How Much Bone Broth Are You Supposed to Drink Per Day?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

While many enthusiasts sip anywhere from one to six cups of bone broth daily, the precise amount of bone broth are you supposed to drink per day truly depends on your specific health objectives, from supporting joint health to aiding digestion. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so it is essential to tailor your intake based on your body's needs and goals.

Quick Summary

The ideal daily bone broth amount is individualized and depends on personal health goals, such as gut healing, weight loss, or joint support. While general wellness typically requires 1-2 cups, more intensive therapeutic uses may require higher intake, but potential side effects must be considered.

Key Points

Start Slow: Begin with one cup of bone broth per day and observe how your body reacts before increasing the amount.
Customize Your Intake: Adjust your daily bone broth consumption based on specific health goals, such as 2-4 cups for joint health or 1-2 cups for general wellness.
Choose Quality: Opt for bone broth made from high-quality, organic, grass-fed bones to minimize potential exposure to contaminants.
Beware of Sodium: If purchasing store-bought bone broth, check the sodium content, or make your own to control salt levels.
Be Consistent: Drinking bone broth consistently, whether daily or several times a week, is more important than consuming a large quantity sporadically.
Consider Sensitivities: If you experience headaches or digestive issues, you might have histamine intolerance and should limit your intake.
Use Versatilely: Incorporate bone broth into your diet by sipping it warm, using it as a base for soups, or adding it to other recipes.

Determining Your Optimal Daily Intake

Figuring out the optimal amount of bone broth to consume daily is not as simple as following a universal rule. The best approach is to consider your individual health goals, listen to your body, and adjust accordingly. Your reason for drinking bone broth is the primary determinant of your daily intake; different health goals require varying levels of consistency and quantity.

Intake Based on Health Goals

For General Wellness: Starting with 1 to 2 cups (8-16 ounces) per day is a practical starting point for general health. This offers a consistent dose of protein, amino acids, and minerals.
For Gut Health: A higher intake of 2 to 4 cups per day may be suggested, with some recommending a cup on an empty stomach to start the day. Consistency is vital for supporting the gut lining.
For Joint Pain Relief: An intake of 2 to 4 cups daily is often recommended for joint health. Collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin are believed to be most effective with consistent consumption.
For Weight Management: Since it's high in protein and low in calories, 2 to 4 cups per day is common for weight management, often as a snack or meal replacement.
For Intermittent Fasting: Intake can be higher on fasting days, sometimes reaching 4 to 6 cups to provide nutrients and aid satiety.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe, consider these factors:

Heavy Metals: Concerns about heavy metals have been largely debunked for high-quality bone broth made from organic, grass-fed bones.
Histamine Intolerance: Long cooking times can increase histamine levels, potentially causing symptoms in sensitive individuals. Start small if you suspect an intolerance.
Sodium Content: Store-bought broths can be high in sodium. Check labels or make your own to control salt intake.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Bone Broth


Feature	Homemade Bone Broth	Store-Bought Bone Broth
Cost	Generally more cost-effective	Can be expensive, especially for quality brands
Ingredients	Full control over sourcing, quality, and flavorings	Varies widely; check labels for artificial additives and high sodium
Convenience	Requires significant time and effort for simmering	Ready-to-use, quick, and convenient
Nutrient Density	Can be highly nutritious depending on ingredients and simmer time	Quality varies; some brands may be more processed than others
Storage	Fresh broth lasts a few days refrigerated, or can be frozen	Long shelf-life when unopened

Tips for Incorporating Bone Broth Into Your Daily Routine

Here are some simple ways to integrate bone broth:

Start the Day: Sip a warm mug in the morning.
Use as a Cooking Liquid: Substitute water with bone broth in recipes.
Make Soups and Stews: Use it as a base for classic dishes.
Add to Smoothies: Include a bit of cooled broth for a nutrient boost.
Sauté Vegetables: Use a splash instead of oil.

Conclusion: Finding Your Personalized Amount

Determining how much bone broth you should drink daily is a personal decision based on your health goals and how your body responds. For general wellness, 1-2 cups are typically sufficient, while therapeutic uses may require higher intake. Begin with a smaller amount, gradually increasing and observing how you feel. Prioritize high-quality broth to minimize risks. Consistency is more important than quantity for experiencing benefits. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized advice. For more health information, visit a trusted medical source like the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Note: The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most individuals, drinking 1 to 2 cups (8-16 ounces) of bone broth per day is generally considered safe and beneficial for overall wellness. Higher amounts may be consumed for specific goals, but it is important to choose high-quality products and monitor your body for any adverse reactions.

Yes, excessive consumption could potentially lead to issues, particularly related to histamine intolerance in some people or high sodium intake from store-bought versions. For most, a moderate daily intake is well-tolerated.

For optimal gut health, many sources suggest aiming for 2 to 4 cups of bone broth per day, with some recommending one cup first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Consistency is key to repairing the gut lining.

Concerns about heavy metals like lead leaching from bones into broth have been raised, but quality research indicates this risk is minimal, especially when using high-quality bones. Using organic, grass-fed bones for homemade broth provides the most control.

Yes, bone broth is a popular choice during intermittent fasting, as it provides nutrients and helps with satiety without breaking the fast. On fasting days, 4 to 6 cups are often consumed to help sustain energy levels.

Both beef and chicken bone broths offer benefits, but some prefer beef for its higher collagen content, which is often associated with gut-healing benefits, while chicken broth is sometimes favored for skin health and electrolytes. Both are good options, and you can switch between them.

Bone broth can be enjoyed at any time of day. Some prefer it in the morning to start the day, others as an afternoon snack to boost energy, and some enjoy a warm cup in the evening to relax before bed. The best time is simply what works for your schedule.