Does Beef Bone Broth Have Type 2 Collagen? Unpacking the Protein Puzzle

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

While it's true that traditional beef bone broth is a rich source of collagen, containing primarily Type I and Type III, many people are unaware that this is not the variety most associated with cartilage and joint health. So, does beef bone broth have type 2 collagen? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Beef bone broth is a superior source of Types I and III collagen, beneficial for skin, bone, and gut health. Type II collagen, vital for cartilage and joints, is found primarily in chicken and other poultry broths.

Key Points

Beef is not the primary source: Beef bone broth contains Types I and III collagen, not Type II.
Chicken is the source: Type II collagen, vital for joint cartilage, is predominantly found in chicken bone broth.
Different benefits: Beef broth supports skin, bones, and gut health, while chicken broth is best for joint care,.
Molecular differences: Type I collagen forms thick fibers for tensile strength, while Type II creates a flexible network for cartilage.
Supplements confirm this: Most commercial Type II supplements are sourced from chicken cartilage, reinforcing that poultry is the key source.
Whole food advantage: Bone broth, regardless of source, provides a broad spectrum of nutrients and amino acids, not just collagen.

The Collagen Composition of Beef Bone Broth

When you simmer bovine bones—such as knuckles, femurs, and oxtails—for an extended period, the collagen-rich connective tissues break down and release valuable protein and minerals into the liquid. The resulting beef bone broth is a potent elixir, but its collagen profile is specific to its source. The bovine hides and bones used for beef broth are packed mainly with Type I and Type III collagen. These are the most abundant types in the human body, providing structural integrity to skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Benefits of Type I and Type III Collagen

Skin Health: Improves skin elasticity and hydration, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Bone Strength: Supports bone density and strength, aiding in the fight against age-related bone loss.
Gut Health: The gelatin derived from the broth can help repair and strengthen the gut lining, promoting better digestive health.
Muscle and Organ Support: Type III collagen works alongside Type I to support the structure of organs, muscles, and blood vessels.

The Real Source of Type 2 Collagen

If you are specifically seeking Type 2 collagen for joint and cartilage support, your focus should shift from beef to chicken. Type II collagen is the main component of hyaline cartilage, the resilient, flexible connective tissue that cushions your joints,. This is why chicken bone broth, especially when made with a large number of chicken feet and cartilage-rich parts, is the best natural source for Type II collagen.

Why chicken is the source: Chicken bones naturally contain higher concentrations of the Type II collagen that is essential for maintaining and repairing cartilage.
Supplements vs. Broth: Most Type II collagen supplements on the market are also derived from chicken breastbone cartilage for this reason.

Making the Right Choice for Your Health Goals

Knowing the primary source of each collagen type is crucial for targeting specific health needs. If your goal is to support your skin's elasticity or strengthen your bones, beef bone broth is an excellent choice. However, if your priority is joint health and cartilage support, you should incorporate chicken bone broth or a dedicated Type II supplement.

Comparison: Beef Bone Broth vs. Chicken Bone Broth


Feature	Beef Bone Broth	Chicken Bone Broth
Primary Collagen Types	Type I and Type III	Type II
Main Health Benefits	Skin elasticity, bone strength, gut health, muscle support	Cartilage and joint support, immune system function
Source Anatomy	Bovine hides, bones, and connective tissues	Chicken bones, cartilage, and feet
Typical Texture	Richer, denser, more gelatinous due to Type I and III	Often lighter, less dense, but still gel-like
Taste Profile	Hearty, deep, and robust flavor	Milder, more versatile flavor profile

The Role of Collagen Peptides and Amino Acids

Regardless of the source, your body breaks down ingested collagen into its constituent amino acids before rebuilding it where needed. Both beef and chicken bone broth provide these building blocks. They also contain other beneficial compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which support joint health. However, focusing on the correct animal source ensures a higher concentration of the specific collagen type associated with your target health outcome.

For those specifically interested in undenatured Type II collagen for joint issues, it is important to note that this form is often found in supplements derived from chicken cartilage, as mentioned by the Arthritis Foundation.

Conclusion

In summary, beef bone broth is not a primary source of Type 2 collagen. Its primary benefits come from a high concentration of Type I and Type III collagen, which support skin elasticity, bone density, and gut health. For targeted support of cartilage and joints, chicken bone broth is the superior choice due to its high Type II collagen content. By understanding these key differences, you can select the right type of bone broth to meet your specific nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beef bone broth is a natural source of Type I and Type III collagen, which are highly concentrated in bovine bones, hides, and connective tissues.

Type II collagen is the best for joints, as it is the major component of cartilage. For this, you would need chicken bone broth or a supplement derived from chicken cartilage,.

It is difficult to get all collagen types from a single animal source in significant quantities. For a broader spectrum, combining broths from different animals (e.g., beef and chicken) or using a multi-collagen supplement is often recommended.

Yes, bone broth is also rich in other nutrients extracted during the simmering process, including amino acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and various minerals.

Neither is inherently 'better' than the other; they simply offer different types of collagen for different purposes. Beef is optimal for skin and bone support, while chicken is superior for joint health.

No, bone broth is the entire nutrient-dense liquid from simmering bones, containing various compounds. Collagen peptides are a purified, hydrolyzed protein extracted from bone broth or other collagen-rich animal tissues.

Plants do not naturally contain collagen. However, a plant-based diet can provide the amino acids (like proline and glycine) and co-factors (like vitamin C, zinc, and copper) that the body needs to produce its own collagen,.