Homemade Bone Broth: The Ultimate Budget Option
When it comes to affordability, nothing beats making your own bone broth at home. It allows you to use ingredients that might otherwise go to waste, maximizing your food budget. Using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot can also simplify the process, making it less intimidating for beginners.
Why DIY is so cost-effective
- Free or low-cost bones: You can collect and freeze bones from roasted chickens or save beef bones from other meals. Some butchers even give away bones for free or sell them for a very low price.
- Scrap vegetables: Instead of throwing away vegetable ends and trimmings, you can save them in a bag in your freezer to use for your next batch of broth.
- Control over ingredients: By making it yourself, you avoid expensive fillers and can tailor the flavors and sodium levels to your liking.
Simple Homemade Bone Broth Recipe
To get started, follow these simple steps:
- Gather ingredients: Collect 1-2 pounds of bones (chicken or beef), a few carrots, celery stalks, an onion, apple cider vinegar, and herbs.
- Combine and simmer: Place all ingredients in a large stockpot. Add apple cider vinegar, then cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Skim and wait: As it simmers, occasionally skim any foam from the surface. Let it cook for at least 12 hours for chicken or 24 hours for beef to extract maximum nutrients.
- Strain and store: Strain the broth into containers, and once cool, refrigerate or freeze in smaller portions.
Purchasing Affordable Store-Bought Bone Broth
For those who prefer convenience, several brands offer reasonably priced options that are a significant step up from standard bouillon or stock. When shopping, prioritize high protein content (at least 8-10g per cup), minimal fillers, and a simple ingredient list.
Inexpensive Liquid Broth Brands
- Kitchen Basics: A widely available and budget-friendly choice often found in supermarkets. Their bone broths offer a straightforward ingredient list and decent flavor profile for the price.
- Pacific Foods Organic: This brand provides a solid, organic option at a competitive price point. The unsalted varieties are particularly good for controlling your sodium intake.
Cost-Effective Powdered Bone Broth
- Bluebird Provisions: This brand offers a simple, high-protein chicken bone broth powder made from pasture-raised chickens with no fillers or additives. While the upfront cost might seem higher, the cost per serving is often lower than liquid varieties, especially for daily drinkers.
- Hearthy Foods: Their beef bone broth powder uses grass-fed bones and delivers a clean, straightforward protein source without added fillers.
Choosing the Right Form: Powdered vs. Liquid
For budget-conscious consumers, the choice between liquid and powdered bone broth hinges on personal preference, usage frequency, and storage space. Liquid broths are ready-to-use but take up more space, while powders offer shelf-stable, long-lasting convenience.
Making an economical choice
- If you use it frequently: A high-quality powdered bone broth, like Bluebird Provisions or Hearthy Foods, can be the most economical choice per serving in the long run. It's also excellent for on-the-go use.
- If you use it sporadically: Opt for shelf-stable liquid broths like Kitchen Basics. They are easy to find and don't require freezing.
- If you have time and freezer space: Homemade bone broth is unequivocally the cheapest option and allows for the most control over ingredients.
How to Evaluate Budget Bone Broths
Not all budget bone broths are created equal. Avoid products that cut corners with cheap fillers to bulk up protein or flavor. Always read the ingredient list and nutritional facts carefully.
What to look for:
- High protein content: Aim for at least 8-10 grams of protein per cup (250ml) serving. Lower numbers may indicate excessive dilution.
- Minimal ingredients: A quality broth should list bones and basic vegetables or herbs first, not fillers like collagen powder, gelatin, or yeast extract.
- Recyclable packaging: Some brands, like Bluebird Provisions, use sustainable packaging, which is a bonus for environmentally-conscious buyers.
Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Store-bought Broth
| Feature | Homemade | Liquid (e.g., Kitchen Basics) | Powdered (e.g., Bluebird Provisions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Very Low (using scraps) | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Cost per Serving | Lowest | Medium | Lowest (long-term) |
| Convenience | Low (long cooking time) | High (ready-to-use) | High (mix with water) |
| Nutrient Density | Highest (full control) | Medium | High (concentrated) |
| Storage | Freezer Space Required | Pantry/Fridge Space Required | Minimal Space Required |
| Ingredient Control | Absolute | Limited | High |
Conclusion
For the ultimate budget-friendly bone broth, making your own using leftover bones and vegetable scraps is the clear winner, offering maximum control and nutritional density for minimal cost. However, high-quality, inexpensive alternatives exist for those short on time or freezer space.
When buying, a good rule of thumb is to look for a broth with a high protein content and a minimal ingredient list. Brands like Pacific Foods and Kitchen Basics offer solid liquid options, while powdered bone broths from companies like Bluebird Provisions can be the most cost-effective choice per serving, especially for regular consumption. By understanding the pros and cons of each method and knowing what to look for, you can enjoy the benefits of bone broth without breaking the bank.
For a deeper dive into the best brands and their ingredients, consider consulting a detailed guide like the one from Bluebird Provisions(https://bluebirdprovisions.co/blogs/news/bone-broth-review).
