The 7 Best Bone Broths, Tested and Reviewed (2024)

Bone broth is made by simmering bones and aromatics like onions, herbs and spices in water, and vinegar is often added to help extract the nutrients out of the bones. And while bone broth is a solid source of protein and micronutrients, it's not necessarily the magical elixir it's often touted to be.

There are many reasons why bone broth may be good for you, but the word “may” shouldn’t go unnoticed, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, C.D.N. "To date, there has not been convincing evidence from scientific studies showing that this soup will strengthen your bones, cure your digestive issues, melt away your wrinkles or shine your hair," she says.

Many of these popularized benefits are chalked up to collagen, a type of protein that’s found in bone broth. However, it turns out that this collagen isn't so bioavailable—in other words, our bodies can't absorb and use it very well. "While we don't want to oversell the contributions of collagen from bone broth as being some kind of ‘miracle food’ linked to definitive health benefits, bone broth can provide very good nutrition and potential contributions to good health, and it can be satisfying and hydrating," says Wendy Bazilian, Dr.P.H, RDN.

For example, bone broth can come in handy if you're trying to add more protein to your diet, as one cup contains around 10 grams of protein for just 45 calories. It's also great to keep on hand for cold and flu season as warm liquids can help you stay hydrated, feel comforted and ease symptoms like a sore throat. Bone broth is also very versatile and can add flavor and nutrients to different recipes. Try it as a soup base, cook rice or quinoa in it or use it in marinades.

If you're looking to add bone broth to your regular routine, look to this list before adding a carton to your cart. We tested 17 popular bone broths and assessed their taste, texture, nutrition and value—here are the best ones on the market.

Our Recommendations

• Best Overall: FOND Certified Organic Chicken Bone Broth
• Best for Sipping: Swanson Sipping Chicken Bone Broth
• Best Lower Sodium: Pacific Foods Chicken Bone Broth
• Best Budget: Zoup Good, Really Good Chicken Bone Broth
• Best for On-the-Go: Bare Bones Bone Broth Instant Powdered Beverage Mix (Variety)
• Best Blend: Brodo Hearth Bone Broth
• Best Powder: Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein

The Bottom Line: The Best Bone Broths

We named FOND Certified Organic Chicken Bone Broth (view at Amazon) the best bone broth because it's made with organic ingredients and regeneratively sourced bones, and its mild flavor works well in recipes and on its own. We also loved Pacific Foods Chicken Bone Broth (view at Amazon), as its flavor was full-bodied and delicious—especially for being so low in sodium.

Choosing a Bone Broth

Type

Theoretically, bone broth can be made from any type of animal bone, but beef and chicken are the most common, while turkey is also prevalent. You might spot fish bone broth made and sold in the refrigerator section or deli area at your local grocery store, but it’s not as common. Whichever type you choose depends on your go-to flavor profile, so if you like a heartier broth, you might opt for beef, while those who like a milder flavor might pick a chicken bone broth.

You'll also see bone broths in both liquid and powder forms. If you need a shelf-stable or portable option, go for powdered bone broths, as liquids must be refrigerated after opening.

Packaging

Liquid bone broths often come in cartons or boxes, glass jars or resealable pouches, while powdered bone broths usually come in packets or plastic jar-like containers.

Liquid bone broth in boxes can be advantageous if you actually use them before they expire. "So often, we may buy the 32-ounce box, use a few cups for a recipe, and then it sits unused until it’s gone bad and then wasted," says Bazilian. Her pro tip to avoid wasting food and money: Freeze leftover bone broth in silicone ice cube trays for later use, and use a pen to mark the date you opened the box so you can monitor and use it before it goes bad.

You may also want to consider buying from brands that care about their packaging choices and impact on the environment. "It can be tricky to be clear about this, but often a brand will make mention of it on their packaging—for example, what percentage of post-consumer recycled materials or whether it can be recycled—or on their website through their sustainability goals or specific details about packaging," Bazilian says.

Some of the smaller packages, like 8-ounce Tetra Paks, can be handy if you know you'll use it all up—but they usually cost more per ounce. If you're making homemade bone broth, you might use cup-, pint- or quart-sized glass (Ball-style) jars to store in the fridge or freezer.

"Look at the format that works best in your lifestyle while considering the environmental impact of the packaging as one of those decision-making aspects," Bazilian says.

Ingredients

Bone broths are typically made with bones simmered with onions, garlic, celery, carrots and herbs and spices. If you have food intolerances or allergies, you'll want to check the ingredient list of your store-bought bone broth.

"Onions, for example, are generally healthy, but if they cause gastrointestinal issues for you, a regular diet including bone broth could be troublesome," Taub-Dix says. Onions and garlic might not sit well with those on a low-FODMAP diet, she says.

Nutrition

Bone broth is brimming with nutrients including protein, minerals and vitamins, and the vitamin and mineral content will vary depending on the amount and types of bones and vegetables used in the base. Unlike regular chicken or beef stock, bone broth is higher in protein and averages about 8 to 10 grams per cup. But you'll want to think of bone broth as more of a protein supplement than a standalone protein source in your diet. "It contains amino acids and some protein, but not the same amount as the meat of the beef, poultry or fish per serving,” Bazilian says. “Though, for the calories, it’s definitely notable."

In addition to protein, bone broth contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin that are bioavailable and easy to digest, Bazilian says.

However, there's a downside to this comforting beverage: Many store-bought bone broths are high in sodium, offering upwards of 20 percent of your DV. "Sodium content is especially an issue for those with high blood pressure or cardiac issues, or people who tend to retain fluid easily," Taub-Dix says.

Our Bone Broth Tests

We enlisted a team of testers to taste and review a total of 17 different bone broths to find the best ones for our list. We assessed the smell of both the powdered and liquid bone broths straight from the container, and then we prepared them according to their instructions (including heating) and assessed their smell, flavor and texture (including any sediment left over after we finished the broth).

We Also Considered

Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Bone Broth ($5 at Amazon): This broth's flavor was tasty yet mild, so folks who lean towards a bolder flavor profile might appreciate more herbaceous notes. This bone broth works well on its own or incorporated into homemade recipes.

Bonafide Provisions Organic Chicken Bone Broth ($93 at Amazon): This pick is organic, low in sodium and high in protein. But, for such a high price point (about $15 per package), we were quite underwhelmed with this bone broth's barely-there flavor.

Epic Provisions Savory Chicken Bone Broth & Epic Provisions Beef Jalapeno Sea Salt Bone Broth ($41 at Amazon): The Savory Chicken flavor had a nice aromatic taste and wasn't too salty. However, the Beef Jalapeño flavor didn't deliver much in the heat department, and we weren't fans of the layer of fat that remained at the very top, even after mixing.

Bare Bones Grass-Fed Beef Organic Bone Broth ($24 at Amazon): We found this broth to be flavorful and a little briny, and the taste aligned with the package description of grass-fed beef bone broth. It had a texture slightly thicker than water, but there was sediment residue after we poured out the liquid contents.

Vital Proteins Bone Broth Collagen ($50 at Target): When mixed, the texture of this broth was clumpy, like bouillon cubes that didn't dissolve in soup; the flavor was underwhelming, too.

Common Questions

Is bone broth good for you?

Bone broth isn't a magic elixir that can cure joint pain, strengthen your hair or make your skin more supple. To date, there hasn't been solid research that backs up the purported benefits of bone broth, Taub-Dix says. That's mostly because the collagen in bone broth isn't so bioavailable.

Still, bone broth can be enjoyed as part of a nutritious and balanced diet. Bone broth is a great source of protein, providing around 8 to 10 grams per cup for a few calories (around 50 per cup). Plus, it contains key minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium bone broth, as many products on the market are high in sodium.

Should you make your own bone broth instead of buying it pre-made?

If you like being in the kitchen and making your food from scratch, or if budget is top of mind for you, then making bone broth at home is probably your best bet, Bazilian says. Making it at home means you have complete control over the ingredients that go in, so you can cut back on the amount of salt you use and toss in your favorite herbs and spices. Plus, it can help you save money and cut down on food waste because you can use bones and vegetable scraps you'd otherwise throw out.

However, bone broth can be time-consuming to make, which is why many people choose to buy it pre-made. In that case, there are plenty of quality bone broths on the market that are healthy, tasty and convenient, Bazilian says.

Should you drink bone broth every day?

If you choose to drink it every day, look for a lower sodium product or consider making it at home so you can have more control of the sodium content.

If you have high blood pressure or cardiac issues and you drink bone broth daily, it might not be as healthy for you, since it’s most likely higher in sodium content than other foods you might choose, Taub-Dix says.

Is one type of bone broth better for you?

While some reports may claim that beef bone broth is better than, say, chicken, you'll want to take these claims with a grain of salt. "I think it’s more related to the volume of bones in the stock [rather than the type of bones] and how long they've been simmering on the stove," Bazilian says. "Presumably, beef bones are larger so they may have more nutrients depending on how they are ‘processed'—as in, temperature, time on the stove, whether they are broken down in pieces and other factors." However, there isn't any solid research about these specifics.

Will drinking bone broth help with weight loss?

Sipping on bone broth won't melt away the pounds, but it could help you lose a little weight depending on other lifestyle factors. "Weight loss would certainly ensue if this soup replaced cookies or a candy bar, or if it acted like a speed bump and prevented the higher calorie nosh you may have otherwise chosen in its place," Taub-Dix says. Bone broth is also hydrating and full of water and protein, both of which help to keep you fuller for longer.

"But don’t expect this soup to speed up your metabolism, dissolve cellulite or provide any special powers,” Taub-Dix says. “Let's keep it real...it’s soup.”

Should I give my dog bone broth?

It’s not unsafe to feed your dog bone broth, but you need to take into consideration the sodium content. Too much sodium is also not good for pets, Taub-Dix says. What's more, some broths also contain ingredients, like onions, that might upset your dog's stomach. Always check with your vet before giving your pet new foods.

Our Trusted Expertise

April Benshosan, M.S., has been reporting on nutrition, health and expert-recommended products from the start of her journalism career. Her writing has appeared in multiple publications, including Verywell Health, Verywell Fit and Health.com. In writing this article, she also interviewed two registered dietitians on the health benefits of bone broth and insights into what to look for in a quality product that best fits your needs.

This article was edited by Kayleigh Drake, a former full-time baker and current EatingWell commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats and Simply Recipes—and was reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, Senior Commerce Editor, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing, and editing nutrition and health content.