# Why can't I buy pork broth at the grocery store? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [October 3, 2023, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027 "2023-10-03T00:06:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![El\_DeLuxo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_deluxo/32/9043_2.png) [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/1 "2023-10-03T00:06:04Z")
I can’t find it, and I’ve _looked_. Neither canned pork stock broth nor pork boullion cubes are anywhere in sight. This is unfortunate, as substituting chicken broth _will not do_ for the recipes I want to try it in. Don’t food companies make pork broth, or large grocers in California carry it? Has the stigmatization and demonization of pork as food gone so far that the broth got yanked from the shelves? It’s got to be one of those three things, I guess, but why? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/2 "2023-10-03T00:11:16Z")
Perhaps it’s been re-imagined and marketed as “bone broth”? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/3 "2023-10-03T00:12:56Z")
If there is a stigmatization of pork, it’s passed me by. Bacon remains extremely popular. My guess is that there’s very little demand for it so it wouldn’t be profitable to make it for sale. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/4 "2023-10-03T00:13:51Z")
Knorr carries it. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/5 "2023-10-03T00:14:09Z")
I’ve never looked for it, but I can’t remember ever seeing pork broth on the shelves. Chicken, beef, fish, vegetable. Never pork. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/6 "2023-10-03T00:14:52Z")
Here ya go > **[Amazon.com : Knorr, Pork naturally& artificially flavored Bouillon,3 pack, 6...](https://www.amazon.com/Knorr-naturally-artificially-flavored-Bouillon/dp/B003M5K7EO)** > > Enhance a variety of pork dishes simply by adding a Knorr Pork Stock Cube. Made with carefully selected herbs and spices, it will help release the natural flavour of your pork. For a simple but tasty twist, mix your stock cube with chopped sage... ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/7 "2023-10-03T00:15:48Z")
> [@El\_DeLuxo](#): > > Don’t food companies make pork broth No, they don’t, at least not the major U.S. companies. Here’s Campbell’s line of broths under the Swanson brand: > **[Swanson® Broths | Swanson®](https://www.campbells.com/swanson/broth/)** > > Swanson® Broths are made from high quality stock, farm-grown vegetables and seasonings. Our stocks contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Here’s College Inn’s line of broths: [https://www.collegeinn.com/all-products](https://www.collegeinn.com/all-products) Why don’t they make it? Speaking as a marketing professional, who’s worked extensively in the food industry, I’m going to hazard a guess that there simply isn’t much demand for it, compared to chicken, beef, and vegetable broths/stocks. Edit: I see that several have mentioned that Knorr makes pork bouillon cubes, of which I was unaware. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/8 "2023-10-03T00:18:10Z")
I was gonna add I bet an Asian food store would have it. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/9 "2023-10-03T00:18:23Z")
I’ve used Minor’s before, with fully adequate results: > **[Amazon.com : Minor's Pork Base, 16 Ounce : Grocery & Gourmet Food](https://www.amazon.com/Minors-Pork-Base-16-Ounce/dp/B00J4B1RLM)** > > Freshly roasted lean boneless pork with natural juices is the primary ingredient of this well-seasoned Minor's pork base. Minor’s meat bases are made with freshly cooked USDA inspected meats and natural juices for flavor that inspires. Minor's has a... I also recall seeing pork broth at the local Asian market, but not sure if it was made in house or a store brand. Was a while ago. I make most of my own stocks these days. I’d expect that for 90% of what you’d use pork broth for, you could sub beef or chicken (or a blend of the two) with minimal change. The other 10% - they figure if you’re that precise, you’ll make it yourself. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/10 "2023-10-03T00:19:51Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > If there is a stigmatization of pork, it’s passed me by. Bacon remains extremely popular. This. Pork (and ham and bacon) sells just fine as a meat – this article shows that pork consumption in the U.S. is almost as high as beef consumption (about 50 pounds per capita per year), though all meats badly trail chicken. > **[The Meat of the Matter: Understanding U.S. Meat Consumption](https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/us-meat-consumption/)** > > Originally published on March 30, 2023, this article has been updated on October 10, 2023 to reflect the latest research and statistics. Our editorial team has ensured you're viewing the most current data on this ---
**Author:** ![El\_DeLuxo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_deluxo/32/9043_2.png) [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/11 "2023-10-03T00:24:18Z")
And why is _that_? Why’s there no demand for it other than from me? Don’t people make pork based stews, soups and gravies? It would seem that pork broth would be a go-to ingredient for those things. I know that some sources claim you can substitute chicken broth for pork broth in recipes, but I’ve tried it more than once, and it ain’t the same. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/12 "2023-10-03T00:24:39Z")
Pork broth is not usual. I dont’ want to get into the in-and-out of why and all that shit, but we don’t do “pork broth” in the US, at least. (ETA: I use pork broth in my cooking, just stating the way it is.) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/13 "2023-10-03T00:27:03Z")
> [@El\_DeLuxo](#): > > Don’t people make pork based stews, soups and gravies? As for gravies, I’d imagine that most Americans who serve pork gravy either: a) use drippings from the pork that they’ve just cooked, which will be part of the meal along with the gravy b) use chicken broth c) use jarred / canned pork gravy As far as stews and soups, I’m going to make an educated guess that no, most people do not. ---
**Author:** ![El\_DeLuxo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_deluxo/32/9043_2.png) [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/14 "2023-10-03T00:28:20Z")
They don’t? That’s weird. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/15 "2023-10-03T00:28:41Z")
As to why, I guess because if you want something more subtle than “beef” broth you go “chicken.” And pork is just the odd man out. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/16 "2023-10-03T00:31:43Z")
Honestly, the chicken/beef/vegetable broth you get at the store are basically interchangeable because they impart very little actual flavor to the dish. Pork would be no different. If you want flavor, make your own. It’s easy, basically uses the stuff you were going to throw away anyway, and tastes awesome. [/that guy] ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/17 "2023-10-03T00:34:53Z")
Where did you get pork broth in the past? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/18 "2023-10-03T00:36:15Z")
ISTR reading somewhere that pork broth/stock has historically been disdained in western fine cuisine because it’s cloudy in appearance and fattier than beef or chicken-based extracts. There’s a tonkotsu (Japanese pork bone broth) concentrate that I often buy on Amazon for making ramen at home. Perhaps it might serve the OP’s needs? > **[Amazon.com : Japanese Noodles Tonkotsu Ramen Concentration Pork Bone Soup,...](https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Noodles-Tonkotsu-Concentration-1-Pounds/dp/B00K69ZK46)** > > Amazon.com : Japanese Noodles Tonkotsu Ramen Concentration Pork Bone Soup, 1-Pounds, 10 Packs : Grocery & Gourmet Food ---
**Author:** ![El\_DeLuxo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_deluxo/32/9043_2.png) [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/19 "2023-10-03T00:51:32Z")
Me? I _didn’t_ find it in the past. Never saw pork broth on the shelf for sale before, though it’s only come up recently because of a couple of things I want to try cooking. But now I’ve gotten actively curious about “just why _is_ that?” too. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2023, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027/20 "2023-10-03T00:54:23Z")
So you’ve never used it? How do you know that veggie broth won’t do? What is the basis of your claimed stigmatization of pork? At least you have the Knorr cubes and maybe the tonkatsu (which I didn’t know was pork based before). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-buy-pork-broth-at-the-grocery-store/991027.md?page=2)