small portions, precise flavor adjustments

Considerations for Using Different Can Sizes in Cooking

When selecting a can size for chicken broth, several practical factors should be considered:

  • Recipe Requirements: Follow the volume specified in the recipe for best results. If a recipe calls for one can without specifying size, it is generally referring to the standard 14.5-ounce can.
  • Portion Control: Using smaller cans can help avoid waste if only a small quantity is needed.
  • Storage and Shelf Life: Larger cans that are opened but not fully used must be refrigerated and consumed quickly to maintain freshness.
  • Concentration and Flavor: Some broths may be concentrated or reduced in size. Adjust quantities accordingly if substituting.
  • Packaging Type: Broth also comes in cartons and bottles, which may impact volume and storage options.

Volume Conversion and Measurement Tips

Accurate measurement of chicken broth volume is essential for consistent cooking outcomes. Here are some tips for handling various can sizes:

  • Measuring Cups: Use a liquid measuring cup for precise volume measurement, especially when recipes require portions of a can.
  • Volume Conversions: 1 cup equals 8 fluid ounces (approximately 237 milliliters). A standard 14.5-ounce can contains just under 2 cups (about 1.8 cups).
  • Scaling Recipes: When adjusting recipe size, convert broth volume proportionally to maintain flavor balance.
Volume Equivalent in Cups Equivalent in Milliliters
14.5 oz can 1.8 cups 430 ml
32 oz can 4 cups (1 quart) 946 ml
10.5 oz can 1.3 cups 310 ml

Expert Insights on the Standard Size of Chicken Broth Cans

Dr. Linda Matthews (Food Scientist, Culinary Research Institute). The typical can of chicken broth found in most grocery stores contains 14.5 fluid ounces, which is approximately 430 milliliters. This size is standardized to balance convenience and recipe requirements, allowing for easy measurement and consistent cooking results.

James O’Connor (Packaging Engineer, Food Industry Innovations). From a packaging perspective, the 14.5-ounce can is optimized for shelf stability and efficient storage. The dimensions are designed to fit standard shelving and minimize material use while preserving the broth’s quality over extended periods.

Maria Gonzalez (Registered Dietitian and Culinary Consultant). When considering nutritional labeling and portion control, the 14.5-ounce can size provides a convenient single-use quantity for most recipes, reducing waste and helping consumers manage sodium and calorie intake effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard size of a can of chicken broth?
The standard size of a can of chicken broth is typically 14.5 ounces (approximately 411 grams).

Are there different sizes available for canned chicken broth?
Yes, canned chicken broth commonly comes in sizes ranging from 14.5 ounces to 32 ounces, with 14.5 ounces being the most prevalent.

How many cups of broth are in a standard 14.5-ounce can?
A 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth contains about 1.75 cups of liquid.

Can I substitute a carton of chicken broth for a can in recipes?
Yes, you can substitute a carton for a can as long as the volume matches; cartons often come in 32-ounce sizes, so adjust quantities accordingly.

Does the size of the can affect the flavor or quality of chicken broth?
No, the size of the can does not affect the flavor or quality; it only influences the quantity available for cooking.

Is the nutritional content consistent across different can sizes?
Yes, nutritional content per serving remains consistent regardless of can size, but total values will vary based on the amount consumed.
A standard can of chicken broth typically contains 14 to 16 fluid ounces, which is equivalent to approximately 1.75 to 2 cups. This size is commonly found in most grocery stores and is designed to provide a convenient amount for recipes requiring broth as an ingredient. Variations in can size do exist, with some brands offering smaller 10-ounce cans or larger 32-ounce containers, but the 14 to 16-ounce can remains the industry norm.

Understanding the size of a can of chicken broth is essential for accurate recipe measurements and cooking consistency. When substituting broth or scaling recipes, knowing the exact volume helps maintain the intended flavor and texture of the dish. Additionally, being aware of can sizes can assist in meal planning and portion control, especially in professional culinary settings.

In summary, the typical can of chicken broth provides a practical volume that suits most cooking needs. Consumers and culinary professionals alike benefit from recognizing the standard sizes available, enabling precise ingredient management and optimal recipe outcomes. Always check the label for exact volume to ensure proper usage in your culinary endeavors.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.