Does Bone Broth Protein Spike Insulin? A Deep Dive into Glycine and Blood Sugar

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Bone broth is renowned for its minimal carbohydrate content, typically containing 0–3 grams per cup, which has a negligible effect on blood glucose levels. However, many wonder: Does bone broth protein spike insulin due to its high protein and amino acid profile? The answer involves understanding the specific amino acids present and their unique metabolic effects.

Quick Summary

Bone broth protein can cause a mild, beneficial insulin response primarily due to its high glycine content, which aids glucose regulation. Unlike carbohydrates, it does not cause a detrimental spike and can actually improve long-term insulin sensitivity.

Key Points

Mild Insulin Release: Bone broth protein can stimulate a small amount of insulin release due to its protein content, but it does not cause a significant, problematic spike like high-carb foods.
Glycine's Key Role: The amino acid glycine is largely responsible for the insulinotropic effect but also improves glucose tolerance, helping to regulate blood sugar.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Regular intake of the compounds found in bone broth, including collagen and glycine, may lead to improved insulin sensitivity over time.
Low Glycemic Impact: With virtually no carbohydrates, bone broth protein itself has a very low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause a direct, rapid rise in blood glucose.
Choose Pure Products: To avoid hidden sugars that could spike insulin, it's best to choose pure bone broth or protein powders without added flavors, sweeteners, or fillers.
Context is Key: For individuals on very strict fasts, the mild insulin release might be a factor, but for general health or low-carb diets like keto, it's generally a safe and beneficial choice.

The Components of Bone Broth Protein and Blood Sugar

Unlike pure carbohydrates, the protein in bone broth doesn't cause a rapid, significant rise in blood sugar levels. The insulinogenic effect of protein is considerably lower, leading to a more controlled release of insulin. This is particularly important for individuals monitoring blood sugar, such as those following a ketogenic diet or managing diabetes. The primary components influencing this are the amino acids and collagen.

The Role of Amino Acids: Glycine's Unique Influence

Bone broth is rich in several amino acids, including glycine, proline, and glutamine. Glycine, in particular, has been a subject of research concerning its role in insulin and blood sugar regulation.

Increased Insulin Secretion: Studies have shown that glycine can stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. However, this is not a 'spike' in the same way as a carbohydrate load. Instead, it seems to work in a way that improves the body's glucose response.
Improved Glucose Tolerance: Research suggests that when glycine is ingested with glucose, it can help attenuate the glucose response, resulting in a lower overall blood sugar rise. This happens partly by stimulating the release of gut hormones that potentiate insulin's effect.
Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity: Over the long term, components like glycine and collagen have been linked to improved insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity means the body’s cells are more efficient at using insulin to take up glucose from the bloodstream, helping to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.

Collagen and Insulin Sensitivity

Bone broth is famously rich in collagen, which breaks down into amino acids during digestion. Studies on collagen peptides have indicated their potential benefits for glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The collagen amino acids can stimulate the release of GLP-1, a hormone that enhances insulin function. This suggests that regular consumption of bone broth protein could have a positive, long-term impact on blood sugar regulation.

Bone Broth vs. Bone Broth Protein Powder

It is crucial to understand the difference between homemade bone broth and processed bone broth protein powder, as their ingredients and effects can vary significantly. Some processed powders may contain hidden additives.


Feature	Traditional Bone Broth	Bone Broth Protein Powder	Insulin Impact
Source	Simmered animal bones, connective tissue, and water.	Dehydrated bone broth, often with added ingredients.	Varies based on composition.
Processing	Low-and-slow simmering to extract nutrients.	Concentrated, dehydrated, and often heavily processed.	Additives can increase response.
Glycine Content	High and naturally occurring.	Potent, concentrated source.	Primary driver of the mild response.
Carbohydrates	Minimal to none, depending on ingredients.	Minimal, but watch for added sweeteners.	Adds minimal to zero impact.
Additives	Typically none, or only natural seasonings.	May contain sweeteners, gums, or fillers.	Can trigger an unwanted response.

Additives and the Glycemic Impact

While pure bone broth protein is low in carbohydrates, some commercial powders may include ingredients that can influence insulin levels. Artificial or natural sweeteners, flavorings, and other fillers can be added to improve taste or texture. For those managing blood sugar, reading the ingredients list is essential to ensure the product does not contain any added sugars or other carbohydrates that could cause a spike.

Navigating Bone Broth Protein for Blood Sugar Management

For those on a keto diet, fasting, or managing blood sugar, bone broth protein is generally considered safe and beneficial. The mild insulinotropic effect is not comparable to the rapid, high-impact spike caused by sugary foods. In fact, the controlled insulin release and potential for improved insulin sensitivity make it a valuable tool. However, context matters. In a strict fasting state, some 'purists' may avoid it to prevent any insulin release, while others use it to stave off hunger without breaking a fast.

Furthermore, adding sources of fat to bone broth, such as MCT oil or ghee, can help to blunt any potential insulin response and increase satiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bone broth protein does elicit a mild insulin response, but this is not the problematic spike associated with high-sugar foods. The response is driven by specific amino acids like glycine, which also play a positive role in improving overall glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity over time. The low carbohydrate content ensures a stable blood sugar level, making it a safe and often beneficial addition to the diet for those managing blood sugar. When choosing a product, paying attention to the ingredient list for added sugars or other fillers is the most critical step to avoid any unintended glycemic impact. For most people, bone broth protein serves as a healthy source of nutrients that supports metabolic health rather than hindering it.

Study on the Metabolic Response to Ingested Glycine

The Verdict: Can You Rely on Bone Broth?

While individual results can vary, the scientific evidence suggests that pure bone broth protein is not a cause for concern regarding blood sugar spikes. Its specific amino acid profile makes it a unique supplement that offers potential benefits for insulin sensitivity and glucose control. As with any dietary change, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bone broth protein is generally considered safe for diabetics. Its low-carb content and the blood-sugar-regulating properties of its amino acids, particularly glycine, make it a favorable addition to a diabetes-friendly diet.

Bone broth is a debated topic in the fasting community. While it is very low in calories, its protein content can cause a small insulin release. Some 'purists' avoid it, but many use it during extended fasts without issue, as it doesn't cause a significant spike.

Yes, bone broth is an excellent source of protein for a ketogenic diet. It is carb-free, rich in amino acids, and can help control hunger, aligning perfectly with the goals of a keto lifestyle.

Glycine, a prominent amino acid in bone broth, has a dual effect. It can stimulate insulin release but also helps to improve overall glucose tolerance, which helps stabilize blood sugar rather than causing a negative spike.

Both bone broth protein and whey protein cause an insulin response. However, whey protein is generally more insulinogenic than collagen/bone broth protein, though both are significantly less so than carbohydrates.

Pure, unflavored bone broth protein powder should have a similar, mild effect as homemade broth. However, many commercial brands contain added sugars, flavors, or fillers that can spike insulin, so always check the ingredient list.

Emerging research suggests that components in bone broth, such as collagen and specific amino acids, may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for managing insulin resistance.