Yes, Brodo Bone Broth Contains Naturally Occurring Collagen
Brodo bone broth is purposefully crafted to be rich in naturally occurring collagen, which is extracted during the slow-simmering process. Unlike concentrated collagen powders or supplements, Brodo's products deliver collagen in its most bioavailable, whole-food form, along with a host of other nutrients. The company deliberately sources specific animal parts, such as chicken feet and beef knuckles, known for their high cartilage content to maximize the collagen yield. When these parts are simmered for up to 24 hours, the collagen in the connective tissues breaks down into gelatin, which enriches the broth.
How Brodo Extracts Collagen from Bones
The extraction of collagen is a precise process that Brodo has perfected to ensure a high-quality, nutrient-dense broth. The procedure starts with premium ingredients and follows time-honored cooking methods.
- Sourcing quality bones: Brodo exclusively uses bones from 100% grass-fed beef and organic, pasture-raised poultry, ensuring a clean, high-quality starting point.
- Selecting collagen-rich cuts: The company prioritizes specific cuts like beef knuckles, oxtails, and chicken feet, which are especially abundant in connective tissue and, therefore, collagen.
- Long, slow simmer: The bones are simmered for an extended period, which can last up to 24 hours. This low-and-slow method is crucial for breaking down the collagen into gelatin and releasing amino acids and minerals into the liquid.
- The addition of acid: A small amount of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice is often added during the simmering process to help dissolve the bones and release the minerals and collagen.
The Difference Between Bone Broth Collagen and Supplements
While both offer collagen, the form and overall nutritional profile differ significantly between bone broth and hydrolyzed collagen supplements. Bone broth provides a holistic, food-based source, while supplements are a processed, isolated form.
- Whole Food vs. Isolate: Brodo's collagen comes within a whole food matrix, providing additional amino acids, electrolytes, and minerals that work synergistically. Supplements contain isolated peptides.
- Bioavailability: The gelatin form of collagen in bone broth is highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. While supplements are also designed for bioavailability, they lack the complementary nutrients found in bone broth.
- Gut Health Benefits: Bone broth's amino acids, such as glutamine, have been studied for their ability to support gut barrier integrity, a benefit not necessarily replicated by collagen peptides alone.
Comparison: Brodo Bone Broth vs. Generic Store-Bought Broth
| Feature | Brodo Bone Broth | Generic Store-Bought Broth |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen Source | High-quality, collagen-rich bones (beef knuckles, chicken feet) | Often made from meat, with some bones; may contain less collagen |
| Simmering Time | Extended slow simmer (up to 24 hours) for maximum extraction | Much shorter simmer time (usually 2-4 hours), resulting in less collagen extraction |
| Texture | Richer, more viscous, and gelatinous when chilled | Thin, watery consistency with little to no gelatin content |
| Ingredients | Made with 100% grass-fed beef and organic poultry, no concentrates or additives | Can be made from powders, concentrates, or pastes with added flavorings |
| Nutrient Density | Nutrient-packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals | Lower nutrient content due to shorter cooking times and potential additives |
The Types of Collagen in Brodo Broth
Depending on the source, different Brodo products contain specific types of collagen. For instance, Brodo's Hearth bone broth, made with a combination of beef, chicken, and turkey bones, contains Types I, II, and III collagen, each offering distinct benefits for the body.
- Type I: The most abundant type of collagen in the body, found primarily in skin, tendons, and bones.
- Type II: Found mainly in cartilage, which is important for joint health.
- Type III: Found in muscles, organs, and arteries.
By including a variety of collagen types, Brodo provides a more comprehensive nutritional profile than single-source collagen products, which often contain only one or two types.
Potential Health Benefits of Collagen from Bone Broth
The collagen and gelatin in bone broth are associated with numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
- Supports Gut Health: Amino acids like glutamine found in bone broth can help strengthen the intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for overall gut health.
- Improves Joint Function: Type II collagen, prevalent in chicken bone broth, is crucial for maintaining cartilage health and can help improve joint mobility.
- Enhances Skin Elasticity and Appearance: Collagen contributes to the structure of the skin. Consuming broth rich in gelatin can help promote smoother, more supple skin, along with stronger hair and nails.
- Provides a Rich Source of Protein: With 7-10 grams of protein per cup depending on the variety, Brodo bone broth can support muscle repair and satiety.
- Aids Hydration and Mineral Intake: Brodo contains electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which are vital for hydration, particularly after exercise.
Conclusion
In summary, Brodo bone broth does contain naturally occurring collagen, which is a result of their meticulous, slow-simmering process using high-quality, collagen-rich bones. The company's commitment to using wholesome, real-food ingredients ensures that the collagen is delivered in its most natural and bioavailable form, alongside a broad spectrum of other beneficial nutrients. For those seeking a delicious, convenient, and nutrient-dense way to consume collagen for improved gut, joint, and skin health, Brodo's approach offers a clear advantage over processed supplements.
Keypoints
- Collagen Source: Brodo bone broth uses specific, collagen-rich animal parts like beef knuckles and chicken feet to maximize natural collagen content.
- Slow Simmering Process: The long cooking time breaks down connective tissue into easily digestible, gelatin-rich collagen.
- Whole Food Nutrition: Unlike isolated collagen supplements, Brodo broth provides a full spectrum of amino acids, electrolytes, and other minerals.
- Variety of Collagen Types: Different Brodo broths, like the Hearth variety, contain multiple types of collagen (I, II, and III) for broader health benefits.
- Supports Multiple Health Areas: Regular consumption of bone broth can support gut health, enhance joint function, and improve skin elasticity.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary difference between bone broth and stock? A: Bone broth is simmered for a much longer time (up to 24 hours) using meaty bones, which results in a higher concentration of gelatin and nutrients like collagen, whereas stock is typically cooked for a shorter period with less focus on maximizing collagen extraction.
Q: Is the collagen in Brodo bone broth as effective as a powdered supplement? A: Many people prefer the natural, whole-food source of collagen from bone broth, which comes with complementary nutrients that support absorption and offer additional health benefits, such as those for gut health. Supplements, while effective, are an isolated and processed form.
Q: How can I tell if a bone broth is rich in collagen? A: A clear sign that a bone broth is rich in gelatin (and thus collagen) is if it solidifies or becomes jiggly when chilled. Brodo's broths are designed to have this thick, gelatinous quality.
Q: Does Brodo add collagen powder to their broth? A: No, Brodo does not add collagen powder. The collagen in their broth is naturally extracted from the slow-simmering process of using collagen-rich bones.
Q: How much collagen is in a cup of Brodo bone broth? A: Brodo's bone broth contains 7-10 grams of protein per cup, which includes naturally occurring collagen and amino acids from the bones and meat used. The exact amount of collagen can vary based on the specific recipe and batch.
Q: Is Brodo bone broth a good source of gut-healing amino acids? A: Yes, in addition to collagen, Brodo bone broth is rich in amino acids like glutamine, which is known to support gut barrier integrity and health.
Q: What types of bones does Brodo use for their bone broth? A: Brodo uses a variety of high-quality bones depending on the product, including 100% grass-fed beef bones and organic, pasture-raised poultry bones and feet, specifically targeting collagen-rich cuts.
Q: Does the collagen in Brodo broth support skin health? A: Yes, the gelatin-rich collagen in Brodo bone broth supports healthy skin, hair, and nails by providing essential structural proteins for elasticity and strength.
Citations
- Brodo.com: Collagen Rich Bone Broth Is The Best Beauty Food. (Jun 25, 2018). Retrieved from
https://www.brodo.com/blog/nutrition/truth-collagen-supplements/. - Brodo.com: Hearth, Brodo's Signature Bone Broth. (Mar 09, 2023). Retrieved from
https://www.brodo.com/blog/nutrition/hearth-signature-bone-broth/. - Brodo.com: Brodo Bone Broth™ - The original sipping broth. Packed with benefits. Retrieved from
https://www.brodo.com/lp-weight-loss/. - National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov): Bone Broth Benefits: How Its Nutrients Fortify Gut Barrier in…. (Apr 03, 2025). Retrieved from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40180691/. - MasterClass.com: How to Make Bone Broth in 6 Steps. (Oct 03, 2025). Retrieved from
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-bone-broth. - Frejafoods.com: Bone Broth vs Collagen Supplements: Which is Better for Your Health?. (Aug 08, 2024). Retrieved from
https://frejafoods.com/blogs/journal/bone-broth-vs-collagen-supplements.
