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Does Kettle and Fire bone broth have collagen in it? An In-Depth Look

3 min read

According to a 2021 systemic review, dietary collagen can help improve signs of skin aging. This has led many to seek out food-based sources, prompting the question: Does Kettle and Fire bone broth have collagen in it? The short answer is yes, as the traditional, low-and-slow simmering method used for this product is specifically designed to extract the maximum amount of collagen from the animal bones.

Quick Summary

Kettle and Fire bone broths are a confirmed source of natural collagen, derived from simmering high-quality beef and chicken bones. The process effectively extracts collagen and amino acids, with specific types and concentrations varying depending on the animal source used in the broth.

Key Points

  • Confirmed Collagen Content: Yes, Kettle & Fire bone broth contains collagen, with the amount depending on the specific animal and flavor used.

  • Slow-Simmered for Extraction: Their broths are slow-simmered for 10-24+ hours, a process that effectively extracts collagen and other nutrients from the bones.

  • Specific Collagen Types: Beef broth is rich in Type I and III collagen, while chicken broth provides Type II, each offering different health benefits.

  • Nutrient-Dense from Quality Sourcing: The broth's collagen content is enhanced by using high-quality, responsibly sourced bones (grass-fed beef, free-range chicken) and organic ingredients.

  • Collagen Broken Down into Amino Acids: The body doesn't absorb collagen whole, but rather breaks it down into amino acids, which are then used as building blocks for the body's own protein synthesis.

In This Article

The Science Behind Bone Broth and Collagen

At its core, bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period. Kettle & Fire specifically slow-simmers bones for 10 to 24+ hours, a crucial step for maximizing the extraction of nutrients, including collagen. As the collagen breaks down during this process, it forms gelatin, which is why a high-quality, cooled bone broth often has a thick, jelly-like consistency. The body then further breaks down this gelatin into its component amino acids, which are the building blocks your body can use to synthesize its own proteins, including new collagen.

The Kettle & Fire Difference

Kettle & Fire is transparent about its ingredient sourcing and slow-simmering process, which sets its products apart from many standard broths or stocks on the market. They use bones from 100% grass-fed beef and pasture-raised, free-range chickens, and pair them with organic vegetables and herbs. This attention to detail ensures a product rich in nutrients, free from the preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics found in many conventional broth products.

Collagen Content by Broth Type

The type and quantity of collagen in Kettle & Fire bone broth depend on the animal source. Different animal tissues are rich in different types of collagen, which offer varying benefits:

  • Beef Bone Broth: Made from grass-fed beef bones and connective tissues, it is a rich source of Type I and Type III collagen. Type I is the most abundant collagen in the human body, vital for the structure of skin, bones, and tendons, while Type III supports organ structure and gut health. Kettle & Fire's standard beef broth contains about 7 grams of collagen per serving.
  • Chicken Bone Broth: Sourced from organic, free-range chicken bones and cartilage, this broth provides high levels of Type II collagen. This type is a primary component of cartilage and is especially beneficial for joint health. Their chicken broth provides approximately 4 grams of collagen per serving.

Comparison Table: Kettle & Fire vs. Standard Broth

Feature Kettle & Fire Bone Broth Standard Broth/Stock
Sourcing Bones from 100% grass-fed beef and free-range chickens. Often uses lower-quality bones, meat, or bone paste.
Simmering Time 10-24+ hours for maximum nutrient extraction. Shorter cooking times (e.g., 1-2 hours).
Collagen Content Confirmed source of naturally extracted collagen. Typically very low or negligible collagen content due to shorter simmer time.
Nutrients Rich in amino acids, gelatin, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Can be watered down and less nutritionally dense.
Ingredients Organic ingredients, no additives, preservatives, or hormones. May contain additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

Why Dietary Collagen Matters

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can impact joint health, skin elasticity, and connective tissues. Adding collagen-rich foods to your diet can help replenish the necessary amino acids, particularly glycine and proline, which are essential for building new collagen. While your digestive system breaks down collagen into amino acids rather than absorbing it whole, consuming these components supports your body's natural collagen synthesis. Beyond collagen, the broth is also packed with other beneficial compounds like electrolytes and minerals.

Incorporating Bone Broth into Your Diet

Kettle & Fire bone broth is a convenient and savory way to incorporate collagen and other nutrients into your daily routine. It can be consumed on its own as a warm, comforting beverage or used as a flavorful, nourishing base for soups, stews, and sauces. Its compatibility with popular diets like keto, paleo, and Whole30 makes it a versatile addition to many healthy eating plans.

The Bottom Line

Kettle and Fire bone broth is a reliable and high-quality source of dietary collagen, extracted through a meticulous, slow-simmering process. By choosing this product, consumers get a nutrient-dense broth rich in valuable amino acids, all derived from high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. For those seeking to support skin, joint, and gut health through their nutrition, it provides a natural and unprocessed option.

For more information on the health benefits and roles of collagen in nutrition, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a reliable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

The collagen content varies by product. For example, Kettle & Fire's beef bone broth contains approximately 7g of collagen per serving, while the chicken bone broth has about 4g per serving.

Kettle & Fire's beef bone broth is rich in Type I and Type III collagen, which support skin, bone, and gut health. Their chicken bone broth is a good source of Type II collagen, which is beneficial for joint health.

No, the slow-simmering process is essential for extracting the collagen from the bones and connective tissues. While heat does break down the collagen, it converts it into gelatin, which is then broken down into absorbable amino acids by your body.

While powdered supplements often provide a concentrated dose, the collagen in bone broth is a natural, whole-food source. Bone broth also provides a broader nutritional profile, including minerals and other amino acids, that supplements may lack.

Yes. Kettle & Fire uses bones from 100% grass-fed cattle and organic, free-range chickens. The broths also contain organic vegetables and herbs and are free of added hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives.

A well-made bone broth that is rich in collagen will become gelatinous and form a jelly-like texture once it cools. This is an indicator of the gelatin—a broken-down form of collagen—content.

Yes, bone broth is a good source of protein and a natural way to get collagen. A single serving of Kettle & Fire bone broth can contain around 10g of protein, and the amino acids it provides can be used by your body to build its own collagen.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.