5 Best Bone Broths for Health, Nutrition, and Gut Support (Nutritionist-Backed Guide)

Why Bone Broth Is So Popular Again

Bone broth isn’t new. In fact, people have been simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs together for centuries. From traditional Chinese medicine to grandmother’s chicken soup, bone broth has always been valued for its soothing and nourishing qualities. But in recent years, it has made a big comeback. Wellness enthusiasts, athletes, and even busy parents looking for quick nutrition are turning to bone broth for its potential to support gut health, skin elasticity, immunity, and joint function.

You’ve probably seen cartons of bone broth on grocery store shelves or noticed influencers sipping it in place of coffee. But with so many brands available today, it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth buying. That’s why we spoke with nutritionists and looked closely at the best options on the market. This article breaks down what makes a high-quality bone broth, reviews five of the best nutritionist-approved choices, and explains how you can benefit from adding it to your diet.

What Makes a Good Bone Broth? (Nutritionist Criteria)

Not all bone broths are created equal. Some brands cut corners by using flavorings or concentrates instead of real, slow-simmered bones. Others may have too much sodium, not enough protein, or added fillers that reduce the health benefits.

Nutritionists generally look for a few key factors when recommending a bone broth. First, the bones themselves matter. Broths made with grass-fed beef bones, pasture-raised poultry, or organic sources tend to provide better nutrition and fewer unwanted chemicals. The cooking method also makes a difference. A slow simmer—often 12 to 24 hours—helps release collagen, gelatin, minerals, and amino acids from the bones and connective tissues.

The ingredient list is another important detail. A clean bone broth shouldn’t need artificial flavors, preservatives, or unnecessary additives. Ideally, it will have a short list of ingredients: bones, water, vegetables, and herbs. Some may add apple cider vinegar, which helps pull nutrients out of the bones.

Protein and collagen content are also critical. The best bone broths provide anywhere from 8 to 12 grams of protein per serving, which can support muscle repair, satiety, and gut lining health. Finally, taste and convenience can’t be overlooked. Bone broth should be flavorful enough to sip on its own, but also versatile enough to use in soups, sauces, or cooking grains.

With these standards in mind, let’s take a closer look at five of the best bone broths nutritionists recommend today.

5 Best Bone Broths Recommended by Nutritionists

When we evaluate bone broth brands, we aren’t just looking at marketing claims. We’re considering nutritional value, ingredient quality, preparation methods, and real-world usability. The following five brands consistently rise to the top and are widely recommended by nutrition experts.

1. Kettle & Fire Bone Broth

Kettle & Fire has become one of the most recognizable names in bone broth, and for good reason. Their broths are made from grass-fed beef bones or pasture-raised chicken bones and simmered for up to 20 hours. The result is a rich, protein-packed broth that’s both shelf-stable and easy to find in stores or online.

Nutritionists often recommend Kettle & Fire because it strikes a balance between convenience and quality. You don’t have to thaw or refrigerate it before opening, but you still get around 10 grams of protein per cup, which is higher than many competitors. The clean ingredient list—no additives, no preservatives—makes it suitable for paleo, keto, and Whole30 diets.

If you’re someone who wants a reliable bone broth for sipping in the morning or using in recipes, Kettle & Fire is a great all-around choice.

2. Bonafide Provisions Bone Broth

Bonafide Provisions takes a more traditional approach by freezing their bone broth instead of packaging it on shelves. This means it often tastes fresher and retains more of the natural gelatin that gives broth its rich, slightly jiggly texture when cooled. Nutritionists like Bonafide because it is about as close to homemade as you can buy in a store.

Each batch is simmered for 18 to 24 hours using organic bones, vegetables, and herbs. There are no shortcuts, and you can taste the difference. It’s particularly popular among people using bone broth to support gut healing protocols since the gelatin can help soothe and repair the digestive lining.

If you don’t mind keeping your broth in the freezer, Bonafide Provisions is one of the purest and most nutrient-dense options available.

3. Pacific Foods Organic Bone Broth

Pacific Foods offers one of the most affordable and widely accessible bone broth options. Found in many grocery chains, it comes in convenient cartons and offers an organic choice at a lower price point than some premium brands.

While it may not be quite as rich or protein-packed as Kettle & Fire or Bonafide, it still provides a nourishing option for people who want to use bone broth regularly without breaking the bank. Nutritionists often suggest Pacific Foods as a budget-friendly starter option, especially for cooking grains, soups, or sauces where you’ll be using broth in larger quantities.

It’s not the most gelatinous broth on the market, but it’s organic, versatile, and widely trusted.

4. Osso Good Bone Broth

Osso Good specializes in small-batch, slow-simmered bone broths that are made without shortcuts. Their products are frozen, like Bonafide, and known for a deep, savory flavor that works well both for sipping and cooking.

Nutritionists appreciate that Osso Good uses high-quality ingredients and avoids common allergens, making it suitable for many different diets. The flavor tends to be more complex than some shelf-stable brands, which makes it a favorite among home cooks who want broth that elevates soups, stews, and sauces.

If you care about taste as much as nutrition, Osso Good is worth considering.

5. Bare Bones Bone Broth

Bare Bones markets itself as a high-protein, functional bone broth designed for people with active lifestyles. It’s shelf-stable and often contains higher protein per serving than other brands, making it attractive for athletes and people focused on muscle recovery or satiety.

Nutritionists recommend Bare Bones for people who want bone broth not only for gut and joint health but also as part of a fitness or weight management plan. It’s versatile, tasty, and convenient, and works equally well for sipping or cooking.

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Health Benefits of Bone Broth 

Bone broth has developed a reputation as a “superfood,” and while it’s not a miracle cure, it does offer real benefits backed by science. One of the most talked-about advantages is gut health. Bone broth contains gelatin and amino acids like glutamine, which may help support the intestinal lining. People with digestive issues such as leaky gut or IBS sometimes find relief from adding bone broth into their diet.

Another benefit is joint health. The collagen and natural compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin found in bone broth can support cartilage and joint mobility. Athletes or older adults dealing with stiffness often use bone broth as a natural way to maintain flexibility.

Skin and hair health is another reason bone broth has gained popularity. Collagen is a major component of skin elasticity, and while your body breaks dietary collagen into amino acids, research suggests it may still support skin hydration and reduce fine lines over time.

Bone broth also provides immune-supporting minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium in small amounts. While it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet, sipping warm broth during cold and flu season can be soothing and hydrating.

Finally, bone broth contributes to metabolic health. With its protein content, it can help you feel fuller for longer, support muscle repair, and even play a role in weight management. It’s a simple way to add nutrient density to your meals.

How to Choose the Right Bone Broth for You

Choosing the right bone broth depends on your personal health goals and lifestyle. If you’re focused on gut healing, you may want a gelatin-rich frozen broth like Bonafide Provisions. If convenience is your top priority, a shelf-stable option like Kettle & Fire may be a better fit. For those on a tighter budget, Pacific Foods offers a good balance of nutrition and affordability.

Think about how you plan to use it, too. If you want to sip bone broth like tea or coffee, flavor and protein content matter more. If you’re mostly cooking with it, affordability and availability may take priority. And if you’re an athlete or someone looking for extra protein, Bare Bones could be the best choice.

Dietary preferences also come into play. Many bone broths are paleo- and keto-friendly, but if you’re sensitive to sodium, it’s worth checking nutrition labels closely.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Bone Broth: Which Is Better?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether homemade bone broth is better than store-bought. The answer depends on your priorities. Homemade bone broth gives you full control over the ingredients. You can choose organic bones, add herbs and vegetables you like, and adjust the salt level. It’s also more affordable if you buy bones from a local butcher or save them from meals.

The downside is time. A good bone broth takes 12 to 24 hours of simmering, which isn’t practical for everyone. Store-bought brands offer convenience and consistency, which is why they’ve become so popular. The best commercial broths, like the ones reviewed above, get close to homemade quality and save you hours in the kitchen.

If you want the best of both worlds, you could make broth at home when you have the time and keep a few cartons or frozen packages of store-bought broth on hand for busy days.

RELATED READ: Beef vs Chicken: Which Is Healthier for Weight Loss, Heart Health, and Longevity?

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Bone Broth

Once you’ve chosen a bone broth, the next step is making it part of your routine. Many people enjoy sipping it warm in the morning as a coffee alternative or in the evening as a soothing bedtime drink. Others add it to meals, using it as a base for soups, to cook rice or quinoa, or to deglaze a pan when making sauces.

Nutritionists often recommend pairing bone broth with other gut- and skin-friendly foods. For example, sipping broth alongside meals rich in fiber and antioxidants can support digestion and skin health even further. If you’re fasting or trying to manage your weight, bone broth can help keep hunger at bay without breaking your goals.

The key is consistency. Bone broth works best when consumed regularly, whether that’s a cup every day or a few times a week.

FAQs About Bone Broth

1. Does bone broth actually provide collagen your body can use? 

Yes, but with a caveat. When you drink bone broth, the collagen is broken down into amino acids during digestion. Your body then uses those amino acids to make its own collagen and proteins. So while you aren’t absorbing collagen whole, you are giving your body the building blocks it needs.

2. Can vegetarians or vegans get similar benefits without bone broth?

Bone broth is animal-based, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, plant-based alternatives like “veggie broths” can still provide minerals and hydration. For collagen support, vegans often rely on supplements made from fermented yeast or take nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids that help the body make collagen naturally.

3. How much bone broth should I drink daily? 

There’s no strict rule, but many nutritionists suggest 1 cup per day as a good starting point. Some people drink more, especially when using it as a meal replacement or during fasting. Listen to your body and adjust based on how you feel.

4. Is bone broth safe for people with kidney or heart conditions?

Bone broth can be high in sodium, depending on the brand. People with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart conditions should choose low-sodium options and talk to their doctor before making it a daily habit.

5. Can bone broth help with weight loss?

It can support weight management because it’s low in calories but high in protein, which helps keep you full. Drinking a cup of bone broth as a snack or before meals may reduce overeating. However, it’s not a magic weight loss solution—it works best as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion: Nutritionist Takeaway

Bone broth has earned its place in modern wellness for good reason. It’s comforting, versatile, and packed with nutrients that support gut health, joints, skin, and overall well-being. Nutritionists generally agree that high-quality bone broths—whether homemade or from trusted brands—are a simple way to add nourishment to your daily routine.

The best broth for you depends on your lifestyle and health goals. If you want convenience, shelf-stable brands like Kettle & Fire or Bare Bones are excellent. If you prefer the closest thing to homemade, frozen options like Bonafide Provisions and Osso Good shine. And if you’re looking for an affordable organic option, Pacific Foods delivers.

At the end of the day, what matters most is choosing a broth you enjoy and can stick with. Whether you sip it slowly on a cold morning or use it to enrich your cooking, bone broth is more than just a food trend—it’s a timeless tradition with real benefits for modern life.