How to get more bone broth in your diet?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 study, bone broth is richer in protein than regular chicken broth, confirming its nutritional value. Discover how to get more bone broth in your diet with these creative and simple incorporation techniques.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical methods for integrating more bone broth into daily meals, including simple sipping, using it as a cooking base, and incorporating it into a variety of recipes for enhanced flavor and nutrition.

Key Points

Start your day with a warm mug: Sip bone broth plain as a coffee or tea substitute to support gut health and control cravings.
Substitute for cooking water: Use bone broth instead of water when cooking grains like rice or quinoa for a significant flavor and nutrient boost.
Enhance soups, stews, and sauces: Elevate the richness and nutrition of your favorite recipes by using bone broth as a base.
Get creative with smoothies and eggs: Add frozen bone broth cubes to savory smoothies or whisk it into scrambled eggs for a protein-rich twist.
Prioritize quality ingredients: For homemade broth, source bones from high-quality, grass-fed animals to maximize nutritional benefits.
Freeze broth in portions: Make large batches and freeze in ice cube trays or containers for easy, on-demand use in various meals.

Bone broth has earned a reputation as a nutrient-dense superfood, celebrated for its rich flavor and potential health benefits. Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, it offers a versatile way to boost the nutritional profile of your meals. Whether you are looking to support gut health, joint function, or simply add more flavor to your cooking, there are numerous easy and delicious ways to make bone broth a regular part of your routine. You can enjoy it as a simple, warm beverage or integrate it seamlessly into a wide range of recipes, from soups to sauces and grains.

Sip It Straight Up for an Instant Boost

One of the most straightforward ways to incorporate bone broth is by simply sipping it on its own. This method offers immediate warmth and comfort, making it a great alternative to morning coffee or an afternoon tea.

Morning Ritual: Start your day with a mug of warm bone broth. It's a protein-rich way to kick-start your metabolism and support gut health.
Mid-day Snack: When a craving hits, reach for a mug of warm broth instead of a sugary or processed snack. It's satisfying and helps manage hunger.
Pre-meal Drink: Savoring a cup of bone broth 15-30 minutes before a meal can help curb cravings and assist with weight management.

Use It as a Flavorful Cooking Base

Replacing water or standard stock with bone broth is an effortless way to infuse your dishes with extra flavor and nutrients. The possibilities are extensive, from cooking grains to creating rich sauces.

Soups, Stews, and Sauces

Make your stews and sauces more delicious and nutritious by using bone broth as the liquid base. The natural gelatin in bone broth helps to thicken and enrich sauces.

Soup Base: Use it for hearty chicken noodle, minestrone, or spicy ramen to build a more complex flavor profile.
Gravy: Enhance your gravy with bone broth for a more collagen-rich, silky-smooth finish.
Sauces: Create savory pan sauces by deglazing with bone broth to capture and concentrate the flavorful bits from the bottom of your pan.

Cooking Grains and Vegetables

For a subtle yet noticeable flavor enhancement, swap out water for bone broth when preparing staples like rice or quinoa.

Cooking Grains: Cook rice, quinoa, barley, or other grains in bone broth to add a layer of deep, savory flavor.
Sautéing Vegetables: Use a splash of bone broth instead of oil when sautéing vegetables to keep them moist and add extra flavor.

Incorporate It Into Unexpected Recipes

Think beyond savory dishes. Bone broth can be a surprising and nourishing addition to a variety of recipes, from breakfast to drinks.

Mashed Vegetables: Add bone broth instead of milk or water when making mashed potatoes, cauliflower, or parsnips for a richer taste and nutrient boost.
Morning Scrambles: Whisk a little bone broth into your scrambled eggs before cooking to make them fluffier and more flavorful.
Creative Smoothies: For a truly unique and healthy twist, try adding frozen bone broth cubes to savory smoothies. The frozen broth is virtually tasteless and adds a protein boost without changing the smoothie's flavor profile.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Bone Broth


Feature	Homemade Bone Broth	Store-Bought Bone Broth
Cost	Less expensive, uses leftover kitchen scraps.	Higher cost, varies by brand and quality.
Control	Full control over ingredients, bones source, and flavor.	Limited control; ingredient quality can vary significantly.
Nutrient Density	Often richer in collagen and gelatin due to longer simmer times (24+ hours).	Varies greatly; some brands match homemade quality, others are less dense.
Convenience	Time-consuming to prepare (simmering and straining).	Quick and convenient, ready to use immediately.
Taste	Can be tailored to personal preference with herbs, spices, and vegetables.	Taste is pre-determined by the manufacturer.

Conclusion: Making Bone Broth a Delicious Daily Habit

Making bone broth a regular part of your diet is a simple adjustment with potential benefits for your gut, joints, and overall health. Whether you choose the time-honored tradition of simmering your own or opt for the convenience of high-quality store-bought varieties, the key is consistency. By incorporating it into everyday recipes—from morning sips to savory dinner bases—you can easily elevate both the nutritional content and flavor of your meals. This nutrient-rich liquid is a powerful tool for wellness that fits seamlessly into a modern lifestyle. For those interested in sourcing the best ingredients, prioritize bones from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals for the highest quality and nutrient density.

Freeze for Future Use

Batch-cooking and freezing bone broth is a great way to ensure you always have some on hand.

Ice Cube Trays: Freeze cooled broth in ice cube trays for easy addition to dishes like sautés and stir-fries.
Freezer-Safe Containers: Store larger portions in airtight containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bone broth is simmered for a much longer period (24+ hours) compared to standard stock, which is typically cooked for just a few hours. This extended cooking time extracts more gelatin, collagen, and minerals from the bones, making bone broth more nutrient-dense and thicker.

Yes, for savory smoothies, adding frozen, unflavored bone broth cubes can boost nutrition without altering the taste. However, its savory nature makes it unsuitable for most sweet dishes.

Generally, one cup of bone broth per day is a good starting point for a nutrient-dense diet. Some wellness plans may recommend more, depending on specific health goals.

You can source high-quality bones from a local butcher, farmers' market, or certain supermarkets that carry free-range, organic, or grass-fed options. Leftover carcasses from cooked chicken are also a great source.

Yes, many reputable brands offer high-quality, pre-packaged bone broth. When buying, look for products made from organic, pasture-raised animals and avoid those with excessive sodium or artificial additives.

Due to its high protein content, bone broth can promote a feeling of fullness, which may help curb cravings and reduce overall calorie intake. This can be a supportive tool as part of a weight management plan.

To enhance the flavor, try adding seasonings like grated ginger and spring onion, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of turmeric and black pepper.