Is Bone Broth Whole30 Compliant?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Whole30's official guidelines, healthy fats like bone broth are a 'must-have' on the program. The good news is that bone broth is indeed Whole30 compliant, but whether it's homemade or store-bought, you must ensure the ingredients meet strict program standards.

Quick Summary

Bone broth is generally compatible with the Whole30 program, provided it contains no non-compliant ingredients like added sugars, grains, or sulfites. Participants can either make it at home using approved ingredients or choose carefully vetted, store-bought options that carry the 'Whole30 Approved' label for assurance.

Key Points

Compliance Depends on Ingredients: Bone broth is Whole30 compliant only if it contains no prohibited ingredients like added sugars, grains, legumes, dairy, or artificial sweeteners.
Homemade is the Safest Bet: Making bone broth at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing it meets all Whole30 standards.
Check Labels for Store-Bought: When buying commercially prepared broth, look for the 'Whole30 Approved' label or carefully read the ingredients list to avoid non-compliant additives like carrageenan or MSG.
Long Simmering is Key: Traditional bone broth is cooked for a long duration (12-48 hours) to extract maximum flavor, collagen, and minerals from the bones.
Versatile Program Staple: Compliant bone broth can be sipped on its own, used as a base for soups and stews, or incorporated into various other recipes.
Good Source of Nutrients: A well-made bone broth is a natural source of protein, collagen, and minerals, which can be beneficial during your Whole30 program.

Understanding Whole30 Rules for Bone Broth

Whole30 is a 30-day nutritional reset that focuses on eating whole, unprocessed foods while eliminating grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, and alcohol. The compatibility of bone broth rests entirely on its ingredients. While the core components—bones, water, and vegetables—are compliant, commercially prepared versions often contain additives that are not. The Whole30 program explicitly prohibits ingredients such as added sugar, artificial sweeteners (like stevia or monk fruit), carrageenan, and sulfites.

The Allure of Homemade Bone Broth

Making bone broth at home is the most reliable way to ensure it adheres to all Whole30 guidelines. The process is straightforward, cost-effective, and gives you complete control over the ingredients. A long, slow simmer is key to extracting maximum flavor and nutrients, including collagen and minerals from the bones. You can use a slow cooker, stovetop, or pressure cooker like an Instant Pot for convenience.

To make your own Whole30-compliant bone broth, you will need:

Bones: A mix of meat and bones from pasture-raised or grass-fed animals (e.g., chicken, beef, turkey) works best. Roasting the bones first can create a richer, more flavorful broth.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are the classic foundation for flavor, but any compliant vegetables can be used. Adding them towards the end of the simmering process can prevent a bitter taste.
Acid: A small amount of apple cider vinegar helps to draw minerals and collagen from the bones.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary, along with whole peppercorns and bay leaves, add depth.
Water: Filtered water is recommended to avoid any unwanted flavors.

How to Vet Store-Bought Bone Broth

For those who prefer the convenience of store-bought options, careful label reading is non-negotiable. Many brands now cater to the health food market and offer genuinely compliant products. Look for the official “Whole30 Approved” label or thoroughly examine the ingredient list. Common pitfalls to watch for include added sugars, non-compliant seasonings, or stabilizers like carrageenan.

Some popular brands known to offer compliant options include Kettle & Fire, EPIC Provisions, and Bonafide Provisions. These companies often prioritize quality ingredients and long simmering times, similar to homemade methods.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Comparison

To help you decide the best option for your Whole30 journey, consider the following table.


Feature	Homemade Bone Broth	Store-Bought Bone Broth
Cost	Generally more cost-effective, especially when using leftover carcasses and vegetable scraps.	Higher cost, though prices vary significantly by brand and quality.
Ingredient Control	Complete control over ingredients. You can customize the flavor and ensure 100% compliance.	Requires careful label reading; even compliant brands may have flavors that don't appeal to you.
Convenience	Labor-intensive and time-consuming, with long simmering periods.	Ready-to-use, saving significant time and effort.
Nutritional Content	Content can vary based on bone type and cooking time; often richer in gelatin.	Certified nutritional content is consistent across batches. Some may add protein powder to boost content.
Sustainability	Reduces food waste by using leftover bones and veggie scraps.	Packaging varies from eco-friendly to standard, and sourcing practices differ.

Uses for Bone Broth During Whole30

Bone broth is incredibly versatile during your Whole30. Its nourishing properties make it perfect for sipping on its own, especially during colder months. It also serves as an excellent base for soups, stews, sauces, gravies, and curries, adding a layer of rich, umami flavor. It can be used to rehydrate dehydrated ingredients or as a cooking liquid for vegetables. Some people even use it to create savory recipes like cauliflower rice risotto.

Conclusion: Bone Broth on Whole30 is a Solid Choice

Yes, bone broth is Whole30 compliant, provided you choose your source wisely. The safest and most economical route is to make it yourself at home, giving you full control over ingredients and quality. For maximum convenience, many brands now offer genuinely compliant, high-quality options that are clearly labeled 'Whole30 Approved.' By understanding the rules and checking labels carefully, you can enjoy this nutritious and flavorful liquid throughout your program. Whether you're sipping it for comfort or using it as a recipe base, bone broth is a healthy and approved part of a successful Whole30 reset.

Additional Tips for Making Whole30 Bone Broth

Use a variety of bones, including knuckles and feet, for the highest collagen content and best gelling.
Skim any foam that rises to the surface during the initial simmering to keep the broth clear.
After cooling, refrigerate the broth and skim the solidified fat layer off the top if you prefer a less fatty liquid.
Freeze excess broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning and use in smaller recipes.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your bone broth supports your Whole30 goals without any off-program ingredients or shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Look for a short and simple ingredient list. The broth should primarily contain water, bones, vegetables (like onion, carrots, celery), herbs, spices, and possibly apple cider vinegar. Avoid products with added sugars, natural flavors, yeast extract, MSG, soy, and dairy.

Yes, bone broth powder can be Whole30 compliant. Just like liquid broths, you must check the ingredient label to ensure it doesn't contain any non-compliant additives, sweeteners, or fillers. Brands like Bluebird Provisions and Ancient Nutrition offer compliant options.

No, organic certification is not a requirement for Whole30 compliance. However, Whole30 recommends using bones from pastured, grass-fed, or organic animals when possible for the highest quality and nutritional value.

A well-gelled bone broth will have a jiggly, jelly-like consistency after it has cooled and been refrigerated. This is a sign that plenty of beneficial collagen has been extracted from the bones.

Yes, absolutely. Sipping a warm mug of compliant bone broth is encouraged on Whole30 as a comforting, nourishing, and protein-rich snack. You can add compliant spices for extra flavor.

No. The term 'bone broth' is not strictly regulated, and many store-bought products can contain non-compliant ingredients. Always check the label, or look for the official 'Whole30 Approved' seal.

The 'Pancake Rule' on Whole30 dictates that you should not use compliant ingredients to make non-compliant foods (like pancakes, pizza, or treats) that mimic baked goods. Bone broth is a staple ingredient and does not fall under this rule, as it is used for savory, savory recipes and sipping.