Does Bone Broth Have Pork In It? A Comprehensive Guide

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Bone broth has been a nutritional staple in many cultures for centuries, typically made by simmering the bones of various animals. Whether or not a specific bone broth has pork in it depends entirely on the type of bones used during its preparation, meaning some do and some don't.

Quick Summary

Bone broth is not always made with pork; it can be derived from various animal bones like beef, chicken, or fish. The ingredient list will specify the source, with certain regional broths, like tonkotsu, being pork-based.

Key Points

Not Always Pork: Bone broth is not inherently made with pork; it can be made from various animals like beef, chicken, or fish.
Check the Label: To know for sure, always read the ingredient list on store-bought bone broth products.
Recognize Pork Broth Names: Certain traditional recipes, like Japanese tonkotsu ramen, are famously made with pork bones.
Identify By Flavor: Pork bone broth tends to have a richer, fattier, and more gelatinous quality compared to milder chicken or beef broths.
Homemade is a Safe Bet: Making bone broth at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it's pork-free if desired.
Consider Alternatives: If avoiding pork, excellent alternatives exist, including beef, chicken, or even fish bone broth.

The Versatile Origins of Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nourishing liquid created by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period, which extracts nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals. The key takeaway for anyone asking, "Does bone broth have pork in it?" is that its primary ingredient is a matter of choice. A cook can select any type of animal bones for the base, making the end product as varied as the animals themselves. This flexibility is what has allowed different cultures to develop their own distinct versions of this ancient dietary staple.

The Most Common Types of Bone Broth

While the concept is universal, the application varies widely based on regional preferences and ingredients. The most popular versions are:

Beef Bone Broth: Often considered one of the richest and most robust broths, beef bone broth is made by simmering beef bones, often from knuckles, oxtail, and marrow bones. It provides a savory, deep flavor that is perfect for stews, sauces, or sipping on its own.
Chicken Bone Broth: A lighter and milder option, chicken broth is made from chicken frames, backs, or feet. It is versatile and a classic choice for soups, gravies, and cooking grains.
Pork Bone Broth: This type is a staple in many East Asian cuisines and is prized for its thick, gelatinous texture and deeply flavorful taste. A famous example is the milky-white tonkotsu ramen broth, which is a specific type of pork bone broth.

Can You Make Bone Broth Without Pork?

Yes, you can easily make bone broth without using any pork. If you have dietary restrictions or simply prefer other flavors, you can substitute pork bones with bones from other animals, including:

Beef
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Lamb
Bison

Using different bones will result in varying flavor profiles and nutritional compositions. For example, a fish bone broth will have a much lighter taste than a beef-based one.

How to Identify the Ingredients in Your Broth

For those who need to avoid pork, careful label-reading is essential, especially when buying pre-made products. Here is how to ensure your bone broth is pork-free:

Read the Ingredient List: This is the most straightforward method. The label will explicitly state the type of bones or animal parts used, such as "beef bones" or "chicken stock." Look for key terms like "pork," "ham hocks," or "pigs' feet".
Check the Product Title: Many store-bought broths clearly label their primary ingredient in the name, such as "Beef Bone Broth" or "Chicken Bone Broth." However, be cautious with general terms like "Traditional" or "Hearty," as they could potentially be blends.
Look for Specific Cultural Names: If you are in a restaurant, particularly one serving ramen, being aware of specific names can help. "Tonkotsu" is the Japanese term for pork bone broth, so ordering this will ensure you get a pork-based soup. Conversely, a shio (salt) or shoyu (soy sauce) based broth typically uses a chicken or fish base, but it's always wise to ask.
Homemade is Best for Control: For those with strict dietary needs, making homemade bone broth provides complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no pork is included.

Comparison of Common Bone Broth Types


Feature	Beef Bone Broth	Chicken Bone Broth	Pork Bone Broth
Primary Bones	Knuckles, oxtail, marrow bones	Frames, backs, feet, wings	Neck bones, hocks, trotters
Flavor Profile	Deep, savory, rich	Mild, light, versatile	Rich, fatty, unctuous
Collagen Content	High	Moderate, higher in feet/joints	Very High, especially with feet
Common Uses	Soups, stews, sauces, sipping	Everyday soups, cooking grains, gravies	Ramen (Tonkotsu), Asian dishes, rich sauces
Overall Texture	Gelatinous when chilled	Lighter jelly when chilled	Thick, opaque, extra gelatinous

Conclusion: Read Labels and Know Your Preferences

The answer to the question "Does bone broth have pork in it?" is not a simple yes or no. Bone broth can be made with various animal bones, and the inclusion of pork depends entirely on the product or recipe. For consumers, the best course of action is to always check the ingredient label when purchasing commercial broth, and to be specific when ordering broth-based dishes at restaurants. For those making their own broth at home, using high-quality bones from a specific animal like beef, chicken, or lamb is a simple way to ensure the broth is pork-free. By understanding the different types and knowing how to verify their contents, you can confidently choose a bone broth that aligns with your dietary preferences and needs. Healthline provides a wealth of information on bone broth's nutrients and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all bone broth is pork-based. It can be made from the bones of various animals, with beef and chicken being the most common alternatives.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the packaging. The product label will specify the animal source, such as 'pork bones' or 'pork stock'.

Yes, tonkotsu is a famous Japanese ramen broth whose name literally means "pork bone." It is traditionally made by simmering pork bones to create a rich, creamy broth.

Absolutely. You can easily make a homemade broth using bones from other animals, such as chicken, beef, or turkey, and can find numerous recipes online.

Those with religious restrictions, such as following Halal or Kosher guidelines, should strictly avoid pork-based broths. People with specific allergies or preferences will also want to confirm the source.

Chicken bone broth is typically lighter and milder in flavor, while pork bone broth is known for its richer, heavier, and more gelatinous texture due to the different bones used.

Not necessarily. While tonkotsu (pork) broth is famously milky-white, other factors, like the simmering process and agitation, can cause cloudiness. The only definitive way to know is by identifying the bone source.