More Recipes
After all the conversation on this week’s episode about soup, the Splendid Table team decided to do a blind-tasting of readily available, commercial chicken stock of their own. Be warned that this was definitely not a scientific nor totally fair exercise thanks to the limitations of pandemic grocery shopping. However, Managing Producer Sally Swift sent each team member, Francis, Jenny, and Erika a care package with four different chicken broth brands and enlisted their spouses to prepare the tasting so that it would be a truly blind-tasting.
The stock was warmed in the microwave, poured it into a clear plastic cup and labeled it with a number. And off they went.
Stock 1: Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock
Second Place
There isn’t much of a chicken aroma here, but the taste was better than expected. It actually did taste like chicken soup, perfect for something you won’t be cooking very long, a quick soup or sauce.
Stock 2: Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Stock
Fourth Place
Our least favorite. This smell reminded some of us of chicken bouillon or instant ramen. The overall taste was very processed and thin with a muddy yellowish-brown color.
Stock 3: College Inn 100% Natural Chicken Broth
Third Place
This broth has real chicken flavor with ample salt. It was the clearest of all the stocks and the salt flavor is pretty noticeable and found to be a bit enjoyable.
Stock 4: Swanson Chicken Broth Low Sodium
WINNER
This broth had pieces of chicken fat floating on the surface with a subtle fragrance of vegetable and herbs. This stock smelled the most like chicken with a deeper flavor than all the other brands.
Before you go...
Each week, The Splendid Table brings you stories that expand your world view, inspire you to try something new and show how food brings us together. We rely on you to do this. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. It's a community of like-minded individuals who love good food, good conversation and kitchen companionship. Splendid Table Co-op members will get exclusive content each month and have special opportunities for connecting with The Splendid Table team.
Donate today for as little as $5.00 a month. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op.
