Bone broth is among the most nourishing foods available, considered "liquid gold" by traditional societies. Bone broth made correctly is a rich source of calcium, collagen, amino acids, and essential macronutrients.
The calcium and collagen make bone broth a must for any athlete eager to help heal and recover from the stresses of an active lifestyle. Bone broth also offers significant health benefits for your brain and can even elevate your mood, thanks to the abundance of the amino acid glutamine. If you suffer from digestive issues, bone broth can help heal a damaged digestive tract. The glycine in bone broth helps the body detoxify, making it a key supportive food when your immune system is under fire during cold and flu season.
And while bone broth may be easy enough to make, most people do not have the time to devote to the multi-day process, not to mention that cooking bone broth in your home creates a pretty strong odor that tends to linger for days. When homemade is not an option, store-bought is the next best thing. But not all packaged products are created equal, so we're looking at what's offered on the shelves to help you decide what packaged bone broth is best for your needs.
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The Best Bone Broths - Our Top Picks
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- Best Bone Broth Overall: Brodo Bone Broth
- Best Easy-to-Find Bone Broth: Bonafide Provisions Bone Broth
- Best Shelf-Stable Bone Broth: Fond Organic Chicken Bone Broth
- Best Bone Broth Powder: Vital Proteins Bone Broth Powder
- Best Take-Anywhere Bone Broth: Wander Broth freeze-dried, no salt added organic chicken bone broth
- Best Pre-Made Soups with Bone Broth: Kettle & Fire
Best Bone Broth Overall - Brodo Chicken Bone Broth
SPECS
- Protein type: Chicken
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories per serving: 45
- Protein per serving: 9g
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sodium per serving: 350mg
Brodo stands apart from the rest of the pack because they use more than just bones to make their broth. Brodo includes parts like chicken feet and oxtails in their broth. While this may sound unappetizing, these parts contain the highest concentration of collagen and other key nutrients that make this bone broth more nutrient-dense than most.
Brodo is also one of the best-tasting broths on the market. And it's no wonder why: Founder Marco Canora is a James Beard Award-winning chef. Canora makes his broth the right way—with meaty bones (not bare bones) and by periodically skimming the fats and impurities that rise to the top while the broth is cooking. Brodo sources their bones and animal parts from cooperatives and family farms and uses 100 percent grass-fed, pasture-raised animals. So you can be sure that this broth is pure, clean, and tasty.
What We Like
- Made with nutrient-dense animal parts
- Chef-made, so the taste is superior
- 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised animals
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
- Hard to find (Can only order online, unless you live near one of the New York shops)
BUY: Brodo Bone Broth
Best Easy-to-Find Bone Broth - Bonafide Provisions Bone Broth
SPECS
- Protein type: Chicken (also available in beef, turkey, and frontier blend)
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories per serving: 45
- Protein per serving: 10g
- Carbs per serving: 0g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sodium per serving: 280mg
Bonafide Provisions was founded in 2011 by Sharon Brown, a certified clinical nutritionist, nutrition therapist, and GAPS practitioner, along with her husband, a trained chef. Brown understands the power of a good, traditionally made broth. All bones are from grass-fed or free-range and organic animals. She includes apple cider vinegar, which aids in extracting the nutrients from the bones, and simmers the broth for at least 18 hours.
In addition to the great ingredient list and preparation methods, this broth is available nationwide in many major grocery stores. So great quality frozen bone broth can be as easy to buy as milk and bread.
What We Like
- Available in many national grocery stores
- Frozen to maintain the most nutrients
- Bones from free-range chickens
- Made with filtered water and apple cider vinegar
What We Don't Like
- Flavor is a bit bland
- Pricy
BUY: Bonafide Provisions Bone Broth
Best Shelf-Stable Bone Broth - Fond Organic Chicken Bone Broth
SPECS
- Protein type: Chicken
- Serving size: 14 oz.
- Calories per serving: 60
- Protein per serving: 16g
- Carbs per serving: 0g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sodium per serving: 926mg
Fond has gone a step above by sourcing its animal bones from regenerative farms. Regenerative farms practice dynamic, holistic agriculture that supports and enhances the health of the land and water and even helps to reverse climate change. By doing so, the food from a regenerative farm is far richer in nutrients than that of a modern or industrial farm. By starting with the most nutrient-dense bones, Fond can make bone broth that is superior in nutrition.
While shelf-stable bone broths risk losing nutrients due to the processes that make them shelf-stable, Fond has taken extra steps to ensure their bone broth is safe and uncompromised. They also utilize various fresh herbs, botanicals, and vegetables to create satisfying, functional flavors.
What We Like
- Animal bones from regenerative farms
- Fresh herbs and botanicals
- 100% plastic-free and aluminum-free
- Dietary restriction-friendly flavors
What We Don't Like
- Some nutrition is lost in the canning process
- Glass jars are prone to breakage
BUY: Fond Bone Broth
Best Bone Broth Powder - Vital Proteins Bone Broth Collagen
SPECS
- Protein type: Chicken or beef
- Serving size: 10g
- Calories per serving: 40g
- Protein per serving: 9g
- Carbs per serving: Not listed
- Fats per serving: Not listed
- Sodium per serving: 70mg
Vital Protein has taken the difficulty out of the bone broth. This powdered, mostly flavorless version can easily be added to just about any hot food or beverage, giving your meals a major nutrition boost without adding or changing the flavor. That makes this product a win-win if you don't particularly care for the flavor of bone broth or if you have kids who are picky eaters.
Vital Proteins uses only bones from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows or free-range chickens and adds absolutely nothing else to their product, making this powder ultra-pure. It is important to note, though, that the heating process used to dry most powdered bone broths can compromise the structure of the collagen proteins and amino acids. However, according to the label, this product does supply a healthy dose of amino acids.
What We Like
- Easy to add to any hot beverage, soup, or recipe
- Single ingredient
- From grass-fed, pasture-raised cows or free-range chickens
What We Don't Like
- Flavorless, so not recommended for those who like to sip on their bone broth
- No details given on how this product is dried
- No vinegar added (this helps extract nutrients from the bones)
BUY: Vital Proteins Bone Broth Powder
Best Take-Anywhere Bone Broth - Wander Broth Freeze-Dried, No-Salt-Added Organic Chicken Broth
SPECS
- Protein type: Chicken
- Serving size: 1 packet (.57 oz.)
- Calories per serving: 70
- Protein per serving: 15g
- Carbs per serving: 0g
- Fats per serving: 1g
- Sodium per serving: 200mg
Wander Broth is the first freeze-dried bone broth powder, coming to market in 2018. By freeze-drying this bone broth instead of heat-processing it like other powders, Wander Broth retains up to 97 percent of the source nutrition. It also maintains the original texture and flavor, so this powder is still rich with flavor when you add it to hot water. And because it's so shelf-stable and comes in individual packets, this bone broth can be your go-to for travel, camping, or any time you need a nutritious boost.
Wander Broth sources organic and pasture-raised animal bones and adds only apple cider vinegar to its broth. The vinegar helps to extract the nutrients from the bones. And because there are no other ingredients, this broth is safe for those following gut-healing and restricted diets.
What We Like
- Freeze-dried to maintain nutrient integrity
- Shelf-stable for 25 years
- Only 2 ingredients, so it's safe for those with dietary restrictions
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavors
- Flavor is a bit bland
BUY: Wander Broth freeze-dried, no salt added organic chicken bone broth
Best Pre-Made Soups with Bone Broth - Kettle & Fire
SPECS
- Protein type: Chicken or beef
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories per serving: Varies
- Protein per serving: 4g-10g
- Carbs per serving: Varies
- Fats per serving: Varies
- Sodium per serving: Varies
Sipping a mug of bone broth is great, but it's not for everyone. Kettle & Fire's pre-made soups, which contain between 21-28 percent bone broth, are a fantastic alternative. These ready-to-eat soups can take the guesswork out of dinner or are an easy lunch. There's something for every palate with flavors like broccoli cheddar (keto), coconut curry & lime, beef chili, and spicy cauliflower.
Kettle & Fire is one of the original pre-made bone broths on the market, launching in 2014. Their bone broths and premade soups are packaged in vacuum-sealed Tetra Pak, allowing the product to be shelf stable for two years without preservatives or additives. The company uses organic or 100 percent grass-fed bones and, according to their website, simmers the bones for 20 to 24 hours on low heat to extract nutrients.
What We Like
- Organic ingredients
- Wide variety of ready-to-eat soups and bases, including keto-friendly soups
- Non-GMO verified and glyphosate free
What We Don't Like
- Pure bone broths are mixed with vegetable broth, which dilutes the bone broth benefits
- Shelf-stable products may lose nutrition in the packing process
BUY: Kettle & Fire
What to Look for When Shopping for Bone Broth
Does Your Broth Jiggle?
The single most important factor that identifies a quality bone broth is the texture. A well-made bone broth will be congealed when cold (like your favorite childhood gelatin dessert). If the broth is liquid when cooled, the makers either did not cook it long enough or cooked it at too high a temperature to properly extract and maintain the gelatin, collagen, and all of the "good stuff."
Ingredient Quality
For a truly healthy broth, the bones should be from 100 percent pasture-raised, grass-fed, or wild animals. Pasture-raised and wild animals are toxin-free and have a healthy balance of macronutrients, so your bone broth is toxin-free and balanced. Good bone broths will also contain vinegar or another acid (like fresh lemon juice), which helps to extract the nutrients from the bone.
Bone broths should also be free from additives, preservatives, concentrates, and any artificial flavors or colors.
Shelf-Stable vs. Cold Storage
Flash pasteurization and high-heat drying will kill off some of the benefits of a bone broth. On the other hand, freezing and freeze-drying have little effect on the nutrient quality. The downfall is that frozen products are expensive to ship and harder to store, so you must consider what method works best for your needs and uses.
FAQs About Bone Broth
What type of bone broth has the most collagen?
By weight, beef bone broth has more collagen than chicken. However, the collagen in chicken more closely mirrors that in the human body, so some people say that chicken bone broth has more bioavailable collagen.
Bone broths that incorporate the most variety of animal parts tend to have the most collagen. This means broths with chicken feet—not just chicken bones—are richer in collagen because these other animal parts are the richest source of collagen. It is also important to select a broth that uses vinegar or another acid (like fresh lemon juice) to help extract the maximum amount of nutrition from the bones and parts.
Should you drink bone broth every day?
Bone broth is loaded with powerful nutrition and can be consumed daily for maximum health benefits. If you live an active life, a daily dose of good bone broth can promote healthy, strong joints, bones, and connective tissues. If this sounds like too much for you, then know that consuming bone broth less often will still provide substantial health benefits.
Does bone broth help you lose belly fat?
Consuming bone broth does not directly correlate to losing belly fat. However, bone broth can help improve digestive health and reduce inflammation, so some people may see a reduction in the appearance of belly fat.
FAQs About Bone Broth
What type of bone broth has the most collagen?
By weight, beef bone broth has more collagen than chicken. However, the collagen in chicken more closely mirrors that in the human body, so some people say that chicken bone broth has more bioavailable collagen.
Bone broths that incorporate the most variety of animal parts tend to have the most collagen. This means broths with chicken feet—not just chicken bones—are richer in collagen because these other animal parts are the richest source of collagen. It is also important to select a broth that uses vinegar or another acid (like fresh lemon juice) to help extract the maximum amount of nutrition from the bones and parts.
Should you drink bone broth every day?
Bone broth is loaded with powerful nutrition and can be consumed daily for maximum health benefits. If you live an active life, a daily dose of good bone broth can promote healthy, strong joints, bones, and connective tissues. If this sounds like too much for you, then know that consuming bone broth less often will still provide substantial health benefits.
Does bone broth help you lose belly fat?
Consuming bone broth does not directly correlate to losing belly fat. However, bone broth can help improve digestive health and reduce inflammation, so some people may see a reduction in the appearance of belly fat.
About the Author
Lindsey chose to study nutrition after watching her mother battle breast cancer, which helped her realize that proper nutrition is the key to good health and long life. She preaches a lifestyle mindset when discussing nutrition, and specializes in teaching the benefits of a healthy diet for conception, pregnancy, and early child development.
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