Does Bone Broth Have Fiber in It? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA nutrient database, one cup of typical beef bone broth contains 0 grams of fiber. This liquid, made from simmering animal bones, is prized for many nutrients, but if you're wondering, 'does bone broth have fiber in it?', the short and simple answer is no.

Quick Summary

Bone broth lacks dietary fiber because it is a liquid derived from animal bones and connective tissue. It does, however, contain protein, amino acids, and minerals. Fiber must be obtained from plant-based foods.

Key Points

Zero Fiber: Bone broth contains no dietary fiber because it is an animal-based liquid, not a plant-based food.
Protein and Collagen Source: Its primary nutritional value comes from protein, collagen, and amino acids extracted from simmered animal bones.
Not a Complete Food: Bone broth should be seen as a supplement to, not a replacement for, whole plant foods in a balanced diet.
Pair with Fiber: To add fiber, incorporate vegetables, legumes, or whole grains into your bone broth meals or soups.
Other Benefits: Despite lacking fiber, bone broth still offers health benefits related to gut and joint health through its collagen and amino acid content.

The Simple Answer: No, Bone Broth Contains Zero Fiber

It is a common misconception that bone broth, hailed for its numerous health benefits, might also be a source of dietary fiber. The truth is, bone broth contains no fiber whatsoever. The reason is rooted in its very composition. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found exclusively in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Since bone broth is made by simmering animal bones, connective tissues, and often some aromatics, any fiber present in the vegetables used during cooking is strained out, leaving behind a liquid that is rich in other nutrients but completely void of fiber.

What Bone Broth Actually Provides

Instead of fiber, the nutritional benefits of bone broth come from other essential components extracted from the bones during the long simmering process. While the exact nutritional content can vary based on the type of bones and cooking method, here are the key nutrients you can expect to find:

Protein and Collagen: The long cooking process breaks down the collagen in the bones, releasing it into the broth. This is what gives high-quality bone broth its characteristic gelatinous texture when chilled. Collagen provides beneficial amino acids that are essential for building and repairing tissues, including those in your skin, bones, and joints.
Amino Acids: Bone broth is a good source of amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine. These have been linked to benefits such as improved gut health and reduced inflammation.
Minerals: Simmering bones releases minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium into the liquid. While the amounts are not as high as some claim, these minerals still contribute to the broth's overall nutritional value.

Bone Broth vs. Fiber-Rich Foods

Understanding the fundamental difference between bone broth and high-fiber foods is crucial for building a balanced diet. Bone broth is a liquid supplement, while fiber-rich foods are the bulk of a healthy eating plan. The absence of fiber in bone broth means it should be complemented, not replaced, by plant-based sources to support digestive health and satiety.

How to Add Fiber to Your Bone Broth Meal

Just because bone broth lacks fiber doesn't mean you can't incorporate it into a fiber-rich diet. Pairing bone broth with high-fiber ingredients is an excellent way to get the best of both worlds. Here are a few ideas:

Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, or leafy greens such as spinach or kale.
Incorporate Legumes: Mix in cooked lentils, beans, or chickpeas for a significant fiber boost.
Use Whole Grains: Cook whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley in bone broth to infuse them with flavor.
Blend with Pureed Vegetables: Create a hearty, fiber-filled soup by blending bone broth with roasted and pureed vegetables like pumpkin or butternut squash.

Bone Broth's Nutritional Profile at a Glance

To illustrate the nutritional differences, consider this comparison between a standard bone broth and a fiber-rich food.


Nutrient	Bone Broth (1 cup)	Black Beans (1 cup)	Role
Fiber	0 g	15 g	Aids digestion, promotes satiety
Protein	~9-10 g	~15 g	Muscle repair, satiety
Collagen	Present	Absent	Joint & skin health
Calories	~40 kcal	~227 kcal	Energy
Key Minerals	Calcium, Magnesium	Iron, Magnesium, Potassium	Overall bodily functions

Is Bone Broth Still Healthy Without Fiber?

Absolutely. Despite the absence of fiber, bone broth remains a healthy addition to many diets. Its richness in protein, amino acids, and minerals offers distinct benefits that fiber cannot replicate. For instance, the high protein content can promote satiety and aid in weight management, while the amino acids support gut and joint health. It is low in calories and can be a hydrating, flavorful part of a well-rounded eating plan. The key is to see bone broth not as a complete nutritional powerhouse but as a valuable component that complements other foods, rather than replacing them.

The Bottom Line on Bone Broth and Fiber

In conclusion, if you are looking to increase your dietary fiber, you should turn to plant-based sources, as bone broth contains none. However, bone broth should not be dismissed from your diet. Its unique blend of protein, collagen, and minerals provides a different set of benefits that contribute to overall health. By incorporating high-fiber foods alongside your bone broth, you can enjoy the digestive advantages of fiber while also reaping the specialized nutritional rewards of this rich, savory liquid. Learn more about the components of a healthy diet from trusted sources like Harvard Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue. Since fiber is a carbohydrate found exclusively in plants and the solids are strained out, the resulting liquid is fiber-free.

Bone broth is rich in protein, collagen, and various amino acids. It also provides minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are extracted from the bones during cooking.

Yes, it can be. Bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and glutamine that are believed to support a healthy intestinal lining. However, it should be consumed alongside fiber-rich foods for comprehensive digestive health.

No, whether homemade or store-bought, bone broth does not contain fiber. Reputable brands will have a nutrition label confirming 0 grams of dietary fiber.

You can easily add fiber by incorporating vegetables like carrots, celery, and leafy greens, or by adding cooked legumes and whole grains, to your bone broth soup.

The lack of fiber is not a disadvantage, but a characteristic. It means bone broth doesn't contribute to the benefits of fiber, such as promoting satiety or regularity. This requires sourcing fiber from other foods.

Vegetable broth, being plant-based, may contain trace amounts of fiber if not fully strained, though generally it contains little to none as well. However, vegetables themselves are excellent fiber sources, which is not true for bones.