7 Best Bone Broths to Buy (Healthiest in 2024) | The Beginner’s Guide

We’re all different. Some of us want to decrease discomfort caused by arthritis or recover from an illness.

Others love bodybuilding. Some people choose a Paleo lifestyle. Others have acute allergies to meat, eggs, or dairy.

Which one are you? Because we have 7 bone broths to buy that will fit all these purposes or lifestyle choices. Curious yet? Read along.

Top Bone Broths Products and Brands to Buy

1. Kettle and Fire Chicken Bone Broth - Best for Soups & Overall

This product from Kettle & Fire certainly cuts back on your cooking time, because they’ve done all that.

The broth is made from chicken feet and bones, which have the most collagen to speed up your healing process.

These have been cooked with organic vegetables, slow simmering for more than 10 hours.

As such, Chicken Broth boasts a lot of important nutrients, such as vital proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

The amino acid in this broth will reinvigorate you, and instill some new force in those weak muscles, while also fighting free radicals that lead to inflammation.

This organic broth can be used in a number of diets, like Paleo, Whole30, or the Keto diet.

There are no GMOs, dairy, soy-based products, additives, preservatives, or gluten in this pack.

The chickens are raised with no hormones and have received no antibiotics, which shows real user-friendliness.

On the downside, this broth is not the most affordable on the market.

It also lacks the gel consistency of other broths, which might bother some people.

On the other hand, it’s what makes it the best choice for hot, refreshing soups.

Summary: If you want a nutritious, healthy soup that can fit many different diets, the Kettle & Fire Chicken Broth is a great choice. If you are after a shelf-stable turmeric and ginger bone broth, then look no further.

2. Swanson Organic Bone Broth (Chicken)

The Swanson Chicken is one of the most delicious on the market, with an almost soothing taste, albeit a little salty for some.

With USDA organic ingredients, this Swanson product provides many of the nutrients you might need when you’re recovering from an illness. It is the best tasting broth I tried.

When most people are reading the list of ingredients on products they buy, they want to recognize at least some of them.

And that’s exactly the case with the Swanson, considering it’s 100% natural. As such, there are no preservatives, artificial colors or MSG.

The bones used to come from organic chickens that have never received any antibiotics, raised in trustworthy farms.

Consequently, you’ll be getting approximately 7 grams of protein for each serving, which is enough to replace a meal.

Summary: Tasty and natural, the Swanson Organic Chicken bone broth is affordable and has plenty of protein.

3. Pacific - Best For Leaky Gut

The Pacific Bone Broth comes in different varieties, considering this brand uses different types of bones to manufacture its broths.

However, all of them are organic, locally sourced and slowly simmered, with no added powders.

As a direct result, this broth is filled with naturally occurring protein, getting up to 9 grams per serving.

In turn, the caloric intake is just about 45 kcal/ serving, so this is also a terrific snack for after you work out.

Besides, all you have to do is pour and heat before you enjoy this drink!

Considering that the ingredients are non-GMO, gluten and dairy-free, with no MSG and USDA organic, this broth can be included in ketogenic diets as well as Paleo diets.

It’s also a great anti-inflammatory, especially if you’re suffering from arthritis.

However, the fact that there’s no added salt or sugar can also be perceived as a disadvantage.

The broth tastes a little bland for our palate, so we added a sprinkle of Mrs. Dash to make it better.

Summary: This Pacific Foods is an easy-to-prepare nutritious snack. Just add some salt!

4. BRU - Best On-the-Go Juices

The broth from BRU is one of the most nutritious and healthy on the market, considering it uses cold-pressed ingredients.

According to an interview with Soo-Ah Landa and Mary Butler, co-founders of BRU, this brand is the only one to combine slow-simmering bones and fresh-pressing vegetables and roots, with high-pressure processing.

Basically, it’s exactly like making a fresh juice, which explains the rather steep price point.

That way, more nutrients are preserved, and the taste is richer.

Besides, BRU offers its customers a number of different flavors to enjoy, such as Hug in Mug, Turmeric Ginger, or Cayenne Zen.

On the other hand, these might seem too strong to some people, who would rather use this broth as a base for soup.

Other than that, this product is completely organic, with no included GMOs, gluten, or sugar.

It’s also a versatile product that can be used with a number of diets, such as Keto, Paleo, GAPS, and Whole 30.

Besides, thanks to its high protein level, antioxidants, and collagen, this is the perfect aid for convalescent people who need to decrease inflammation and pain.

Summary: With a rich taste, this nutritious broth is portable, curbs cravings, and is a great anti-inflammatory or post-workout drink.

5. Dr. Axe /Ancient Nutrition Protein Powder - Best for Smoothies

Dr. Axe is an endorser of all-natural, paleo ingredients, so this product is the personification of his teachings.

The first thing we love about this top bone broth powder is that it contains 20 grams of proteins per serving, twice as much as most products on the market.

That makes this Bone Broth protein powder, amazing for treating intestinal problems, for body-building, and for lactose-intolerant people.

Besides, the ingredients are all-natural, with no preservatives, GMOs, artificial colors, salt or sugar, and a staggering 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Instead, it contains healthy ingredients like collagen and amino acids for gut health and fighting inflammations, as well as hyaluronic acid for cleansing and skin health.

So if you like smoothies, this broth powder is quite easy to blend and to drink.

On the other hand, you might note, just like us, that this isn’t the most delicious broth on the market.

Actual protein powders powder smells great, but the final blend tastes and smells a bit off – and I tried quite a few flavors from this brand.

The solution was to add a lot of extra spices and veggies to mask the taste, but that might not be an option if you’re following a Paleo diet.

Summary: If you’re following a Paleo diet or have a lot of allergies, this ancient nutrition bone broth powders high in proteins, as well as made from 100% natural ingredients.

6. Bonafide

Bonafide is one of the most trustworthy brands on the market, thanks to its natural ingredients that are organic and nutritious.

Even Forbes wrote an article about it, highlighting its long-simmering process that extracts all the collagen and minerals from the bones.

And these components help keep your heart healthy, improve your skin shine, and decrease your cellulite.

Besides, there are no dangerous ingredients such as MSG, GMOs, or BPAs.

This broth can be used by people with intolerances to gluten, grains, or dairy, and there’s no added sugar.

The Whole 30 diet-approved it too, so it’s a terrific snack for post-workouts or to replace one of your meals.

The company uses quality ingredients, considering the water is triple-filtered and that the bones come from certified organic cattle or chicken.

All the other vegetables used, like the onions and garlic are organic too.

To preserve the nutrients offered by these ingredients with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or stabilizers, Bonafide freezes its products.

Unfortunately, this means the Bonafide broth doesn’t have a jelly-like texture, but you can still use it for preparing soups or sauces.

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7. PaleoPro Grass-Fed - Best for Pancakes

This product meets two important criteria: it fits a Paleo diet, and it’s great in pancakes.

Who doesn’t love Paleo pancakes, especially made with a nutritious broth powder with 26 grams of protein per serving?

Besides, this powder seems especially made for people with a lot of dietary restrictions to whey, dairy, lactose, gluten, grains, and wheat.

The bones are organic, from hormone and antibiotic-free cattle and chicken.

There are no artificial ingredients, preservatives, chemical processing, or extra sugar.

However, this product uses Stevia as a sweetener, so the aftertaste might seem a little strong if you use this powder in your coffee or tea.

You can even feel it if you add some vegetables or peanut butter, which is why we prefer to use this powder for pancake batter.

Otherwise, we’re also happy with the ingenious manufacturing process.

The beef and chicken eggs are mixed with water, and then the broth is pulverized in a heat tunnel with a high-pressure nozzle.

The resulting droplets are dried on the spot to form the powder. Pretty Paleo, right?

Summary: Paleo and pancakes – that should say it all.

Products not included in this review:

• Numo Broth 100% Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Kit
• Bare Bones Bone Broths
• Protein Essentials Bone Broths (Contains sugar, flavor enhancers, and other additives)
• Osso Good Bone Broth (organic chicken)
• Bonafide Provisions Beef Broth

8. Epic Artisanal Bone Broth Beef Jalapeno Sea Salt

This season, San Jose-based Epic Artisanal’s award-winning beef bone broth jalapeño-salt was back at our office, refreshed with a flavorful, spicy kick. This latest version is even easier to make than the last. All you have to do is steam, shred and simmer for one hour, before topping the finished product with an easy blend of chili powder, cumin, and turmeric. (You’ll want to adjust the ratio of water to bone broth to taste; I always keep a bottle of orange juice on hand to replenish water and rehydrate my bones).

I added the flavorful jalapeño, as well as a few rounds of dried jalapeño, to a steaming bowl of the broth. I stirred in some shredded chicken and a touch of avocado; I also whipped up a quick guacamole dressing by mixing in lime juice and cilantro. Finally, I sliced lime and placed it over top before serving.

This soup goes perfectly with roasted vegetables, like sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, but my favorite way to eat it is on its own as a hearty, healthy lunch or dinner.

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What is Bone Broths?

It is made from meaty bones that are slow-simmered for 10 to 24 hours.

The broth is a little thinner than stock, even though it still boasts significant quantities of collagen.

What Are the Health Benefits?

There are many health benefits of bone broth, stemming from its ingredients.

Collagen protects your joints and keeps your skin healthy, the aminos support your immune system and reduce inflammations, plus the gelatinous form of broth helps good bacteria protect your intestinal health.

Bone broths are also an important aid in detoxification because of their high amounts of potassium and glycine help your body expel toxic chemicals.

You can also use it to heal faster or if you’re into bodybuilding, considering that amino acids increase your metabolism.

• It may help reduce inflammation and for healing your gut.
• It may help with sleep.
• It may help to support weight loss goals.
• It is highly nutritious.
• It may protect your joints. It is a great source of gelatin, which will break down into collagen
• It may help with fighting osteoarthritis.

What to Avoid When Buying Bone Broth for Keto?

Avoid lab-produced flavors and non-organic ingredients that simply aren’t “real.”

But the real danger in store-bought bone broth is the use of MSG (monosodium glutamate), which is a dangerous neurotoxin.

What Are the Best Bones to Use?

The best bones come from grass-fed cattle or organically-raised chicken (also can make chicken stock). The best bones are:

Beef broth (beef bones) contains type 1 and 3 collagen, which is great for organ lining. Chicken broth has type 2 collagen that sustains a healthy digestive system, joints, and skin. Some of the grocery stores you can find bone broth brands for sale are Costco, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target.

What Type of Bone Broth is Healthiest?

An acorn-fed, bison-chicken, or rabbit bone broth is the most healthful for you. For each of these, you'll get good bone-building nutrients and some serious health-boosting benefits. (These are the 10 best foods to eat if you want to lose weight.) That said, there are two types of broth: Pasteurized bone broth. Pasteurized bone broth is a much better source of bone-building nutrients than whole bones. For this reason, pasteurized bones are my best recommendation for beginning to get the benefits of bone broth. Processed bone broth. For people who don't like the idea of raw bones, processed bone broth is a good substitute.

Although they may contain the same nutrients as real bone broth, processed bone broth is also likely to contain additives like salt or sugar, so you'll likely notice they taste better than the bone broth you make at home. Which bone broth recipe is healthiest? While there are more than 30 different bone broth recipes on the internet, all of them contain at least one of two nutrients: gelatin and collagen. Because gelatin isn't healthy, I suggest you avoid these recipes that include gelatin. Instead, you should go for bones that are both boiled and peeled to remove all the gelatin. However, there are four main types of bone broth. The broth is made with whole bones (like beef, lamb, or pork). Broth is made with unpeeled bones (like vegetables). The broth is made with bones that are peeled but haven't fully softened.

Can You Cook Bone Broth Too Long?

Terrified of overcooking the bones? "My favorite cooking method is to steam them in a large pot," says Laurie Shelly, owner of Chicago's Mona Lisa Food Bar and author of two cookbooks. "I use bone broth in soups, and it can also be added to recipes that call for heavy cream, fish stock, milk, or cream. But bone broth doesn't taste the same if it's cooked too long or too fast. As with any homemade broth, bone broth that has been sitting for a few days needs to be decanted to extract more of the rich broth flavor.

I have a very large bowl that I will use to decant my homemade bone broth into; it gets a little crowded with bones, vegetables, spices, and salt (at least until I add more bone broth to the bowl and stir everything together). Using this large bowl of cold bone broth, I will then make simple vegetable stock. I use a blender to get my cold vegetable stock to a very thick texture, making sure to use the SFR method – that is, I transfer the stock directly into a smaller bowl so the SFR has a chance to work.

Is Store-Bought Bone Broth Good for You?

As the health trend gets more and more saturated with alternatives, many people are still turning to the more traditional options: healthy fats, antioxidants, and vegetables. But now that the trendy alternative is trendy, many of the traditional options are changing, too. For example, the beloved broth-boiling game has now been replaced by the pressure cooker, where you can quickly and easily make rich chicken stock for a warming bowl of soup.

If you're thinking that means you can skip the extra calories in the recipe, fear not: You can still get the benefits from using the old-school method. Trying to catch up with our appetite for all things fast and convenient, it seems like almost every time a dish that has been made in a pot for hours suddenly becomes a takeout or delivery option, there is a healthy alternative ready to be gobbled up in.

Is Boxed Bone Broth Good for You?

Boxed Bone Broth's nutritional claims have been widely debated and questioned by a slew of nutritional experts and alternative medicine proponents. And, as a result, Boxed Bone Broth is not recommended by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and U.S. Food and Drug Administration for consumption because its claimed health benefits are not supported by actual science. Boxed Bone Broth products also contain a relatively high amount of sodium—this is a problem because excess sodium is associated with increased blood pressure and heart disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Animal Bone is Best for Bone Broth?

When it comes to making bone broth, the choice of animal bones can influence the flavor, nutrient content, and gelatinous consistency of the broth. While there is no single "best" bone for bone broth, certain types of bones are commonly used and offer distinct qualities.

Beef bones, particularly those with collagen-rich joints like knuckles, shanks, and oxtail, are often preferred for their high collagen content. Collagen is a structural protein that breaks down during the cooking process, resulting in a gelatinous texture and providing potential benefits for joint health and gut lining support.

Chicken bones, including carcasses, necks, and feet, are another popular option. They tend to yield a milder flavor and a broth that gels well due to the presence of collagen.

Pork bones, such as neck bones or trotters, can also be used. They contribute a unique flavor profile and add richness to the broth.

In addition to the type of bone, the inclusion of joints, cartilage, and connective tissue can enhance the nutrient content and gelatin formation in the broth. These components are rich in amino acids, such as glycine and proline, which are believed to have various health benefits, including supporting gut health, skin health, and joint function.

To extract the maximum nutrients and flavor, it's recommended to use bones from high-quality sources, such as organic, grass-fed, or pasture-raised animals. This helps ensure the broth is free from potentially harmful substances like antibiotics or hormones.

Ultimately, the choice of animal bones for bone broth depends on personal preference, dietary restrictions, and availability. Experimenting with different types of bones and combinations can help determine the flavor and texture that best suits individual taste preferences and nutritional goals.

What is the Downside of Bone Broth?

While bone broth offers several potential benefits, it's important to be aware of certain downsides associated with its consumption. Here are a few considerations:

• High sodium content: Bone broth can be relatively high in sodium, especially if salt is added during the cooking process or if commercially prepared broths are used. Excessive sodium intake may be problematic for individuals with hypertension or those who need to limit their sodium intake.
• Potential heavy metal contamination: Bones, particularly those from larger animals, may contain trace amounts of heavy metals, such as lead or cadmium. The concentration of these metals in bone broth is generally low, but long-term and excessive consumption may lead to cumulative exposure.
• Risk of foodborne illness: If it is not prepared and stored properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Thorough cooking, proper storage, and hygienic practices are crucial to minimize this risk.
• Imbalance of certain nutrients: While it is rich in certain minerals and collagen, it may lack a balanced profile of other essential nutrients. It should not be relied upon as the sole source of nutrition and should be complemented with a varied diet to ensure adequate intake of all necessary nutrients.
• Potential for histamine intolerance: Especially when made from long-simmered bones, can contain high levels of histamine. Some individuals may be sensitive to histamine or have histamine intolerance, which can lead to symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or skin reactions.

It's important to note that the downsides mentioned above are generally associated with excessive or improper consumption of bone broth. When prepared and consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, bone broth can still be a nutritious addition to one's culinary repertoire. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health needs and concerns.

Best Bone Broth Recipes

1. Instant Pot Bone Broth

Place all these ingredients in your Instant pot, filled two-thirds with water, and let it simmer on low for about 2 hours.

2. Chicken Bone Broths Recipes

Add the ingredients above to a 12-quart stockpot, making sure they’re covered in water, and bring them to a low boil.

Cook for 6 to 10 hours, maybe even more if you have the time.

3. Beef Bone Broths Recipe

Put all the bones in your pot, with water and apple vinegar, and let them sit. Add the vegetables and cook at a slow simmer for at least 24 hours.

4. Recipe for Leaky Gut

You can use most of the ingredients and procedures above, but a leaky gut really benefits from added onion, garlic, mushrooms, ginger root, oregano, and turmeric.

Boil the bones with all these vegetables and spices, at least 6 hours for poultry and at least 24 hours for beef or lamb.

Add some lemon or sea salt to make it taste better.

How Much Should I Drink?

Depending on your needs, you can drink anywhere from 8 to 16 ounces each day.

An 8 oz serving is a nutritious snack that helps you cut back on your cravings, while 20 ounces are great to fight inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bone Broth Does Mark Hyman Recommend?

Dr. Mark Hyman, a renowned functional medicine practitioner, advocates for bone broth as a nutrient-rich elixir with various health benefits. While he doesn't explicitly endorse specific brands, he emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality, organic, and grass-fed bone broth to maximize its nutritional value.

In his recommendations, Dr. Hyman underscores the significance of choosing bone broth made from organic and grass-fed animal sources. This ensures that the broth is free from antibiotics, hormones, and other potentially harmful substances that might be present in conventionally raised animals. Grass-fed animals yield bone broth with a superior nutrient profile, boasting increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.

Furthermore, Dr. Hyman encourages individuals to opt for bone broth that undergoes a slow and prolonged cooking process. This extended simmering time allows for the extraction of essential minerals, collagen, and amino acids from the bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. These components contribute to the broth's purported health benefits, including support for joint health, gut function, and skin elasticity.

Dr. Hyman also advises against commercially available, store-bought broths that may contain additives, preservatives, and high sodium levels. Instead, he recommends preparing bone broth at home using organic bones, vegetables, and herbs for optimal control over the ingredients and cooking process.

In essence, while Dr. Mark Hyman does not endorse specific brands of bone broth, his recommendations center on the importance of selecting organic, grass-fed sources and preparing bone broth at home through a slow and meticulous cooking process. By prioritizing these criteria, individuals can harness the full spectrum of nutrients and potential health benefits associated with this ancient elixir.

Do Doctors Recommend Drinking Bone Broth?

The topic of bone broth has gained significant attention in recent years, with claims of its numerous health benefits circulating widely. But what do doctors really recommend when it comes to drinking bone broth?

Bone broth, a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, is lauded for its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and collagen. Advocates suggest that these nutrients can improve joint health, support digestion, enhance the immune system, and promote healthier skin.

From a scientific standpoint, bone broth does contain several beneficial components. Collagen, a protein found in connective tissues, is broken down into gelatin and amino acids like glycine and proline during the cooking process. These amino acids are essential for maintaining healthy tissues and may contribute to joint health and skin elasticity. Bone broth is also rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health.

However, while the nutritional content of bone broth is well-documented, clinical evidence supporting its specific health benefits is limited. Many of the purported benefits, such as improved joint health and enhanced digestion, are based on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous scientific studies. For example, while collagen supplementation has been shown to improve joint pain in athletes, it is unclear if bone broth alone provides a sufficient amount of collagen to achieve similar results.

Doctors' recommendations regarding bone broth tend to vary. Some healthcare professionals see it as a beneficial addition to a balanced diet, particularly for individuals who may not be getting enough nutrients from other sources. Others caution that bone broth should not be seen as a cure-all and emphasize the importance of a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Additionally, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Bone broth can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular issues. It is also important to source bones from high-quality, preferably organic, animals to avoid potential contaminants.

In conclusion, while bone broth can be a nutritious addition to your diet, it should not be relied upon as a sole source of essential nutrients. Its benefits, while plausible, are not conclusively supported by scientific research. As always, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.

Final Thoughts

Is it a real panacea?

So which of the top bone broth products above are you going to choose?

Let’s discuss it!