Does Bare Bones bone broth have collagen?

The Bare Bones brand formulates their bone broth products to contain a significant amount of collagen per serving, a claim reinforced by the gelatinous texture of the chilled product. The collagen is a key component.

Quick Summary

Bare Bones bone broth does contain collagen, with some products offering up to 10g of protein and 5g of collagen per serving. Chilled broth's gelatinous texture confirms the collagen content, which breaks down into gelatin. These are protein-rich supplements.

Key Points

• Collagen in Bare Bones: The products are formulated with collagen, extracted during a slow simmering process using animal bones.

• 'Gelling' Indicates Collagen: If broth solidifies when chilled, it has high collagen content.

• Types of Collagen: The type (I, II, or III) depends on the animal bones used; Bare Bones offers beef and chicken options.

• Benefits of Collagen: Potential benefits include joint health, gut lining repair, and digestive well-being.

• Convenience vs. Cost: Packaged Bare Bones is convenient but more expensive than homemade broth.

• Verify Quality: Check the label and look for the 'gelling' effect when chilled.

Bare Bones and the Collagen Connection

Bare Bones bone broth contains collagen. The presence of collagen is a core selling point for their products. Slow-simmering animal bones extracts the collagen, vitamins, and amino acids. Bare Bones broths are simmered for 14 to 18 hours to achieve this nutrient-rich liquid.

The Quality Indicator: The 'Gelling' Effect

One way to confirm bone broth's high collagen concentration is its texture when cold. Collagen breaks down into gelatin during cooking. When the broth is refrigerated, this gelatin causes it to solidify. Bare Bones states that their products gel when cold, which they market as a 'true sign of quality and efficacy'. This visual proof assures consumers they are getting the collagen they seek.

What Kind of Collagen Is in Bone Broth?

Bone broth can contain a variety of collagen types, depending on the bones used.

• Beef bones often provide Type I and Type III collagen, which support skin elasticity, bone strength, and gut health.
• Chicken bones and feet are particularly rich in Type II collagen, known for its role in supporting joint and cartilage health.
• Fish bones are another source, known for Type I collagen.

Bare Bones offers both chicken and beef bone broth products, providing consumers with sources of these different collagen types. In addition to bone broth, the brand also sells supplement products like their Elevated Drink Mix, which is further enriched with a standardized 5g of collagen protein.

Why Consume Collagen from Bone Broth?

The collagen and gelatin in bone broth offer several potential health benefits, which align with the wellness message of brands like Bare Bones.

• Skin Health: The amino acids from collagen are considered building blocks that may support skin's natural elasticity and hydration.
• Joint and Bone Support: Type II collagen, prevalent in chicken broth, can help fight inflammation and support joint health, especially beneficial for active individuals or those with conditions like arthritis.
• Gut Health: The gelatin derived from collagen helps strengthen and repair the gut lining, potentially improving digestion and soothing the digestive tract.
• Immune System Support: Bone broth also contains other minerals and amino acids that contribute to overall immune system health.

Bare Bones Bone Broth vs. Homemade: A Comparative Look

Feature	Bare Bones Bone Broth (Packaged)	Homemade Bone Broth
Convenience	High. Ready to heat and drink, or use in recipes.	Low. Requires hours or days of simmering and preparation.
Collagen Content	Standardized and labeled per serving. Varies by product (e.g., 5-10g per serving).	Variable. Depends on bones used, simmering time, and recipe.
Cost	Higher per serving due to packaging, sourcing, and processing.	Lower per serving, using bones often saved from other meals.
Control	No control over ingredients, but benefits from consistent, quality sourcing.	Full control over ingredients, seasoning, and simmering duration.
Storage	Shelf-stable or requires refrigeration/freezing, depending on product type.	Requires refrigeration for a few days or freezer storage.

For many, the convenience of a consistently high-quality, packaged bone broth like Bare Bones outweighs the time and effort required for a homemade version. However, for those who prefer full control over their ingredients and process, and don't mind the time investment, homemade broth remains a valid option.

How to Tell If Your Broth Has Collagen

To be sure you're getting a quality product, a few indicators can guide you.

• Check the Label: Reputable brands will list the protein content. A higher protein count can indicate more collagen and gelatin. Some brands, like Bare Bones, may explicitly list collagen.
• Refrigerate and Check for 'Gelling': This is the most practical home test. As mentioned, if the broth turns into a jelly-like consistency when chilled, it is rich in gelatin, a direct product of collagen breakdown.
• Examine the Color and Opacity: High-quality bone broths, due to the extraction of marrow and other compounds, tend to be more opaque and richer in color compared to simple broth or stock.

Conclusion

Bare Bones bone broth is a convenient and reliable source of collagen, a claim substantiated by the brand's own marketing, the product's gelatinous quality when chilled, and its nutritional content. While homemade broth offers greater control and can be more cost-effective, Bare Bones provides a high-quality, accessible option for those looking to incorporate the wellness benefits of collagen into their diet. Ultimately, whether opting for packaged convenience or the satisfaction of a homemade brew, checking for the tell-tale 'gelling' effect and reviewing nutritional labels are the best ways to ensure you're getting the collagen you expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if Bare Bones bone broth contains collagen?

Chill the broth. The collagen, which breaks down into gelatin, will cause the liquid to gel or solidify when it gets cold. Bare Bones highlights this 'gelling' as a mark of quality.

How much collagen is in Bare Bones bone broth?

The amount varies by product. Some Bare Bones instant bone broth mixes contain 10g of protein and 5g of collagen per stick. Always check the specific product's nutritional information.

What is the difference between collagen and gelatin in bone broth?

Collagen is the original protein in bones and tissues. Gelatin forms when collagen is broken down during cooking. Bone broth consumption provides gelatin, which helps the body produce new collagen.

Is collagen in bone broth better than collagen supplements?

Bone broth provides not only collagen but also minerals and amino acids from the bones. Some supplements can have higher concentrations of specific collagen types, but bone broth offers a broader range of nutrients.

Does Bare Bones bone broth add collagen to their products?

Bare Bones extracts collagen naturally during the slow-simmering of animal bones. In some instant mixes, they also list Bovine Collagen as an ingredient to boost protein and collagen content.

What are the benefits of the collagen found in Bare Bones bone broth?

The collagen in Bare Bones bone broth can support skin health, strengthen bones and joints, and aid digestion by helping to repair and soothe the gut lining.

Is homemade bone broth always more collagen-rich than Bare Bones?

Not necessarily. The collagen content in homemade broth can vary based on the quality of bones and cooking duration. Bare Bones ensures a consistent, high level of collagen, and in some cases, may even offer more than a poorly prepared homemade batch.