Is it better to drink bone broth in the morning or coffee? A nutritional face-off

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While over 150 million Americans start their day with a cup of coffee, a growing trend sees people reaching for a mug of warm bone broth instead. When it comes to kickstarting your day, is it better to drink bone broth in the morning or coffee? The answer depends on your health goals, energy needs, and digestive sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Compare the nutritional differences, health impacts, and energy-boosting effects of bone broth and coffee to determine which is the best choice for your morning routine based on your wellness priorities and digestive needs.

Key Points

Gut-Healing Properties: Bone broth provides gelatin, glycine, and glutamine to soothe and repair the gut lining, unlike coffee which can increase stomach acidity.
Sustained Energy vs. Jolt: Bone broth offers a crash-free, lasting energy from amino acids, while coffee provides a faster, more intense caffeine kick that can lead to a crash.
Protein Power: A cup of quality bone broth can contain significant protein and amino acids for satiety, whereas coffee contains none.
Digestive Impact: Coffee on an empty stomach can aggravate reflux and IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals, while warm bone broth can be soothing to the digestive system.
Caffeine Concerns: Excessive coffee can increase cortisol and cause anxiety, whereas bone broth’s glycine can promote calmness and a stable mood.
Nutrient Density: Bone broth is rich in collagen and minerals that support joints and skin, while coffee offers minimal nutritional value beyond antioxidants.
Flexibility: You don't have to choose just one; many find success by enjoying bone broth first and coffee later, or by combining them.

The morning ritual is a cornerstone of many people's daily routines. For decades, coffee has been the default choice for an instant energy kick, but a nutritious, savory contender has entered the ring: bone broth. This article explores the nutritional profiles, benefits, and drawbacks of both beverages to help you decide what’s best for your morning routine.

The Traditional Choice: Coffee and Its Effects

For those seeking a rapid energy boost, coffee is hard to beat. Its primary active component, caffeine, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant.

The Benefits of Coffee

Rapid Energy and Focus: Caffeine works quickly to increase alertness and improve focus, making it a popular pre-workout choice.
Mental Clarity: Some studies suggest coffee consumption is linked to heightened mental alertness, helping you feel sharper and more attentive.
Fat Burning: Caffeine can enhance the body's fat-burning process, especially if consumed before morning exercise.

The Downsides of Coffee

The Caffeine Crash: The energy boost from coffee is often followed by a crash, leaving many feeling fatigued and reaching for another cup.
Digestive Discomfort: Coffee, particularly on an empty stomach, can increase stomach acidity and irritate the stomach lining, potentially worsening symptoms for individuals with GERD, IBS, or general sensitivity.
Anxiety and Jitters: High caffeine intake can stimulate cortisol, the stress hormone, and may lead to increased anxiety, restlessness, and jitters.
Interference with Nutrient Absorption: Coffee contains compounds like tannins that can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron.

The Savory Alternative: Bone Broth and Its Nourishing Properties

Bone broth, made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period, is a nutritional powerhouse rich in amino acids, collagen, and minerals.

The Benefits of Bone Broth

Sustained, Crash-Free Energy: Instead of a sudden jolt, bone broth provides a steady flow of energy throughout the morning. This is thanks to amino acids like glycine, which supports mood and overall well-being without the anxious side effects of caffeine.
Gut-Healing Support: The gelatin and amino acids (glutamine, glycine) in bone broth have been shown to help soothe and repair the lining of the digestive tract. This can be beneficial for conditions like leaky gut and general digestive discomfort.
Increased Satiety: With a good amount of protein, bone broth can help you feel fuller for longer, which can curb cravings and support weight management.
Rich in Collagen: The collagen content is excellent for skin, hair, and joint health. It can also assist in tissue repair, making it a great post-workout drink.
Hydration and Electrolytes: Bone broth is a source of electrolytes and is an excellent way to rehydrate, especially after a period of fasting overnight.

The Downsides of Bone Broth

Sodium Content: Many commercial bone broths can be high in sodium, which is a concern for those with hypertension or other heart conditions. Homemade broth offers better control over sodium levels.
No Instant Kick: If you rely on caffeine for an immediate wake-up call, bone broth won't provide the same instant mental alertness.
Source Quality: The quality of bone broth is highly dependent on the source of the bones. Opting for organic, grass-fed options is recommended for maximum nutrient density.

Nutrient Showdown: Bone Broth vs. Coffee

This table provides a quick comparison of the key nutritional and functional differences between plain coffee and high-quality bone broth.


Feature	Plain Coffee	High-Quality Bone Broth
Energy Source	Rapid, caffeine-based stimulation	Sustained, amino acid-based energy
Energy Crash	Common with excessive intake	No crash or jitters
Gut Health	Can increase acidity; potentially irritating	Contains gelatin and glutamine to soothe and repair
Protein Content	Minimal (0g)	Significant (approx. 9-18g per cup)
Collagen	None	Abundant, supporting joints, skin, and hair
Key Minerals	Limited	Rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
Digestive Impact	Can stimulate bowel movements or cause discomfort	Can be soothing and gentle on the stomach
Mood Effects	Can increase cortisol and anxiety	Contains glycine, which promotes calmness and stable moods

Choosing for Your Morning Routine

Deciding between bone broth and coffee depends entirely on your individual health needs and how your body responds to each.

For Instant Alertness: If you need a fast-acting mental jolt for early mornings or intense focus, coffee remains the most direct choice. Consider having it after a small breakfast to mitigate digestive effects.
For Gut Health and Calming Energy: If you experience digestive issues, seek more stable energy, or want to support your gut and skin, bone broth is the superior option. Its gentle, nourishing properties make it an ideal first drink, especially on an empty stomach.
To Reduce Caffeine Dependence: Bone broth is a perfect alternative for those looking to decrease their caffeine intake without sacrificing a warm morning beverage.

Can You Have Both? The Best of Both Worlds

Many health experts suggest there is no need to choose one over the other. You can incorporate both into your morning. For instance, start with a warm mug of bone broth to provide gut-healing nutrients and lasting energy. An hour or so later, if you still want a caffeine boost, have your coffee. This approach allows your body to absorb the benefits of the broth before introducing the acidity of coffee. Alternatively, some people add bone broth powder directly into their coffee for a nutritional boost.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single right answer, and the best choice is a personal one based on your wellness goals. For a quick, stimulating pick-me-up, coffee is the undisputed champion. However, for a gentle, nourishing start that promotes sustained energy, supports gut health, and boosts protein intake, bone broth is the clear winner. By understanding the distinct benefits and trade-offs of each, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your daily needs and long-term health objectives.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they serve different purposes. Bone broth offers nutrients and sustained energy, while coffee provides a quick, caffeine-based alertness. The best choice depends on what you are looking for in your morning drink.

Yes, you can. Some experts suggest drinking bone broth first, waiting a short time, and then having your coffee to reduce potential side effects like jitters from caffeine hitting an empty stomach. This allows your body to absorb the nutrients from the broth first.

For many healthy people, it is generally safe. However, it can increase stomach acidity and may cause discomfort, reflux, or worsened symptoms for those with sensitive stomachs or IBS. Listen to your body and see how you feel.

Unlike coffee, bone broth promotes sustained energy without a crash. The amino acid glycine, in particular, supports mood and well-being, providing lasting fuel rather than a temporary jolt.

Yes, the collagen, gelatin, and amino acids found in bone broth can help strengthen and soothe the gut lining, which may reduce inflammation and ease digestive discomfort.

Bone broth's high protein content can increase satiety and reduce cravings, potentially aiding weight management. This is especially true if you tend to add a lot of sugar and cream to your coffee.

Homemade broth gives you full control over the quality of bones and the amount of sodium. While convenient, some store-bought brands can be high in sodium or contain less nutrient density, so always check the labels.