Broth vs. Stock — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 21, 2024
Broth is flavorful liquid made by simmering meat, sometimes with vegetables or aromatics, often used as a base for soups or sauces. Stock is made by simmering bones, often with vegetable scraps and aromatics, used as rich, flavorful foundation in cooking.
Difference Between Broth and Stock
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Broth and stock are both fundamental ingredients in culinary arts, each bringing depth and flavor to a variety of dishes. However, their preparation and primary ingredients differ. Broth is typically made by simmering meat, which may or may not include bones, along with vegetables and aromatics for a relatively short period, resulting in a light, flavorful liquid. Stock, in contrast, is prepared by simmering bones, which can be raw or roasted, with vegetables and herbs. The simmering process, which is usually longer than that for broth, extracts the collagen from the bones, resulting in a thicker, more gelatinous liquid with a rich, full-bodied flavor.
One key difference between the two is the presence of collagen in stock, which comes from the long simmering of bones. This collagen thickens the stock and gives it a richer mouthfeel. Broth, lacking this collagen concentration, has a thinner consistency. While both broth and stock can include vegetable ingredients like onions, carrots, and celery, these are primarily for flavoring and are typically strained out in the final product.
Broth is often considered more versatile due to its seasoning, making it suitable for drinking on its own or as a base for more complex soups and dishes. Stock, with its deeper flavor and unseasoned nature, is ideal as a building block in recipes, allowing chefs to control the seasoning and final flavor profile of the dish.
In terms of culinary applications, broth is commonly used in lighter dishes, such as clear soups and noodle dishes, where its delicate flavor can shine through. Stock, being richer and more robust, is often used in stews, braises, and reductions, where it contributes significant depth and body to the dish.
Despite these differences, the terms broth and stock are frequently used interchangeably in cooking, especially in home kitchens. The choice between using broth or stock often comes down to personal preference, availability, and the desired outcome of the dish being prepared.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Ingredients
Meat (may include bones), vegetables, aromatics
Bones (with or without meat), vegetables, aromatics
Cooking Time
Shorter, typically 1-2 hours
Longer, often 4-6 hours or more
Consistency
Lighter, thinner
Thicker, due to collagen from bones
Flavor
Seasoned, can be consumed alone
Richer, more robust, usually unseasoned
Use
Soups, sauces, can be sipped on its own
Soups, sauces, gravies, as a base for dishes
Compare with Definitions
Broth
Made with meat and sometimes vegetables, offering a delicate taste.
Chicken broth is a popular base for classic chicken noodle soup.
Stock
The long simmering of bones yields a thick, flavorful liquid.
A homemade beef stock is the foundation of a rich demi-glace.
Broth
Suitable for drinking alone or as a base for soups and sauces.
Beef broth can enhance the flavor of gravy or be used in French onion soup.
Stock
A key ingredient in stews, braises, and complex sauces.
Vegetable stock serves as a robust base for vegetarian stews.
Broth
Simmered for a shorter time, preserving the freshness of flavors.
A vegetable broth can be prepared in just over an hour for a quick soup base.
Stock
Typically made without salt to allow for flexibility in recipes.
Unseasoned stock can be reduced to intensify flavor without becoming too salty.
Broth
Seen as nourishing, especially when made with vegetables.
Bone broth, rich in minerals, is consumed for its perceived health benefits.
Stock
The extraction process pulls minerals from the bones.
Fish stock, made from fish bones, is rich in iodine and other minerals.
Broth
Often salted and seasoned during cooking.
A seasoned broth can be used directly in dishes without additional spices.
Stock
Bones, especially when roasted, add depth and body.
Chicken stock made from bones is used for its gelatinous quality in sauces.
Broth
Broth, also known as bouillon [French pronunciation: [bu.jɔ̃]], is a savory liquid made of water in which bones, meat, or vegetables have been simmered. It can be eaten alone, but it is most commonly used to prepare other dishes, such as soups, gravies, and sauces.
Stock
Stock (also capital stock) is all of the shares into which ownership of a corporation is divided. In American English, the shares are collectively known as "stock".
Broth
The water in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been boiled; stock.
Stock
A supply accumulated for future use; a store.
Broth
A thin, clear soup based on stock, to which rice, barley, meat, or vegetables may be added.
Stock
The total merchandise kept on hand by a merchant, commercial establishment, warehouse, or manufacturer.
Broth
A liquid containing nutrients for culturing microorganisms
Inoculated the broth with bacteria.
Stock
All the animals kept or raised on a farm; livestock.
Broth
(uncountable) Water in which food (meat or vegetable etc) has been boiled.
Stock
All the aquatic animals kept or raised in an aquaculture operation.
Broth
(countable) A soup made from broth and other ingredients such as vegetables, herbs or diced meat.
Stock
A population of wild animals, especially of a species that is also farmed
Interactions between hatchery fish and wild stocks.
Broth
Liquid in which flesh (and sometimes other substances, as barley or rice) has been boiled; thin or simple soup.
I am sure by your unprejudiced discourses that you love broth better than soup.
Stock
A kind of financial security granting rights of ownership in a corporation, such as a claim to a portion of the assets and earnings of the corporation and the right to vote for the board of directors. Stock is issued and traded in units called shares.
Broth
Liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered; used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces;
She made gravy with a base of beef stock
Stock
The stock issued by a particular company
A mutual fund that invests in technology stocks.
Broth
A thin soup of meat or fish or vegetable stock
Stock
Chiefly British The money invested in a corporation, including debt and equity.
Stock
Chiefly British A bond, especially a government bond.
Stock
The trunk or main stem of a tree or another plant.
Stock
A plant or stem onto which a graft is made.
Stock
A plant or tree from which cuttings and slips are taken.
Stock
The original progenitor of a family line.
Stock
The descendants of a common ancestor; a family line, especially of a specified character
Comes from farming stock.
Stock
Ancestry or lineage; antecedents.
Stock
The type from which a group of animals or plants has descended.
Stock
A race, family, or other related group of animals or plants.
Stock
An ethnic group or other major division of the human race.
Stock
A group of related languages.
Stock
A group of related families of languages.
Stock
The raw material out of which something is made.
Stock
Paper used for printing.
Stock
The broth in which meat, fish, bones, or vegetables are simmered for a relatively long period, used as a base in preparing soup, gravy, or sauces.
Stock
A main upright part, especially a supporting structure or block.
Stock
Stocks(Nautical) The timber frame that supports a ship during construction.
Stock
Often stocks A frame in which a horse or other animal is held for shoeing or for veterinary treatment.
Stock
Stocks A device consisting of a heavy timber frame with holes for confining the ankles and sometimes the wrists, formerly used for punishment.
Stock
(Nautical) A crosspiece at the end of the shank of an anchor.
Stock
The wooden block from which a bell is suspended.
Stock
The rear wooden, metal, or plastic handle or support of a rifle, pistol, or automatic weapon, to which the barrel and mechanism are attached.
Stock
The long supporting structure and mooring beam of field-gun carriages that trails along the ground to provide stability and support.
Stock
A handle, such as that of a whip, a fishing rod, or various carpentry tools.
Stock
The frame of a plow, to which the share, handles, coulter, and other parts are fastened.
Stock
A theatrical stock company.
Stock
The repertoire of such a company.
Stock
A theater or theatrical activity, especially outside of a main theatrical center
A small role in summer stock.
Stock
(Botany) Any of several Eurasian and Mediterranean plants of the genus Matthiola in the mustard family, especially M. incana, widely cultivated for its clusters of showy, fragrant, variously colored flowers.
Stock
(Games) The portion of a pack of cards or of a group of dominoes that is not dealt out but is drawn from during a game.
Stock
(Geology) A body of intrusive igneous rock of which less than 100 square kilometers (40 square miles) is exposed.
Stock
(Zoology) A compound organism, such as a colony of zooids.
Stock
Personal reputation or status
A teacher whose stock with the students is rising.
Stock
Confidence or credence
I put no stock in that statement.
Stock
A long white neckcloth worn as part of a formal riding habit.
Stock
A broad scarf worn around the neck, especially by certain clerics.
Stock
Rolling stock.
Stock
To supply (a shop) with merchandise.
Stock
To supply (a farm) with livestock.
Stock
To fill (a stream, for example) with fish.
Stock
To keep for future sale or use.
Stock
To provide (a rifle, for example) with a stock.
Stock
(Obsolete) To put (someone) in the stocks as a punishment.
Stock
To gather and lay in a supply of something
Stock up on canned goods.
Stock
To put forth or sprout new shoots. Used of a plant.
Stock
Kept regularly in stock
A stock item.
Stock
Repeated regularly without any thought or originality; routine
A stock answer.
Stock
Employed in dealing with or caring for stock or merchandise
A stock clerk.
Stock
Of or relating to the raising of livestock
Stock farming.
Stock
Used for breeding
A stock mare.
Stock
Of or relating to a stock company or its repertoire.
Stock
Of or being a conventional character or situation that recurs in many literary or cinematic works.
Stock
A store or supply.
Stock
(operations) A store of goods ready for sale; inventory.
We have a stock of televisions on hand.
Stock
A supply of anything ready for use.
Lay in a stock of wood for the winter season.
Stock
Railroad rolling stock.
Stock
A stack of undealt cards made available to the players.
Stock
Farm or ranch animals; livestock.
Stock
The population of a given type of animal (especially fish) available to be captured from the wild for economic use.
Stock
(finance) The capital raised by a company through the issue of shares. The total of shares held by an individual shareholder.
Stock
The price or value of the stock of a company on the stock market.
When the bad news came out, the company's stock dropped precipitously.
Stock
A share in a company.
Stock
(figurative) The measure of how highly a person or institution is valued.
After that last screw-up of mine, my stock is pretty low around here.
Stock
Any of several types of security that are similar to a stock, or marketed like one.
Stock
The raw material from which things are made; feedstock.
Stock
Broth made from meat (originally bones) or vegetables, used as a basis for stew or soup.
Stock
The type of paper used in printing.
The books were printed on a heavier stock this year.
Stock
Ellipsis of film stock
Stock
Plain soap before it is coloured and perfumed.
Stock
Stock theater, summer stock theater.
Stock
The trunk and woody main stems of a tree. The base from which something grows or branches.
Stock
(horticulture) The plant upon which the scion is grafted.
Stock
(by extension) Lineage, family, ancestry.
Stock
Any of the several species of cruciferous flowers in the genus Matthiola.
Stock
A handle or stem to which the working part of an implement or weapon is attached.
Stock
(firearm) The part of a rifle or shotgun that rests against the shooter's shoulder.
Stock
The handle of a whip, fishing rod, etc.
Stock
Part of a machine that supports items or holds them in place.
Stock
The headstock of a lathe, drill, etc.
Stock
The tailstock of a lathe.
Stock
A bar, stick or rod.
Stock
A ski pole.
Stock
(nautical) A bar going through an anchor, perpendicular to the flukes.
Stock
(nautical) The axle attached to the rudder, which transfers the movement of the helm to the rudder.
Stock
(geology) A pipe (vertical cylinder of ore)
Stock
A type of (now formal or official) neckwear.
Stock
A necktie or cravat, particularly a wide necktie popular in the eighteenth century, often seen today as a part of formal wear for horse riding competitions.
Stock
A piece of black cloth worn under a clerical collar.
Stock
A bed for infants; a crib, cot, or cradle
Stock
(folklore) A piece of wood magically made to be just like a real baby and substituted for it by magical beings.
Stock
(obsolete) A cover for the legs; a stocking.
Stock
A block of wood; something fixed and solid; a pillar; a firm support; a post.
Stock
A person who is as dull and lifeless as a stock or post; one who has little sense.
Stock
The longest part of a split tally stick formerly struck in the exchequer, which was delivered to the person who had lent the king money on account, as the evidence of indebtedness.
Stock
The frame or timbers on which a ship rests during construction.
Stock
Red and grey bricks, used for the exterior of walls and the front of buildings.
Stock
(biology) In tectology, an aggregate or colony of individuals, such as trees, chains of salpae, etc.
Stock
The beater of a fulling mill.
Stock
A thrust with a rapier; a stoccado.
Stock
To have on hand for sale.
The store stocks all kinds of dried vegetables.
Stock
To provide with material requisites; to store; to fill; to supply.
To stock a warehouse with goods
To stock a farm, i.e. to supply it with cattle and tools
To stock land, i.e. to occupy it with a permanent growth, especially of grass
Stock
To allow (cows) to retain milk for twenty-four hours or more prior to sale.
Stock
To put in the stocks as punishment.
Stock
(nautical) To fit (an anchor) with a stock, or to fasten the stock firmly in place.
Stock
To arrange cards in a certain manner for cheating purposes; to stack the deck.
Stock
Of a type normally available for purchase/in stock.
Stock items
Stock sizes
Stock
Having the same configuration as cars sold to the non-racing public, or having been modified from such a car.
Stock
Straightforward, ordinary, just another, very basic.
He gave me a stock answer.
Stock
The stem, or main body, of a tree or plant; the fixed, strong, firm part; the trunk.
Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground, yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
Stock
The stem or branch in which a graft is inserted.
The scion overruleth the stock quite.
Stock
A block of wood; something fixed and solid; a pillar; a firm support; a post.
All our fathers worshiped stocks and stones.
Item, for a stock of brass for the holy water, seven shillings; which, by the canon, must be of marble or metal, and in no case of brick.
Stock
Hence, a person who is as dull and lifeless as a stock or post; one who has little sense.
Let's be no stoics, nor no stocks.
Stock
The principal supporting part; the part in which others are inserted, or to which they are attached.
Stock
The wood to which the barrel, lock, etc., of a rifle or like firearm are secured; also, a long, rectangular piece of wood, which is an important part of several forms of gun carriage.
Stock
The original progenitor; also, the race or line of a family; the progenitor of a family and his direct descendants; lineage; family.
And stand betwixt them made, when, severally,All told their stock.
Thy mother was no goddess, nor thy stockFrom Dardanus.
Stock
The handle or contrivance by which bits are held in boring; a bitstock; a brace.
Stock
Money or capital which an individual or a firm employs in business; fund; in the United States, the capital of a bank or other company, in the form of transferable shares, each of a certain amount; money funded in government securities, called also the public funds; in the plural, property consisting of shares in joint-stock companies, or in the obligations of a government for its funded debt; - so in the United States, but in England the latter only are called stocks, and the former shares.
Stock
The block of wood or metal frame which constitutes the body of a plane, and in which the plane iron is fitted; a plane stock.
Stock
Same as Stock account, below.
Stock
The wooden or iron crosspiece to which the shank of an anchor is attached. See Illust. of Anchor.
Stock
Supply provided; store; accumulation; especially, a merchant's or manufacturer's store of goods; as, to lay in a stock of provisions.
Add to that stock which justly we bestow.
Stock
The support of the block in which an anvil is fixed, or of the anvil itself.
Stock
Domestic animals or beasts collectively, used or raised on a farm; as, a stock of cattle or of sheep, etc.; - called also live stock.
Stock
A handle or wrench forming a holder for the dies for cutting screws; a diestock.
Stock
That portion of a pack of cards not distributed to the players at the beginning of certain games, as gleek, etc., but which might be drawn from afterward as occasion required; a bank.
I must buy the stock; send me good cardings.
Stock
The part of a tally formerly struck in the exchequer, which was delivered to the person who had lent the king money on account, as the evidence of indebtedness. See Counterfoil.
Stock
A thrust with a rapier; a stoccado.
Stock
A covering for the leg, or leg and foot; as, upper stocks (breeches); nether stocks (stockings).
With a linen stock on one leg.
Stock
A kind of stiff, wide band or cravat for the neck; as, a silk stock.
Stock
A frame of timber, with holes in which the feet, or the feet and hands, of criminals were formerly confined by way of punishment.
He shall rest in my stocks.
Stock
The frame or timbers on which a ship rests while building.
Stock
Red and gray bricks, used for the exterior of walls and the front of buildings.
Stock
Any cruciferous plant of the genus Matthiola; as, common stock (Matthiola incana) (see Gilly-flower); ten-weeks stock (M. annua).
Stock
An irregular metalliferous mass filling a large cavity in a rock formation, as a stock of lead ore deposited in limestone.
Stock
A race or variety in a species.
Stock
In tectology, an aggregate or colony of persons (see Person), as trees, chains of salpæ, etc.
Stock
The beater of a fulling mill.
Stock
A liquid or jelly containing the juices and soluble parts of meat, and certain vegetables, etc., extracted by cooking; - used in making soup, gravy, etc.
Stock
Raw material; that out of which something is manufactured; as, paper stock.
Stock
A plain soap which is made into toilet soap by adding perfumery, coloring matter, etc.
At the outset of any inquiry it is proper to take stock of the results obtained by previous explorers of the same field.
Stock
To lay up; to put aside for future use; to store, as merchandise, and the like.
Stock
To provide with material requisites; to store; to fill; to supply; as, to stock a warehouse, that is, to fill it with goods; to stock a farm, that is, to supply it with cattle and tools; to stock land, that is, to occupy it with a permanent growth, especially of grass.
Stock
To suffer to retain milk for twenty-four hours or more previous to sale, as cows.
Stock
To put in the stocks.
Stock
Used or employed for constant service or application, as if constituting a portion of a stock or supply; standard; permanent; standing; as, a stock actor; a stock play; a stock phrase; a stock response; a stock sermon.
Stock
The capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity);
He owns a controlling share of the company's stock
Stock
Liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered; used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces;
She made gravy with a base of beef stock
Stock
The merchandise that a shop has on hand;
They carried a vast inventory of hardware
Stock
A supply of something available for future use;
He brought back a large store of Cuban cigars
Stock
Not used technically; any animals kept for use or profit
Stock
The descendants of one individual;
His entire lineage has been warriors
Stock
The handle of a handgun or the butt end of a rifle or shotgun or part of the support of a machine gun or artillery gun;
The rifle had been fitted with a special stock
Stock
The reputation and popularity a person has;
His stock was so high he could have been elected mayor
Stock
A special variety of domesticated animals within a species;
He experimented on a particular breed of white rats
He created a new strain of sheep
Stock
Lumber used in the construction of something;
They will cut round stock to 1-inch diameter
Stock
A certificate documenting the shareholder's ownership in the corporation;
The value of his stocks doubled during the past year
Stock
Any of various ornamental flowering plants of the genus Malcolmia
Stock
A plant or stem onto which a graft is made; especially a plant grown specifically to provide the root part of grafted plants
Stock
Any of several Old World plants cultivated for their brightly colored flowers
Stock
The handle end of some implements or tools;
He grabbed the cue by the stock
Stock
Persistent thickened stem of a herbaceous perennial plant
Stock
An ornamental white cravat
Stock
Have on hand;
Do you carry kerosene heaters?
Stock
Equip with a stock;
Stock a rifle
Stock
Supply with fish;
Stock a lake
Stock
Supply with livestock;
Stock a farm
Stock
Stock up on to keep for future use or sale;
Let's stock coffee as long as prices are low
Stock
Provide or furnish with a stock of something;
Stock the larder with meat
Stock
Put forth and grow sprouts or shoots;
The plant sprouted early this year
Stock
Repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse;
Bromidic sermons
His remarks were trite and commonplace
Hackneyed phrases
A stock answer
Repeating threadbare jokes
Parroting some timeworn axiom
The trite metaphor `hard as nails'
Stock
Routine;
A stock answer
Stock
Regularly and widely used or sold;
A standard size
A stock item
Common Curiosities
Can I use broth instead of stock in a recipe?
Yes, broth can often be used in place of stock, although it may bring a lighter flavor and thinner consistency to the dish.
Is bone broth the same as stock?
Bone broth is similar to stock due to its use of bones but is typically simmered even longer and often seasoned, making it akin to a hybrid of broth and stock.
Can I make vegetarian stock?
Yes, vegetarian stock is made by simmering vegetables and aromatics, and while it lacks the collagen from bones, it can still be flavorful.
How long can I store broth and stock in the refrigerator?
Both broth and stock can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Ensure they are cooled and then stored in airtight containers.
What types of bones are best for making stock?
A variety of bones can be used, including chicken, beef, and fish bones. For a richer stock, include a mix of marrow bones and bones with some meat still attached.
Why do some recipes call for broth over stock, or vice versa?
Recipes may specify one over the other based on desired flavor intensity, consistency, or the presence of seasonings in the base liquid.
How can I enhance the flavor of homemade broth or stock?
Roasting bones and vegetables before simmering can deepen the flavors, as can the addition of herbs and spices during the cooking process.
Can broth or stock be frozen for later use?
Yes, both can be frozen for several months. It's convenient to freeze them in ice cube trays or small containers for easy use in future recipes.
How can I make a quick broth if I'm short on time?
For a quick broth, simmer meat, vegetables, and aromatics for a shorter period, even 30 minutes can yield a flavorful liquid for use in simple recipes.
Why is my stock gelatinous when cooled?
The gelatinous consistency is due to the collagen extracted from bones during the long simmering process, which solidifies when cool.
Can I add salt to my stock if it's going to be used in recipes?
It's generally recommended to leave stock unseasoned or lightly seasoned to better control the salt level in the final dish.
Is it necessary to skim the fat from broth or stock?
Skimming fat can result in a clearer and lighter liquid, which is often preferred for soups and sauces, but it's a matter of personal preference.
Is there a difference in nutritional value between broth and stock?
Stock, particularly bone stock, may contain more minerals and collagen, potentially offering greater nutritional benefits, though both can be part of a healthy diet.
Can I make broth or stock in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Yes, both appliances are excellent for making broth and stock, with slow cookers ideal for gentle simmering over several hours and pressure cookers for producing rich flavors in a fraction of the time.
What's the difference between a white stock and a brown stock?
White stock is made with raw bones and vegetables, resulting in a lighter color and flavor, while brown stock involves roasting the bones and vegetables first, achieving a deeper color and richer taste.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
