Does Supermarket Sell Bone Broth? Your Guide to Finding it In-Store

According to research from industry analysis, the bone broth market has seen significant growth in recent years, prompting more grocery stores to stock this nutritious product. Yes, many supermarkets now sell bone broth, making it easier than ever to incorporate this culinary and wellness staple into your routine.

Quick Summary

This guide details where to find bone broth in most supermarkets, the difference between broth and stock, and offers tips for selecting the best store-bought options for your needs.

Key Points

• Market Availability: Most major supermarkets now sell bone broth in multiple sections of the store, including the soup aisle and freezer section.

• Location Varies: Check the soup and stock aisle for shelf-stable options and the frozen food section for higher-quality, frozen versions.

• Broth vs. Stock: Bone broth is simmered longer, contains more collagen and gelatin, and often has a thicker texture than traditional stock.

• Check Ingredients: High-quality bone broth should have a simple ingredient list, focusing on bones and vegetables, with minimal additives.

• Shelf-Stable vs. Frozen: Shelf-stable broth is convenient, but frozen versions often retain more nutrients due to less processing.

Your Supermarket Shopping Guide to Finding Bone Broth

The short answer is yes, most major supermarkets and grocery stores now carry bone broth. The increasing popularity of this nutrient-dense liquid, driven by wellness trends, has made it a common sight on store shelves. However, the exact location and variety can differ based on the store's size, layout, and a specific brand's marketing strategy. Finding it is often a matter of knowing where to look and understanding the different types available.

Where to Find Bone Broth in the Supermarket

Unlike traditional stock or bouillon cubes, which have been pantry staples for decades, bone broth's placement can be a bit more varied. Here's a breakdown of the most likely places to find it during your next shopping trip:

• The Soup and Broth Aisle: This is the most common location for shelf-stable liquid bone broth. It will be packaged similarly to standard stocks and broths, often in cardboard cartons or plastic tubs. Brands like Swanson, Pacific Foods, and Kettle & Fire are frequently found here.
• The Frozen Foods Section: Some high-quality bone broths are sold frozen to preserve their nutritional integrity and rich, gelatinous texture. Look for pouches or tubs alongside frozen vegetables, meat, or specialty frozen meals. Brands like Bonafide Provisions and Brodo are well-known for their frozen bone broths.
• The Refrigerated Section: In some stores, especially health-focused or organic grocers like Whole Foods, you might find fresh, ready-to-drink bone broth in the refrigerated aisle near other refrigerated stocks or natural beverages.
• The Health and Wellness Section: A growing number of brands are marketing bone broth as a wellness supplement. These are sometimes sold as powders or concentrated packets in the supplement aisle, alongside protein powders and other health-conscious products.

Deciphering the Difference: Bone Broth vs. Stock

For many shoppers, the terms "bone broth" and "stock" are used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions, particularly when it comes to nutritional content and flavor. Knowing the difference can help you make an informed choice at the supermarket.

Feature	Bone Broth	Stock
Primary Ingredients	Bones, connective tissue, a small amount of meat, vegetables, and herbs.	Primarily meat scraps, some bones, vegetables, and herbs.
Simmer Time	Long simmering time, typically 12-48 hours, to extract gelatin, collagen, and minerals.	Shorter simmering time, usually 1-4 hours, focusing on flavor extraction.
Nutritional Profile	Higher in gelatin, collagen, amino acids, and minerals due to the longer cook time.	Used primarily as a flavor base for cooking; contains less gelatin and collagen.
Texture	Thicker, gelatinous texture when chilled.	Thinner, more watery consistency.
Primary Use	Often consumed on its own as a nourishing beverage, or used in recipes for added nutrition.	Used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and gravies.

Choosing the Best Supermarket Bone Broth

With so many options now available, consider these tips to select the best supermarket bone broth for your needs:

1. Check the Ingredients: A high-quality bone broth should have a simple ingredient list, with bones and vegetables being the main components. Avoid products with added sugars, natural flavors, or excessive sodium. Apple cider vinegar is a positive sign, as it helps extract nutrients from the bones.
2. Look for Gelatin: Once you get your broth home, refrigerate it. A good bone broth will have a gelatinous, jiggly texture when cold. This indicates a high collagen and gelatin content, which are the main draws of bone broth.
3. Consider the Packaging: Broths packaged in cartons are typically shelf-stable and pasteurized, which can diminish some nutrients. Frozen versions often retain more of their original nutritional profile.
4. Read the Label: If you are buying a powdered or concentrated version, read the label carefully to ensure it's a true bone broth product and not a dehydrated stock with added collagen. Some brands, like Ancient Nutrition, explicitly state their focus is on bone broth protein supplementation.

Why Choose Store-Bought?

While making bone broth at home provides maximum control over ingredients, buying it from the supermarket offers significant convenience. For those with busy schedules, it’s an efficient way to get the benefits of bone broth without committing to the extensive simmering process. With the growing market, there is now a wide selection of quality products catering to different dietary needs and budgets.

Conclusion

The answer to "Does supermarket sell bone broth?" is a resounding yes. The accessibility of high-quality bone broth in grocery stores has increased dramatically in recent years, with a variety of options now found in the soup aisle, frozen section, and even the health food aisle. By understanding the differences between broth and stock and knowing what to look for on the label, you can confidently navigate the aisles and select a product that best fits your nutritional goals. For those who can't find a suitable option locally, online retailers and specialty food stores remain excellent alternatives.

For more in-depth information on the differences between store-bought broths and stocks, visit CHOICE's comparison guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is bone broth usually located in a supermarket?

You can typically find bone broth in three main areas: the soup and stock aisle for shelf-stable cartons, the frozen food section for higher-quality versions, or occasionally in the refrigerated natural foods section.

Is store-bought bone broth as good as homemade?

While homemade bone broth offers full control over ingredients and nutrient extraction, many high-quality store-bought brands offer a nutritious and convenient alternative. Frozen varieties often retain more nutrients than shelf-stable ones.

How can I tell if a supermarket bone broth is high quality?

Look for a simple ingredient list without added flavors or excessive sodium. After purchasing, a high-quality broth will have a gelatinous, jiggly texture when chilled, indicating a good collagen content.

Can I use bone broth in recipes that call for regular stock?

Yes, bone broth can be used as a substitute for regular stock in most recipes like soups, sauces, and stews. It will add a richer flavor and more nutrients to your dish.

Which supermarkets carry the most bone broth brands?

Larger retailers like Walmart and Whole Foods tend to carry a wide variety of brands, including Kettle & Fire, Pacific Foods, and Bonafide Provisions. Health-focused stores generally offer the largest selection.

Are there powdered or concentrated bone broth options in supermarkets?

Yes, some stores carry powdered or concentrated bone broth products, which are typically found in the health and wellness section or alongside other stocks.

What is the difference in cost between supermarket bone broth and stock?

Bone broth is generally more expensive than regular stock due to the longer simmering time and higher nutritional content. The price varies significantly by brand and quality.