Is Bone Broth Concentrate the Same as Bone Broth?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Despite the shared name, bone broth concentrate is not the same as standard bone broth. The primary difference lies in their processing and water content, which significantly impacts their nutrient density, flavor, and shelf life. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the best product for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Bone broth is a liquid derived from simmering animal bones for a long time, while bone broth concentrate is a reduced, condensed form of that liquid. The concentrate offers greater nutrient density and convenience, but traditional broth is less processed and can offer a richer, more natural flavor profile.

Key Points

Processing and Water Content: Bone broth concentrate is dehydrated or boiled down from regular bone broth, making it a more concentrated, less watery product.
Nutrient Concentration: Due to the removal of water, concentrates have a higher nutrient density per serving, meaning you get more collagen and minerals in a smaller amount.
Convenience and Shelf Life: Concentrates are highly portable and shelf-stable, making them more convenient than liquid broth, which requires refrigeration.
Flavor Profile: Traditional bone broth typically has a richer, more authentic flavor developed during slow simmering, while concentrates can have a more intense, sometimes additive-enhanced, flavor.
Presence of Gelatin: Genuine bone broth forms a natural gelatinous layer when cooled, a quality that can be compromised or absent in some highly processed concentrates.
Potential Additives: Some concentrate brands may add fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors, unlike simple, traditional bone broth.
Nutrient Integrity: High-heat processing used for some concentrates can potentially damage delicate amino acids and reduce their bioavailability.

Understanding the Fundamentals

What is Traditional Bone Broth?

Traditional bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid created by slow-simmering animal bones, connective tissue, and sometimes vegetables and herbs for an extended period, often 12 to 24 hours. The long cooking process draws out beneficial compounds like collagen, gelatin, amino acids (including glycine and glutamine), and essential minerals. The resulting liquid is rich, flavorful, and a valuable source of nutrients for gut health, joint support, and skin health. Quality bone broth will form a gelatinous layer when cooled, a sign of its rich collagen content. It can be consumed on its own, used as a base for soups and sauces, or for cooking grains. However, traditional bone broth is bulky and has a shorter shelf life, requiring refrigeration or freezing.

What is Bone Broth Concentrate?

Bone broth concentrate is a more convenient and portable version of bone broth. It is essentially a thick, spoonable paste created by boiling down or dehydrating the liquid bone broth to remove most of its water content. This process results in a highly concentrated product that is packed with nutrients and has a longer shelf life. While it offers exceptional convenience, the manufacturing process can sometimes involve high heat or additives, which may impact the bioavailability and purity of certain nutrients like glycine. The final product is typically reconstituted with hot water to be consumed as a broth or added directly to recipes.

Key Differences: Concentrate vs. Traditional Broth


Feature	Traditional Bone Broth	Bone Broth Concentrate
Processing	Minimally processed; relies on long, slow simmering.	Processed to remove water, sometimes using high heat.
Nutrient Density	High, but in its natural, liquid form.	Higher per serving due to water reduction, but processing may alter some nutrients.
Flavor Profile	Rich and nuanced, with a flavor that can vary based on ingredients and cook time.	More robust and concentrated; some brands may use flavors to mask process-related changes.
Convenience	Less convenient; requires long preparation time or bulky storage.	Highly convenient; quick to prepare and easy to store and transport.
Shelf Life	Shorter; requires refrigeration or freezing.	Significantly longer and more stable; typically shelf-stable until opened.
Gelatin Content	Natural indicator of high quality; forms a gel upon cooling.	Gelatin may be damaged or absent, depending on processing.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle

Deciding between traditional bone broth and its concentrated counterpart depends on your priorities regarding convenience, nutritional purity, and taste. If you prioritize minimal processing and the most authentic flavor, homemade bone broth is the clear winner. However, for those with busy lifestyles who need a quick, nutrient-dense solution, bone broth concentrate is an excellent alternative. It is particularly useful for travelers or those with limited storage space. When selecting a concentrate, it is crucial to research brands that use low-heat processing methods and avoid additives to preserve as much of the original nutritional integrity as possible.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While concentrates offer many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Some manufacturers may use high-heat processes that can denature delicate proteins and amino acids, potentially reducing the nutritional benefits. Additionally, some concentrates may contain higher sodium levels or undesirable additives and fillers to improve consistency or mask altered flavor. Always read the ingredient list to ensure you are getting a product free from unnecessary ingredients. On the other hand, homemade bone broth can be time-consuming to prepare and requires a reliable source of high-quality bones.

The Verdict: Quality Over Format

Ultimately, neither bone broth concentrate nor traditional bone broth is universally superior. The best choice depends on your needs and preferences. For maximum nutritional purity and taste, the traditional method remains the gold standard. For maximum convenience and a potent nutrient boost on the go, a high-quality concentrate is an invaluable tool. A well-sourced, minimally processed concentrate can provide many of the same benefits as a freshly made broth, making it a great option for those without the time for a long simmer. Both can be part of a healthy diet, used for sipping or as a flavorful, nourishing base for a variety of dishes.

Conclusion

In summary, the assumption that bone broth concentrate is identical to bone broth is a common misconception. While they both originate from simmered bones and contain valuable nutrients like collagen and amino acids, their key distinctions lie in processing, resulting in differences in nutrient concentration, flavor, and overall convenience. For those prioritizing raw, unadulterated quality and depth of flavor, traditional bone broth is the superior option. However, for a high-impact, convenient nutritional boost, bone broth concentrate is an effective and viable alternative, provided a reputable brand is chosen.

Takeaways

Processing Varies: Traditional bone broth is slow-simmered, while concentrate undergoes further processing to reduce water content.
Nutrient Density: Concentrates offer a higher nutrient dose per spoonful due to water removal.
Convenience: Concentrates are significantly more convenient for storage, travel, and quick preparation.
Flavor Profile: Traditional broth offers a deeper, more natural flavor, while concentrate is more intense.
Additives: Some concentrates may contain added fillers or flavors not found in traditional broth.
Gelatin Presence: High-quality homemade bone broth will gel, whereas processing can sometimes damage or eliminate this marker in concentrates.
Quality Matters: Opting for reputable brands that use low-heat processing for concentrates is recommended to preserve nutrient integrity.

What are the key differences between bone broth concentrate and bone broth?

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While concentrate is more nutrient-dense by volume, traditional bone broth is less processed, which can preserve more delicate nutrients like certain amino acids.

Both can support gut health by providing amino acids like glycine and glutamine. Traditional broth is often praised for its unprocessed nature, while a high-quality concentrate can offer a potent dose of nutrients, assuming low-heat processing was used.

Yes. Most bone broth concentrates are designed to be reconstituted with hot water, making them perfect for sipping as a warm, nourishing beverage.

Use concentrate just like you would a stock or bouillon cube. Add 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water for soups, stews, sauces, or to flavor grains and casseroles.

Yes, high-quality bone broth concentrate is rich in collagen derived from the simmered bones. Some brands even state their percentage of collagen content.

Homemade broth is often considered superior for its unprocessed purity and full-bodied flavor. However, a good-quality, responsibly sourced concentrate is a convenient and effective alternative for those who lack the time to make their own.

Look for a concentrate made from grass-fed or organic bones, with minimal ingredients and no artificial flavors, additives, or fillers. Brands that use low-heat processing are preferable.