Choosing the Healthiest: What brand of beef broth is the healthiest?

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 30-40% of the U.S. population is considered sensitive to sodium, making it vital to scrutinize labels for healthier options. When it comes to finding what brand of beef broth is the healthiest, it's crucial to look beyond the marketing and evaluate specific nutritional factors like sodium content, protein, and ingredient quality. This guide will help you make an informed decision by breaking down key criteria and comparing popular brands to find the best fit for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive review of top beef broth brands to identify the healthiest options. It analyzes key factors such as nutritional content, ingredient sourcing, and additives to avoid. Detailed comparisons and expert recommendations assist in selecting a low-sodium, high-protein choice that aligns with your health and dietary goals.

Key Points

Check for low sodium: Avoid high-sodium broths by selecting 'low sodium' or 'unsalted' varieties to better control your intake.
Prioritize ingredient quality: Opt for brands that use organic, grass-fed, or regenerative beef bones for better quality and flavor.
Look for simple ingredients: The healthiest options have short ingredient lists free of artificial flavors, yeast extracts, and thickeners.
Bone broth vs. regular broth: Bone broth, with its longer simmer time, typically offers higher protein, collagen, and mineral content than standard broth.
Consider homemade: Making your own broth gives you ultimate control over ingredients, sourcing, and sodium levels, providing the healthiest option.
Evaluate format options: Choose between liquid broths (shelf-stable or frozen) and convenient powdered mixes based on your needs for cooking or sipping.

Decoding the 'Healthy' Broth Label

Not all beef broths are created equal. The liquid you see on store shelves can vary significantly in quality, ingredients, and nutritional value. The term 'bone broth' often implies a longer simmering time, leading to a higher concentration of protein and minerals like collagen, gelatin, and amino acids compared to standard meat-based broth. However, this distinction is not always regulated, so checking the label is essential.

Key factors for evaluating a healthy beef broth:

Ingredient Quality and Sourcing: Look for broths made from high-quality, grass-fed, or organic beef bones. This ensures that the animals were raised without antibiotics and hormones, which can impact the final product's quality. Producers like Kettle & Fire and Fond emphasize their commitment to clean sourcing.
Sodium Content: Many conventional broths are notoriously high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. For optimal health, seek out 'low sodium' or 'unsalted' versions and season them yourself to control the flavor. A good baseline for a healthy broth is under 500mg of sodium per serving.
Nutritional Profile: Pay attention to the protein and fat content. Bone broths, in particular, should have a higher protein count (around 9-20 grams per serving) due to the long simmering process that extracts collagen and gelatin from the bones. This offers significant satiety benefits for weight management.
Additives and Fillers: The healthiest broths use a simple, straightforward ingredient list. Avoid brands with added sugars, natural or artificial flavors, yeast extracts, MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, and thickeners like gums. Simple ingredients like water, beef bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices are ideal.
Packaging: Consider packaging, which can impact taste and environmental footprint. Brands like Bonafide Provisions offer a frozen format that avoids high-heat processing, preserving nutrients and flavor. Others use shelf-stable Tetra Paks.

Leading Brands in the Healthy Broth Category

Based on reviews and nutritional transparency, several brands consistently rank high for their commitment to quality and health:

Kettle & Fire: A market leader known for its 100% grass-fed and finished beef bone broth. They use a low and slow simmer method (up to 20 hours) and test for heavy metals, prioritizing quality. Their simple ingredient list often includes organic vegetables and apple cider vinegar. They also offer a reduced-sodium version.
Fond Regenerative Beef Bone Broth: Often highlighted as one of the healthiest choices due to its impeccably sourced, regenerative grass-fed beef bones and addition of phytonutrient-rich herbs. It's free from fillers and comes in glass jars, appealing to those who prefer to avoid plastics.
Bonafide Provisions: This frozen broth is a top pick for its clean, simple ingredient list and high quality, organic sourcing. The freezing process eliminates the need for preservatives and preserves the rich, natural flavor.
Bare Bones: Known for its instant powdered options and shelf-stable liquid broth. The liquid version boasts high protein (20g per 16oz serving) and a good flavor profile. The powdered mix is convenient for on-the-go protein boosts.
Pacific Foods: This brand is widely available and offers both organic low-sodium beef broth and bone broth options. While not all products are bone broth, their low-sodium versions are a solid choice for cooking, as long as you read the label carefully for specific ingredients.

Comparison of Popular Beef Broth Brands


Brand	Source	Sodium (per cup)	Protein (per cup)	Format	Key Feature
Kettle & Fire (Beef Bone)	100% Grass-Fed	~350-465mg	~9.5-10g	Shelf-Stable	Long-simmered, tested for quality
Fond (Regenerative Beef)	Regenerative Grass-Fed	~580mg	~11g	Glass Jar	Botanically-enriched, clean ingredients
Bonafide Provisions (Beef Bone)	Organic, Grass-Fed	~340mg*	~10g*	Frozen	Preservative-free, rich flavor
Bare Bones (Beef Bone)	Grass-Fed	~270mg**	~10g**	Shelf-Stable, Powder	Versatile for sipping or cooking
Pacific Foods (Organic Low-Sodium)	Organic	~140mg	<5g	Shelf-Stable	Widely available, very low sodium

*Bonafide's chicken broth is highly rated for health. Beef broth info is less prominent in recent reviews but also well-regarded. **Based on a 10g protein packet with 460mg sodium and a 16oz serving with 20g protein and 540mg sodium.

Homemade Beef Broth: The Ultimate Healthy Option

For ultimate control over ingredients and sodium levels, making your own beef broth is the healthiest option. This process also allows you to choose the highest quality bones and vegetables, ensuring the richest flavor and nutrient profile. A long, slow simmer (12-48 hours) is essential for extracting maximum collagen and minerals.

To make homemade broth:

Source high-quality bones: Use a mix of grass-fed marrow bones, knuckles, and oxtail for flavor and gelatin.
Roast the bones: Roasting at 400°F adds significant depth of flavor.
Add acid: A splash of apple cider vinegar helps extract minerals from the bones.
Add aromatics: Include organic carrots, onions, and celery.
Simmer slowly: Combine ingredients with water and simmer on low for an extended period.
Strain and Store: After simmering, strain and store the broth. The fat will solidify and can be skimmed off once chilled.

Conclusion: Finding Your Healthiest Choice

While the market offers many options, the healthiest beef broth is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal choice depends on your specific health goals and culinary needs. Kettle & Fire and Fond are excellent premium choices for their high-quality sourcing and nutrient density. Pacific Foods provides a very low-sodium option that's readily available. Bare Bones offers convenient powdered and liquid formats for different uses. Ultimately, for maximum nutrient control and flavor, homemade broth from quality ingredients remains the gold standard. When shopping, prioritize low sodium, organic or grass-fed sourcing, and simple, whole-food ingredients to ensure you're making the healthiest choice for your nutrition diet.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, beef bone broth is typically higher in protein than regular beef broth. Bone broth is simmered for a much longer period, which extracts more collagen and amino acids from the bones. As a result, a standard serving of bone broth can contain significantly more protein than a standard meat-based broth.

When looking at the ingredients list, prioritize brands with simple, whole-food ingredients. You should aim to avoid additives like 'natural flavors,' yeast extract, MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, and artificial colors or thickeners.

The healthiest way to drink beef broth is by choosing a low-sodium, high-quality bone broth and warming it up. You can enhance it with herbs like turmeric or ginger for additional benefits. Some people enjoy sipping it plain, while others use it as a nutrient-dense base for soups and other dishes.

Yes, beef bone broth can be a beneficial part of a weight loss diet. Its high protein content, particularly from collagen, can help increase satiety (the feeling of fullness), which may reduce overall calorie consumption. Replacing one meal a day with a cup of bone broth can help you feel full for longer.

Yes, broths made from organic and grass-fed beef are often healthier. Organic sourcing ensures the bones come from animals not treated with antibiotics or hormones. Grass-fed beef is known to contain higher levels of healthy fats and nutrients. This translates to a cleaner, more nutrient-dense broth.

Not usually. Commercial broths, whether canned or boxed, are often processed at high heat and may contain less protein and collagen than a properly slow-simmered homemade version. Many also contain a higher sodium content and additives that you can control when making it at home.

While generally safe for most, some people may experience side effects. Certain broths can contain high sodium levels, which can be problematic for those with high blood pressure. There are also rare concerns about potential lead contamination in some bone broths, though reputable brands test for heavy metals. Always read the label and consider sourcing.