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The 10 Best Bone Broths of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sip on these dietitian-approved bone broths for a nutrient boost

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by
Emily Swaim
A packet of Brodo Hearth Bone Broth displayed on counter with glass of broth

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

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Bone broth has become very popular, with people claiming it can heal everything, from your gut to your skin and joints. But what is bone broth, and is it actually good for you?

Bone broth is made by simmering the bones and connective tissue of poultry, meat, or fish to make a stock packed with collagen, essential amino acids and electrolytes. While research on bone broth’s benefits is still limited, it’s a nutritious and hydrating beverage that’s great for supporting gut health and recovery after a tough workout. We like that you can drink it on its own or use it in cooking.

Dietitian Alanna Cabrero, MS, RD, CDN, says that bone broth is especially helpful for those dealing with gut issues or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disorder. It’s a delicious way to replenish electrolytes and stay hydrated—whether you're recovering from a flare-up or recovering from a long run or intense workout session.

To select our list of the top bone broths, our dietitians analyzed research, interviewed experts, and evaluated bone broths based on the quality of ingredients and nutritional composition, including sodium and protein content. Then, we tested 24 top-ranked bone broths in the Verywell Testing Lab and rated them for taste, texture, and smell. We combined those results with nutrition and value scores to select our top picks.

Thoroughly Vetted and Reviewed

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24

Bone Broths Tested

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200+

Ingredients Analyzed

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96+

Sips of Bone Broth

Editor's Note

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Expert Review Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.

Pros
  • Smooth texture and great taste

  • Includes organic ingredients

  • Grass-fed and finished beef and pasture-raised chicken and turkey

  • Versatile

Cons
  • More mild flavor

Key Specs

Serving size: 1 cup | Protein per serving: 10 grams Sodium per serving: 375 milligrams | Calories per serving: 45 | Organic: Includes organic ingredients | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes, before opening

Why We Recommend It

Brodo's Hearth Bone Broth tops our list for delicious bone broth with quality ingredients. This broth blend packs tasty flavor and top nutrition with no concentrates or preservatives. It's also gluten-free and dairy-free.

It's made from 100% grass-fed beef, organic chicken and turkey, fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, and aromatics like bay leaves. The texture is smooth, with no particles, and thicker than other bone broths we tested. It also has a pleasant salty and buttery aroma. We love the versatility of this mild but delicious flavor, perfect for sipping on its own or as a base for a soup.

Each 8.3-ounce serving contains 45 calories and 10 grams of protein. It has a moderate amount of salt, with 375 milligrams per serving, giving it a great taste without being overly salty.

This bone broth is shelf-stable at room temperature for up to a year, and you can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening. If you consume bone broth regularly, Brodo offers a subscription service to keep your supply stocked. In addition to their Hearth Bone Broth, they have a variety of blends to choose from, including a spicy option with chili paste and roasted garlic and one infused with ginger and garlic.

Things to Consider

  • It might be too mild for you if you prefer a spicier or stronger-flavored bone broth.
Pros
  • USDA Organic

  • Made from free-range chicken bones and grass-fed beef

  • Flavored with organic vegetables, spices, herbs and apple cider vinegar

Cons
  • Packaging is not resealable once opened

  • More mild in flavor, best used for cooking

Key Specs

Serving size: 1 cup | Protein per serving: 10 grams Sodium per serving: 310-370 milligrams | Calories per serving: 40 | Organic: Yes | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes, before opening.

Why We Recommend It

The Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth Variety Pack is an excellent option for trying out both chicken and beef bone broth varieties. These delicious broths are made of all organic ingredients and are also antibiotic-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.

They're packed with a ton of veggies, including onions, carrots, fennel, leeks, and shiitake mushrooms, and slow-simmered for 14 to 20 hours, giving them a warming, home-cooked flavor. Each 1-cup serving contains 40 calories, about 10 grams of protein, and between 310-370 grams of sodium, depending on the flavor.

It has a long shelf life and doesn't require refrigeration until after opening so that you can stock up. It's packaged hot in a vacuum-sealed environment, so the broth lasts longer and tastes better. The recyclable packaging is made of all-natural ingredients, so sipping on the broth is good for you and better for the environment.

Things to Consider

  • These broths are milder in flavor than some of the other options on our list, so they would be best used in cooking as a base for a soup, stew, or sauce.
  • They have a slightly thinner, watery texture but are smooth and pleasant to drink.
Pros
  • Convenient, powdered packets for on-the-go and travel

  • Grass-fed beef

  • 10 grams of protein per packet

Cons
  • Contains stabilizer additives

  • Doesn't dissolve completely in water

Key Specs

Serving size: 1 packet | Protein per serving: 10 grams Sodium per serving: 460 milligrams | Calories per serving: 50 | Organic: No | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes

Why We Recommend It

Bare Bones Bone Broth Instant Powdered Beverage Mix packets are the perfect on-the-go option. They come in individual serving packets that you can mix with hot water. You can also use them as a flavor enhancer in broth or stock or as a seasoning in savory recipes.

We like that these packets provide an easy way to boost your protein intake, with 10 grams of protein per packet. They're a great post-workout option to help you rehydrate and replenish electrolytes with 460 milligrams of sodium and provide protein to support muscle repair. They have a delicious, rich flavor and aroma, similar to a warming bowl of instant ramen.

In addition to the beef flavor, they have chicken, ramen, lemon ginger, mushroom, and Thai coconut. Flavoring ingredients include mushrooms, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, lemon, and various spices.

Things to Consider

  • This powder creates a thick and pleasant texture but doesn't dissolve completely in water, leaving some particles and residue at the bottom of the cup after stirring.
  • It contains maltodextrin and guar, stabilizer additives that help keep the right consistency of the powder mix, but it's something to keep in mind if you prefer a bone broth without these extra ingredients.

Key Specs

Serving size: 8.25 ounces | Protein per serving: 10 grams Sodium per serving: 360 milligrams | Calories per serving: 45 | Organic: No | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes

Why We Recommend It

If you want a budget-friendly bone broth without sacrificing nutrition or taste, we recommend Kitchen Basics Turmeric & Ginger with Lemongrass Chicken Bone Broth. We like that you can taste the turmeric and ginger with more vegetable flavor undertones. The smell was pleasant, and it smelled like roasted chicken when heated. It has a smooth texture with no clumps and is pleasant for sipping.

We like that this is an affordable option, that it can last a while with 12 servings per container, and that the ingredient list is simple and straightforward.

Things to Consider

  • This is a thin and watery broth
  • While we like the flavor, it is more subtle
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Suitable for low-sodium diets

  • USDA Organic

Cons
  • Has a slight aftertaste

Key Specs

Serving size: 1 cup | Protein per serving: 9 grams Sodium per serving: 125 milligrams | Calories per serving: 40 | Organic: Yes | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes, before opening

Why We Recommend It

Pacific Foods Organic Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth is an excellent choice for those who want to consume bone broth with a lower sodium content at a budget-friendly price. You can sip it on its own or use it to enhance the flavor and protein content of recipes that call for water or broth.

For a low-sodium option, this bone broth does have some flavor from spices, rosemary, and apple cider vinegar, with a pleasant, earthy aroma. The broth is clear, with no particles and a smooth, slightly thick texture. With four servings per 32-ounce container, this organic pick proves that you don't have to sacrifice quality for a budget-friendly bone broth. The savory bone broth has no added salt, contains 125 milligrams of sodium per cup, and is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Things to Consider

  • Since the lower sodium may make this bone broth less flavorful to some people, you might like to jazz it up with spices like onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, or paprika. If you find it needs more salt, a dash of salt will go a long way.
  • We noticed a bit of an aftertaste, but it's still enjoyable to drink on its own.
Pros
  • Easy, single-serve, microwavable sipping cup

  • Smooth texture

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Thinner texture and strong smell

  • Not suitable for those with a gluten or wheat allergy

Key Specs

Serving size: 1 container (10.75 ounces) | Protein per serving: 9 grams Sodium per serving: 460 milligrams | Calories per serving: 45 | Organic: No | Gluten-free: No |  Shelf-stable: Yes, before opening

Why We Recommend It

If you're looking for a single-serve bone broth option, try Swanson Sipping Bone Broth, which comes in a microwavable, sippable cup for easy preparation. It contains chicken bone broth, vegetables, tomato paste, salt, parsley, and thyme. It has a mild and savory classic chicken soup taste with balanced flavors.

Each single-serve cup has 45 calories, 9 grams of protein, and 460 milligrams of sodium. It contains traces of wheat, so it's not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Things to Consider

  • The texture of this broth is thinner than others on our list, but it is smooth with no particles and pleasant to sip.
  • We also noticed a pretty strong smell upon opening, but it dissipated when heated and was still enjoyable to drink.
Pros
  • Contains free-range organic poultry and organic vegetables

  • Full-bodied, peasant aroma

  • Resealable glass jars

Cons
  • More mild flavor with a slight aftertaste

  • Higher in sodium

Key Specs


Serving size: 
14 ounces| Protein per serving: 14 grams Sodium per serving: 1,114 milligrams | Calories per serving: 56 | Organic: Yes | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes, before opening

Why We Recommend It

We love that FOND Organic Chicken Broth contains free-range pasture organic chicken and organic vegetables. It has a full-bodied aroma but is milder in flavor, making it a versatile option for sipping or using in cooking. We enjoyed the taste and the smooth texture with no particles.

It comes in shelf-stable glass jars that can be resealed and stored in the refrigerator after opening. One 14-ounce serving contains 56 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 1,114 milligrams of sodium.

Things to Consider

  • While this is a larger serving size, it still contains over 500 milligrams of sodium per cup, which may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.
  • It has a slight, lingering aftertaste, which might be unpleasant for some.
Pros
  • Contains organic ingredients and grass-fed beef

  • Rich flavor and thick texture

  • Contains anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric

Cons
  • Some particles remain at the bottom of the cup after drinking

Key specs

Serving size: 16 ounces | Protein per serving: 20 grams Sodium per serving: 540 milligrams | Calories per serving: 80 | Organic: Yes | Gluten-free: Yes |  Shelf-stable: Yes, before opening

Why We Recommend It

Bare Bones Grass-Fed Beef Organic Bone Broth tops our list for best beef bone broth with quality ingredients and great depth of flavor. It's made from grass-fed beef bones and oxtail, as well as vegetables, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, spices, ginger, turmeric, and sea salt.

Each 16-ounce serving contains 80 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 540 milligrams of sodium. This is a relatively lower sodium option compared to others on our list, at 270 milligrams per cup. We also like that it comes in a shelf-stable pouch with an easy-pouring spout and a resealable cap and can be refrigerated after opening for later use.

Things to Consider

  • When chilled, the collagen in it forms a gelatinous texture, but it heats up to a smooth, thick texture for a hearty, sipping broth.
  • After pouring out the remainder of the liquid, we noticed some particles at the bottom of the cup, but you could stir it to fully disperse the contents.
Pros
  • Contains 20 grams of protein per scoop

  • Contains just chicken and beef bone broth protein concentrate

  • Versatile protein powder that can be added to different soups, stews, and sauces

Cons
  • More mild flavor with a slight aftertaste

Key Specs

Serving size: 16 ounces | Protein per serving: 20 grams Sodium per serving: 163 milligrams | Calories per serving: 90 | Organic: No | Gluten-free: No |  Shelf-stable: Yes

Why We Recommend It

If you're looking for a convenient, portable, powdered bone broth, we recommend Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein. It contains a blend of chicken and beef bone broth concentrate and no additional ingredients. This bone broth protein powder is also high in protein, with 20 grams of protein per one scoop serving.

The powder has an earthy smell but takes on a chicken and beef aroma when mixed into warm water. It has a mild flavor when mixed with water alone, but it would be a great option to add protein and thickness to different soups, stews, or sauces.

Things to Consider

  • It mixes well in warm liquid but doesn't dissolve completely, as we noticed some particles at the bottom of the glass after drinking.
  • The powder does thicken the liquid into a gelatinous-like texture, which some may or may not prefer.

Best for Gut Health

Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth

Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth + Digestive Support
PHOTO: Dr. Kellyann

Key Specs

Serving size: 1 packet, 20 g | Protein per serving: 15 grams Sodium per serving: 210 milligrams | Calories per serving: 70 | Organic: No | Gluten-free: No |  Shelf-stable: Yes

Why We Recommend It

While all bone broths can benefit gut health, Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth + Digestive Support has extra gut-health ingredients. This powder has extra collagen and provides more protein than most bone broths—15 grams per serving. It also has added a proprietary blend called Digexin, which may help with bowel regularity, but more research is needed. Lastly, it has colostrum added to the powder mix. Colostrum is the first milk produced after giving birth, and some research suggests this may offer immune-boosting benefits, but more research is needed.

When you open the packet, it has a pleasant, spice-heavy smell. We like that the powder makes it easy to travel with or drink on the go.

Things to Consider

  • It can be chunky and hard to mix. You may need to use a frother or blender to mix all the clumps.
  • It has a pleasant flavor, but it is on the blander side

Is Bone Broth Beneficial?

While there is limited research on the health benefits of bone broth specifically, the nutrients in bone broth can be good for joint health, bone density, digestion, muscle growth and recovery, and hydration.

Here's a breakdown of some of the benefits of bone broth:

  • Nutrient-rich: The bones that make bone broth are rich in important minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine.
  • Good for joint health: Collagen is the main source of protein found in bones, tendons, and ligaments, essentially what bone broth is made of. Research suggests that collagen may support joint health, protect the tissues in joints, and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Bone broth also contains glycine and arginine, amino acids with anti-inflammatory properties. These amino acids also help your body make more collagen.
  • Protein-packed: Incorporating bone broth into your diet can help you meet your protein goals. A one-cup serving of bone broth from our top picks contains anywhere from four to 20 grams of protein. This varies based on the brand, ingredients, and cooking method.
  • May help aid digestion and gut health: Bone broth contains glutamine, an amino acid that can reduce inflammation in the gut, strengthen the gut lining, and maintain a healthy microbiome. It also contains glycine, which may help quell digestive issues such as acid reflux or GERD, though research is limited.

Many bone broths are high in sodium and may not be suitable for people on low-sodium diets. The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day to support a healthy heart and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Consider the other sources of sodium in your diet and incorporate bone broth accordingly.

  • Also, Cabrera says that because of the polysaccharides that may leach from the cartilage and the garlic and onions usually present in the bone broth, it's not suitable for those with a digestive disorder like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or people following a low-FODMAP diet.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Bone Broths

When selecting our top picks for best bone broths, we researched a variety of products on the market, considering nutritional composition (including sodium and protein content), quality of ingredients, taste, consistency, price, availability, packaging, and storage. We prioritized products with simple, quality ingredients and considered different forms, including liquid and powdered options, and different types, such as chicken, turkey, beef, and blends.

In addition to our research, we tested 16 of the top bone broths in the Verywell Testing Lab by preparing them as instructed by the manufacturer and heating them in a microwave. We then rated them for taste, texture, and smell and combined those results with nutrition and value scores to select our top picks. We rate each powder on a scale of one to five, with five being the best ranking. 

We Also Tested

While not a top pick for any category, we also tested these bone broths and think they are still worth highlighting:

  • Bonafide Provisions Organic Chicken Bone Broth: We love that this bone broth is USDA-organic and contains bones from free-range chickens, but we found that it lacked flavor and aroma and had a very watery consistency.
  • Dr. Kellyann Homestyle Bone Broth Powder: These powdered bone broth packets are convenient for on-the-go and travel. We like that they contain 16 grams of protein per serving, moderate sodium at 225 milligrams, and cage-free chicken bone broth with grass-fed bovine hydrolyzed collagen. While it has great flavor, it doesn't dissolve fully in water, leaving a thick and clumpy texture.
  • Epic Provisions Savory Chicken Bone Broth: This homestyle broth contains free-range chicken, vegetables, and savory spices like rosemary and turmeric. However, it has a thin, watery texture with a very mild flavor, but it would be a good option for cooking.

Our Experts

To determine the most important aspects to look for in a bone broth, how to pick and test the best ones, and learn more about their benefits, we consulted with the following experts:

  • Alanna Cabrero, MS, RD, CDN, a nutrition counselor based in Brooklyn, New York
  • Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with master's degrees in nutrition and exercise science from Colorado State University
  • Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian with a wide range of experience covering health and wellness-related content, including nutrition, fitness, and supplements

What to Look For in a Bone Broth

  • Quality: When possible, choose a bone broth that's grass-fed and organic. Quality matters because the process of making bone broth—simmering the bones with water—leaches all the nutrients, collagen, and protein out of the bones and into the broth. Starting with the highest quality ingredients ensures your beverage will be as nutritious as possible.
  • Type: There are various types of bone broth, including chicken, beef, turkey, and even bison varieties. If you are looking for a savory, meaty bone broth, a beef bone broth may be best for you. If you're not a huge meat eater, you may prefer a poultry-based broth that uses chicken or turkey bones and still offers plenty of the protein and collagen you want.
  • Packaging: Bone broth comes in various packaging, including shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh. When selecting a bone broth, consider how often you use broth, how much you need, and your storage space. If you drink bone broth daily, it may be more budget-friendly to buy in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer.
  • Consistency: Generally, bone broth is a thick, slightly viscous beverage. If you prefer a thinner liquid, try a shelf-stable broth, which is usually less gelatinous than frozen bone broths. Powdered bone broth is also a great option if you prefer a lighter beverage but want ample flavor and nutrition.

Should You Drink Bone Broth Every Day?

It depends on your personal preference and health needs. If you're on a low-sodium or low-FODMAP diet, have a heart or kidney condition, or are salt-sensitive, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider before adding bone broth to your everyday diet. Otherwise, there's no issue with enjoying it in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.

You can choose a low-sodium bone broth to limit your sodium intake. In addition to the great bone broths on our list, you can also make it at home using a few ingredients—usually water, animal bones, and veggies—simmered over an extended period. While you can drink broth alone, you can also use it as a base for soups, sauces, and gravies.

Why Trust Us

Alena Kharlamenko is a registered dietitian and health journalist in New York City. She has over ten years of experience counseling patients on healthy eating practices and researching the best foods and supplements. She brings that knowledge into her role as Senior Commerce Editor for Verywell Fit. She has been drinking bone broth for years—even before she realized it was called 'bone broth' and thought it was simply the outcome of her mother's delicious cooking. While she prefers homemade bone broth, she appreciates the convenience and ease of the high-quality options on our list.

7 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Playford RJ, Weiser MJ. Bovine Colostrum: Its Constituents and Uses. Nutrients. 2021 Jan 18;13(1):265. doi: 10.3390/nu13010265.

  2. Nagahama K, Nishio H, Yamato M, Takeuchi K. Orally administered L-arginine and glycine are highly effective against acid reflux esophagitis in rats. Med Sci Monit. 2012;18(1):BR9-15. doi:10.12659/MSM.882190

  3. Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 8;15(6):1332. doi:10.3390/nu15061332

  4. Chen S, Kim W, Henning SM, Carpenter CL, Li Z. Arginine and antioxidant supplement on performance in elderly male cyclists: a randomized controlled trialJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2010;7(1):13.

  5. Razak MA, Begum PS, Viswanath B, Rajagopal S. Multifarious beneficial effect of nonessential amino acid, glycine: A reviewOxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1716701.

  6. Wang B, Wu G, Zhou Z, et al. Glutamine and intestinal barrier functionAmino Acids. 2015;47(10):2143-2154. doi:10.1007/s00726-014-1773-4

  7. American Heart Association. Lifestyle & Risk Reduction, High Blood Pressure.

Eliza Savage

By Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN
Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, RYT, is the Editorial Director at Verywell Fit, a registered dietitian, and a published author. She is also a registered yoga teacher and fitness enthusiast who has completed 2 full marathons and more than 25 half marathons.

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