Does Drinking Bone Broth Count as Water Intake? The Hydration Answer

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Made up of about 98% water, bone broth is a liquid that also contains natural electrolytes, making it a powerful way to stay hydrated. So, does drinking bone broth count as water intake, and how does its hydrating power compare to plain water?

Quick Summary

Bone broth contributes to daily fluid intake as it is primarily water, and its electrolyte content enhances absorption and hydration. It also provides beneficial minerals and amino acids but serves as a supplement rather than a complete replacement for pure water.

Key Points

Yes, It Counts: Bone broth, being primarily water, directly contributes to your daily fluid intake.
Better Than Water for Rehydration: Containing natural electrolytes like sodium and potassium, bone broth helps your body absorb and retain fluid more effectively, especially after exercise.
Not a Full Water Replacement: While hydrating, bone broth contains additional protein and minerals, so it should complement, not entirely replace, your plain water intake.
Rich in Electrolytes: The minerals in bone broth are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance and aiding nerve and muscle function.
Offers Added Nutrients: Beyond just fluids, bone broth provides amino acids and collagen, which support gut and joint health.

Bone broth, a savory liquid made from simmering animal bones and connective tissue, has gained popularity for its purported health benefits. A central question for many is how it fits into daily hydration goals. While it is not a direct substitute for plain water, it absolutely contributes to your total fluid intake and offers unique advantages for hydration due to its nutrient profile.

The Science of Hydration: Water vs. Bone Broth

At its core, hydration is the process of replacing lost bodily fluids. Plain water is the gold standard for daily fluid replenishment, crucial for every cellular function, nutrient transport, and waste removal. However, the efficiency of water absorption is influenced by the presence of electrolytes.

Electrolytes are essential minerals—like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—that carry an electric charge and help regulate the balance of fluids in your cells and throughout your body. When you sweat, you lose more than just water; you also lose these vital electrolytes. This is where bone broth offers a significant advantage.

Bone broth's inherent electrolyte content means your body can absorb and retain its liquid more effectively than plain water alone, especially during or after intense physical activity. The minerals in the broth help draw water into your cells, supercharging the hydration process.

Bone Broth's Contribution to Fluid Intake

Yes, every cup of bone broth you consume counts toward your daily fluid intake. Because it is a liquid, it contributes to the overall volume of water your body receives. But its hydrating properties are more complex than just its water content.

The Role of Electrolytes

Bone broth is a natural source of key electrolytes, a distinct benefit compared to plain water. For example, a single cup of homemade chicken bone broth can contain substantial amounts of potassium and sodium. Sodium helps your body hold onto fluids, while potassium is critical for muscle contraction and fluid balance. This makes it an ideal recovery drink, not just for rehydrating but also for replenishing the minerals lost through sweat.

Added Nutritional Benefits

Unlike water, bone broth is a nutrient-dense beverage. The slow simmering process extracts valuable components like collagen, amino acids, and other trace minerals. These additional elements provide benefits beyond simple hydration, such as supporting gut health and joint function, which are important for overall well-being and performance. The amino acid glutamine, for instance, has been shown to support gut health.

Comparison: Bone Broth vs. Plain Water


Feature	Plain Water	Bone Broth
Fluid Source	Primary liquid source	Primary liquid source
Electrolytes	None (typically)	Rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium
Protein/Amino Acids	None	Yes (collagen, glutamine, etc.)
Vitamins/Minerals	None	Trace minerals extracted from bones
Calorie Count	Zero	Low (approx. 40-70 calories per cup)
Ideal for...	General, daily fluid intake	Replenishing electrolytes, recovery, nourishment

How to Incorporate Bone Broth for Hydration

There are several easy ways to add bone broth into your routine:

Morning Ritual: Start your day with a warm, savory mug of bone broth to kickstart hydration after overnight fasting.
Post-Workout Recovery: Sip bone broth after an intense workout to replenish lost electrolytes and provide protein for muscle repair.
Soup Base: Use it as a base for soups, stews, or sauces to boost flavor and nutrient content.
Mid-Day Snack: Swap a sugary drink for a cup of bone broth to satisfy hunger and get a hydrating boost.

Potential Considerations and Risks

While bone broth is a beneficial hydrator, there are some factors to consider. The sodium content can vary significantly, especially with store-bought options. Individuals with high blood pressure or those on a low-sodium diet should monitor their intake carefully or choose a low-sodium variety. Homemade broth allows for complete control over the ingredients, including salt. Additionally, while bone broth is highly nutritious, it is not a cure-all and should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fluids and whole foods.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, drinking bone broth absolutely counts as water intake and can even provide superior hydration in certain situations due to its natural electrolyte content. However, it is not a complete substitute for plain water. Bone broth should be seen as a nutrient-rich and highly effective supplement to your overall hydration strategy, particularly useful for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat or for added nourishment during colder months or illness. For general daily hydration, plain water remains the most practical and efficient choice. A balanced approach—incorporating both plain water and bone broth—is the most effective way to ensure optimal fluid balance and overall health. For more information on maintaining healthy hydration, you can visit a reliable health source like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bone broth can be more hydrating than plain water in certain situations, especially when you need to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. The electrolytes help your body absorb and retain the fluid more effectively.

No, you should not replace your plain water intake with bone broth. While it is hydrating, plain water is still the best and most efficient way to meet your basic daily fluid needs. Bone broth serves as a beneficial supplement.

There is no single recommendation, as it depends on your overall diet and activity level. Many people find one to two cups per day beneficial, especially in the morning or after exercise, to boost hydration and nutrient intake.

Yes, bone broth is effective at combating dehydration, particularly when the dehydration is accompanied by electrolyte loss from sweating, illness, or vomiting. The combination of water and electrolytes aids rehydration.

Sipping a warm mug of bone broth is a popular method. You can also use it as a base for soups and stews or as a post-workout recovery drink. It's especially useful for replenishing fluids during sickness.

Overconsumption is unlikely to be harmful for most, but those with high blood pressure should be mindful of the sodium content. Store-bought brands can be particularly high in sodium, so checking the label or making your own to control salt is recommended.

Store-bought bone broth can be very hydrating, but its electrolyte and nutrient profile varies by brand and preparation. Homemade broth offers full control over ingredients and simmering time, which can result in a more nutrient-dense product.