Best Bone Broth – 2021 Review Guide

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If you are thinking about adding bone broth to your diet, you might agree with this statement:

With all of the bone broth powders and liquids on the market, it is difficult to know which is the best bone broth brand to get for the best combination of high quality with a great value.

After hearing all the noise about the health benefits of bone broth, I started researching it as part of my own personal journey. In the process, I discovered some interesting and surprising information about bone broth. This article is the outcome of my research, and the dozens of hours I spent putting this research together will hopefully help you as you start your bone broth journey.

Best Bone Broth Powders & Liquids – 2021 Guide

There is a lot to think about when choosing a bone broth. Does it matter if the bones are from cows, chickens, or another animal? Is there a difference between bone broth liquids and powders in terms of efficacy? Are more expensive bone broths worth the price? For sure, some bone broths are a better value while others offer top quality albeit at a higher price. With all these things in mind, the bone broth liquids and powders in this article have made the cut to make it onto this list of the best bone broths.

1. Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth – Editor’s Choice

Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth is one of the highest quality beef bone broth options on the market. The company behind Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth has a growing reputation and is quite popular. As one would expect from a top quality bone broth, Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth is free of gluten, dairy and soy and is made with organic vegetables and non-GMO ingredients. Highly popular within the paleo community, Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth is a good choice for people eating a Paleo or keto diet. Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth also has a celebrity following as it is a popular choice with professional athletes and Hollywood stars.

The key component of Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth is grass-fed cattle. The ingredients used to make this quality bone broth are typically sourced from family farms in the US that subscribe to organic principles. Primarily using bones such as cow knuckles, patellas and femurs (rich in collagen), the ingredients in Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth undergo intensive processing to produce the rich bone broth product. First, the beef bones are simmered slowly in filtered water for over twenty hours in steel kettles. This simmering process helps break apart the bone and collagen components into digestible nutrients. Following the simmering process, Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth is then packaged aseptically while hot into a biodegradable carton. Not only does this careful process give this beef bone broth its nutritional value, it also gives it a long, two-year shelf life.

Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth has a smoky flavor and that many will feel tastes quite good. Full of collagen and amino acids, this bone broth contains six grams of protein per serving. Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth is made without additives and, because of this, does require refrigeration after being opened for the first time.

Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth is reported to be helpful for a wide range of symptoms. Customers report that Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth helps with issues ranging from joint and skin health to leaky gut.

The biggest complaint about Kettle & Fire’s Beef Bone Broth is the price. Because of its popularity, we suspect it has become more expensive which might make it less interesting to the value-conscious shopper. The price sets high expectations for anyone purchasing this bone broth.

Additionally, Kettle & Fire – Beef Bone Broth does come in a liquid format which makes it less concentrated for storing relative to a powder. Kettle & Fire Beef Bone Broth is definitely one to be considered by anyone who wants a great product.

2. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein – Bone Broth Protein Supplement

For anyone looking to get the benefits of bone broth while getting a good amount of protein at the same time, check out the Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein supplement. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein was formulated to provide an easy-to-use powder form of traditional bone broth. Made from collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, minerals and chondroitin, Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein is dairy-free. Paleo-friendly, it is also free of soy, grains and gluten and has no carbohydrates and lots of protein (20 grams). Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein is made from the bones of mostly free-range, US-sourced chickens fed organic diets.

Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein can be easily blended into smoothies, shakes and juices. You can mix approximately 1 scoop of this bone broth powder in water to get 8 ounces of bone broth. The company behind Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein also offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

People using Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth report less joint inflammation and more energy.

Even though it is flavored, some might find that Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth does have a strange taste (particularly the aftertaste). If one had to pick a flavor, Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth’s chocolate version is probably the best and, overall, the flavor can be diluted if it is mixed with more flavorful ingredients. Also, without blending, this bone broth can form a clumpy gel that is somewhat unsavory to look at.

3. Pure Protein Organic Bone Broth –
Top Organic Bone Broth

Pure Protein Organics – Beef Bone Broth is a no-frills option for someone who wants an organic bone broth supplement to their diet. Sourced from organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, this bone broth powder does not contain antibiotics or hormones. Additionally, Pure Protein Organics – Beef Bone Broth is free of dairy, soy, grains and gluten and is non-GMO.

To make Pure Protein Organics – Beef Bone Broth, the bones are slow roasted and then boiled for several days. The liquid is then evaporated under low heat and sterile processes are used to package the powder. As a result, like most quality bone broth powders, this product is packed with amino acids.

Flavorless, this bone broth powder can be readily mixed into juice or drinks like shakes or smoothies. An added bonus is that it does not form into gels as easily as some of the other products on the market. The powder comes in bulk, lightweight packaging to minimize the excess with getting this quality bone broth powder to you. One tablespoon of this bone broth powder yields approximately 1 cup of bone broth.

Pure Protein Organics – Beef Bone Broth is a good source of protein. Touted to improve gastrointestinal health and symptoms related to leaky gut, some people may also notice an improvement in any reflux symptoms that they have. Other benefits may include improved skin health and healthier cartilage, bones and tendons.

4. Precision Naturals’ Concentrated Bone Broth Powder – Great Guarantee

Precision Naturals’ Bone Broth is a quality product that is made from grass-fed cows. GMO and gluten-free, it comes without flavor. Made purely from bones, one serving contains 20 grams of protein and is it considered Paleo certified.

Precision Naturals’ Concentrated Bone Broth Powder stands high with the best guarantee in the business. Not only is it 100% risk free, but your purchase is backed for one year, even if you bottle is empty. While you should contact them for details, this type of guarantee is almost unheard of in this industry which, in our opinion, definitely lifts our view of this product.

Precision Naturals’ Bone Broth is easy to digest and contains standard bone broth minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Additionally, Precision Naturals’ Bone Broth contains a variety of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and arginine.

Overall, it had a relatively smooth feel going down but sensitive palates will likely find it gritty. People using Precision Naturals’ Bone Broth powder report improvements in joint pain, gut health and overall immunity. Others reported it as a boost after a hard workout

Precision Naturals’ Bone Broth does not blend that well with liquids like coffee or milk unless you use a blender. It tends to get clumpy and somewhat sticky. The taste could also use an upgrade although this is seemingly not a key part of the product focus.

Precision Naturals’ Bone Broth is on the pricier side which might turn some people off. However, coupled with their strong guarantee, this bone broth product is worth a try in spite of it being more expensive.

5. Designs for Health PurePaleo Protein – BCAA Rich

Designs for Health PurePaleo Bone Broth protein powder is focused on its use of an ingredient called HydroBEEF. HydroBEEF is a pure protein that is made from a special process using beef that works to preserve nutrients, amino acids and peptides among other things. While not truly a bone broth powder, PurePaleo Protein powder shares many of the same characteristics as the best bone broth which is why we have added it to our reviews.

PurePaleo Protein is similar to the best bone broth powders in that it is derived from non-GMO, hormone-free, natural beef. It contains no additives and is dairy-free, gluten-free and Paleo friendly. Almost 100% pure protein, PurePaleo Protein powder is easily digested and contains concentrated branched chain amino acids.

Many people use PurePaleo Protein powder as an alternative to proteins such as whey and pea in addition to bone broth. It does require a blender for ideal mixing and, when compared to many of the other best bone broths, it does result in a smoother consistency although it can create a decent amount of foam.

PurePaleo Protein powder does contain tapioca, stevia and silicon dioxide for people who are looking for purer options. Additionally, the price is on the higher end of beef powders although it is quite manageable if you stick to the recommended serving sizes.

While it tastes better than many of the best bone broths, PurePaleo Protein still does taste odd to some people. PurePaleo Protein powder also clumps when mixed by hand which adds to the work required to get it into a liquid or meal. PurePaleo Protein powder is also more expensive than some of the other brands and might not be the best option if you are highly cost-conscious.

6. Numo Beef Bone Broth Kit – Home Bone Broth Kit

Some people want the benefits of bone broth but also want to participate in the actual process of making it. For people who want to do that, the Numo Broth 100% Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Kit is an interesting choice. The Numo Broth kit was designed to enable you to slow cook your own bone broth at home without having to do the initial preparations on the beef bones yourself. As one might expect from the name, the bones are sourced from grass-fed cattle and each kit turns out about eight servings. Like most quality bone broths, the Numo Beef Bone Broth is full or protein and other nutritional goodness. In addition to the beef bones, the Numo bone broth kit contains shallots, medjool dates, shitake mushrooms, ginger and a handful of other spices.

Preparing the Numo Broth 100% Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Kit is quite easy. All of the ingredients come packed in a muslin bag for easily handling. All you have to do is stick the bag in water and raise the temperature to boiling and then simmer it for 15 hours. A crock pot is the ideal place to prepare the broth.

The Numo Broth 100% Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Kit is not a product for someone who wants a bone broth that is ready to eat out of the box. As one can expect from a bone broth kit, this product requires hours of preparation and might be too inconvenient for some. At first, the bone broth tasted a little bland but some salt fixed it up. Also, given all the work that is required to make this bone broth, some might find the price on the expensive side. However, for anyone who wants to contribute to making their own bone broth, the price is well worth it.

7. Hydrolyzed Bone Broth Protein Powder

Hydrolyzed Protein Bone Broth is a bone broth powder made from cow bones and is brought to market by Zenwise Health. Zenwise Health is an established supplement company that has a history of bringing quality supplements to the market. Hydrolyzed Protein Bone Broth is a good source of protein (20 grams per the company) and other nutrients. Made from non-GMO ingredients, this bone broth powder is free of dairy, gluten and soy ingredients. Hydrolyzed Protein Bone Broth is full of collagen types I, II and III, amino acids, glucosamine, chondroitin and amino acids. Hydrolyzed Protein Bone Broth mixes well with liquids such as coffee and shakes or can also be used as a booster for oatmeal. Hydrolyzed Protein Bone Broth is chocolate flavored and is most enjoyed because it tastes quite good. However, one needs to enjoy the taste of chocolate to appreciate the flavor.

8. Grass-Fed Bone Broth Capsules – Bone Broth Capsules

Produced by Left Coast Performance, a small, family-run company, Grass-Fed Bone Broth Capsules are a way to get bone broth nutrients into your diet with the convenience of a capsule format. Made from grass-fed bone broth sources, Grass-Fed Bone Broth Capsules are free of fillers. Produced using a low heat process, the bone broth powder filling these gelatin-based capsules is high-quality and 100% organic sourced from grass-fed cattle from Argentina. This bone broth supplement is made in a GMP certified facility in Utah and is tested for heavy metals and lead after production.

The recommended serving size of Grass-Fed Bone Broth Capsules is three capsules per day with water. Each two centimeter capsule contains roughly 500 milligrams of protein.

Left Coast Performance also offers a 60-day 100% satisfaction and refund guarantee on their bone broth capsules which provides a measure of security when trying out these capsules.

Unfortunately, by virtue of the capsule format, Grass-Fed Bone Broth Capsules are much lower yield from a nutritional standpoint when compared to mixing bone broth powder into your shakes or coffee. Also, the large recommended capsule intake will turn off people who do not like taking pills.

Bone Broth – What’s So Exciting?

Did you ever have a relative to tell you to eat chicken soup when you were sick? For whatever reason, the story that a broth can have healing powers has stood the test of time and many people feel that the renewed interest in bone broth is a direct consequence of this.

To understand more behind the theoretical benefits behind bone broth protein powder, think back to how our early ancestors cooked our food. Rather than popping instant meat in the microwave, they often cooked their food after making a liquid bone broth to cook it in. To make this broth, they would slowly heat up water in a pot filled with animal bones. During the process of slowly heating up the bone broth, essential building blocks of the bones as well as minerals inevitably seep into the broth, enriching the flavor and improving the health profile.

In the modern age, we have incorporated a lifestyle that relies on canned and excessively processed foods, soups and broths. The consequence of eating these sorts of manufactured broths is that we are no longer getting the important components that would be found in more natural soups like the best bone broths.

Bone broth is a tradition that crosses cultural and country lines. Beef and other animal bones and parts are an important constituent of stocks and broth bases in many areas of Europe such as Germany. Fish parts and bones are a prominent part of stocks in Asia.

Potential Benefits of Bone Broth Powder

It is hard to “prove” the benefits of bone broth powder without performing a massive scientific study, particularly for the statisticians and rigorous scientists of the world. Until that is done, we have to rely on anecdotal data to help us understand the potential benefits of adding bone broth powder to our diets.

Improved Gut Health
Our understanding of how our gastrointestinal tracts function has dramatically increased over the past few decades. In particular, we have a better understanding of something called leaky guy syndrome. In leaky gut syndrome, toxins in the diets that we ingest cause destruction of our intestinal linings. An increase in the number of holes and permeability of the lining then allows poorly digested food particles to get into our bloodstream, triggering an immune response.

Many believe that, with all its nutrients and minerals, bone broth powder may help improve the lining of the gut and reduce leaky gut. In particular, a compound called hydrophilic colloid, has gained interest. Hydrophilic loosely translates to “loves water” and this compound, a type of gelatin, can hold liquids and water and may help heal the lining of the gut.

Joint Health
The best bone broth powders contain one or more of various types of collagen. Since collagen is an important component of many parts of our skeletal systems such as our joints, it has been presumed that ingesting collagen may health improve joint health.

One study has suggested this benefit. Although small, this study gave collagen hydrolysate supplements to athletes with joint pain. The group that received the collagen supplement reported less joint pain. While more studies need to be done, it is interesting to note that there may be scientific evidence in the near future that collagen supplementation through ingredients like great bone broth powder may have potential.

Weight Loss
Losing weight is a major struggle for many people. Some people swear that bone broth has helped them lose weight and it is worth considering as something to try for people who have tried other options without success. Many people feel that bone broth does help reduce their cravings and appetite, and any anti-inflammatory effects may also provide additional benefit. However, you might not be able to lose weight just by taking bone broth without changing other aspects of your diet. In particular, removing sugar and high carbohydrate meals should be done in addition to any bone broth supplementation to optimize any weight loss effects from a bone broth diet.

Bone Broth Powders and Proteins – Important Ingredients

What components or ingredients of the best bone broths give it that special punch? Here are some ingredients that most of the best bone broths have and that we would suggest using.

Protein Supplement
In addition to the nutritional benefits of bone broth, newer brands are also offering more protein in a daily serving. These bone broth protein supplements help one meet protein intake goals while enjoying the rich flavor of bone broth. People interested in bone broth as a protein supplement might want to check out Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein supplement.

Collagen Hydrolysate
Collagen is a sticky, almost glue-like, substance that is an important component of your joints, skin and tendons. When cooked, collagen, breaks down into a gel-like substance known as gelatin.

Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a chain of sugars that is often attached to specific types of proteins. Chondroitin sulfate is sometimes used in wound dressings and also combined with glucosamine with the reported effect of improving joint health.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a type of sugar that is a component part of various proteins and lipid molecules. It is often ingested with chondroitin sulfate as a presumed anti-inflammatory supplement for joints.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are key building blocks of molecules in our body known as proteins. Several specific amino acids are considered important in bone broth and its nutritional impact on the body.

Proline
Proline is is a structurally strong amino acid that is used in repairing cartilage and providing cushion to joints. It is also a building block for tissues such as collagen and tendons and helps the body break down other proteins.

Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid also involved with building proteins. Glutamine is made by muscles and important for the health of the gut and for immunity.

Bone Broth – Chickens or Beef?

Both beef and chicken bone broths are on the market, making the buying decision around the best bone broths even more complicated. From a nutritional standpoint, bone broth made from beef usually contains different types of collagen (Types 1 & 3) than bone broth powder made from chickens (Type 2). Some feel that bone broth powder made from beef bones is better for organs whereas bone broth powder made from chickens is more targeted towards joint and skin health.

Another consideration is taste. Some people really do not like the flavor of beef (or vice versa). Add to that the fact that bone broths do not taste all that good to begin with and the underlying taste considerations of the meat become even more important.

Bone Broth Powder vs. Liquid

There are pros and cons to bone broth powders and bone broth liquids. All things considered, we feel that that bone broth liquids have a slight edge when it comes to nutritional value. The reason for this is that there is always a chance that some nutrients (however small) get pulled off with the liquid in the dehydration process that is necessary to produce a bone broth powder. Unfortunately, the major downside of a bone broth liquid is the weight and, for most people, carrying around a box or container of liquid bone broth is not ideal. In contrast to bone broth liquids, bone broth powders are far lighter and more portable for people who want to use bone broth as a supplement at work or on the go. However, in addition to possible nutritional loss from the dehydration process, many bone broth powders also tend to clump when mixed into liquids, making them harder to use without an immersion blender. In most cases, it really comes down to how you plan to use the bone broth (mix it in at home or with a drink on the go).

Bone Broth – Professional Processes

In professional kitchens and facilities, quality bone broth requires a labor-intensive process. Typically, in the best bone broths, the bones are first roasted which gives them a smoky taste and helps start the breakdown process. Frequently, a small amount of meat is still attached to the bone although this varies from place to place. After roasting, the bone broth is simmered from hours to days to melt down constituent proteins and macromolecules, essentially turning the bone ingredients into a powder.

Bone Broth – Making It At Home

There is definitely something to be said about making your own bone broth at home. After all, people have been doing it for centuries and, when all is said and done, it might save some money if you already have the ingredients around. Additionally, by making your own bone broth at home, you will have a better sense of what raw ingredients actually went into the bone broth. Finally, there can be a real sense of satisfaction and connection with what you are eating when it is your own bone broth.

On the flip side, making your own bone broth at home can actually end up being more expensive if you have to buy the ingredients (particularly high-quality, organic ones) not to mention the extra time it takes to go to the store. Then, you have to have a large enough pot to simmer enough of the bones and animal parts to make enough bone broth. While it may seem obvious, it is important to remember that the bones themselves (not just the joints and tendons) need to be cooked as they are an integral part of the bone broth and its benefits.

Perhaps the worst part is the actual bone broth cooking time as some of the best bone broth powder recipes out there actually simmer for days before being finished. While it is not clear how long you actually need to simmer the bones and animal parts to make a quality bone broth, it is probably the case that longer is better. Also, most people recommend adding various herbs to help enhance the potency of the bone broth. It is very possible that these herbs and minerals work synergistically with the bones to produce a greater effect.

Quality standards are another consideration when making bone broth at home. Sterilization is important and using high-quality ingredients is important to minimize contamination of bone broth from impurities or other unwanted substances.

Finally, if you are interested in making something like a bone broth powder to mix into shakes and drinks, you will likely need a dehydrator which most people do not have. When confronted with these sorts of situations, many people opt to buy a bone broth powder to minimize the time and stress that occurs when trying to use a high-quality bone broth powder with or without protein.

Bone Broth Diet & Recipes

As you might expect, drinking bone broth straight up out of a glass might not be such a good idea. Reconstituted bone broth powders and liquid broths, as we highlight above, typically have a strong flavor. After all, even the best bone broths are made from slow-cooked animal bones and derive their nutritional value from being broken down and smoked slowly. There’s a reason we typically don’t chew on animal bones as part of our diets!

That aside, quality bone broths make an excellent addition to many different recipes. As one might expect, bone broths are an excellent base to add to soups and slow-cooked meals with higher liquid components.

Some people take it a bit farther and the concept of a “bone broth diet” has become more popular. In a nutshell, this diet involves Paleo eating, avoiding sweets, and drinking bone broth in place of a meal once or twice per day. It’s not for everyone but worth a try if you really want to see how bone broth will affect your health in particular.

Bone Broth Powder for Pets

Yes, bone broth powder for dogs and cats is gaining popularity. With all the love our pets give to us, why not spend money on the best bone broth powder for your dog or cat? Many veterinarians agree that quality bone broth in your dog or cat’s diet can confer similar benefits in terms of gut health, joint inflammation and general well-being. We are in the process of reviewing some of the best bone broths for dogs and cats out here and plan to update this post when we have done more research.

Bone Broth Powder – Summary

We hope you enjoyed our summary of bone broth and the best bone broth powders on the market. We wish you good health as you try adding this delicious nutrient to your diet.