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 from an intense workout session.
Top Picks
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How We Selected and Tested
To select our list of the best 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 key features like taste, texture, and smell. We combined those results with nutrition and value scores to select our top picks.
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.
When testing the 24 top-ranked bone broths, we prepared them as instructed by the manufacturer and heated them in a microwave. We rated each powder on a scale of one to five, with five being the best ranking.
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What to Look for When Shopping
- 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.
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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 a master's degree 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
Thoroughly Vetted and Reviewed
Bone Broths Tested
Ingredients Analyzed
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.
