What is the Healthiest Store-Bought Bone Broth?

According to nutrition experts, a healthy bone broth should be made from high-quality animal bones, contain no artificial additives, and have a moderate sodium content. We explore what factors make a store-bought bone broth truly healthy and which brands meet the highest standards.

Quick Summary

This article examines what criteria define a truly healthy bone broth and compares several top store-bought brands, evaluating their ingredients, nutritional profiles, and sourcing practices. The analysis will help consumers make an informed decision based on quality and dietary needs.

Key Points

• Source High-Quality Bones: Look for broths made with bones from pasture-raised, grass-fed, or organic animals to avoid antibiotics and hormones.

• Check for Low Sodium: To support heart health and control your seasoning, choose low-sodium or unsalted bone broth options.

• Avoid Additives and Fillers: The healthiest options have a short, simple ingredient list with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or thickening agents.

• Compare Protein and Gelatin: A high protein count and gelatinous texture when chilled indicate a nutrient-dense, quality broth.

• Choose the Right Format: Depending on your needs, consider frozen (Bonafide Provisions for homemade feel), powder (Bluebird Provisions for low sodium), or shelf-stable (Kettle & Fire for convenience).

• Consider Special Needs: If you have digestive sensitivities, brands like Gourmend Foods offer low FODMAP certified options.

Decoding the 'Healthy' Label in Bone Broth

Choosing a high-quality bone broth from the store can be challenging, with many products claiming health benefits. To identify the healthiest store-bought bone broth, it's important to look beyond marketing and focus on key factors such as ingredient quality, sodium levels, and processing methods. The best broths are typically simmered for extended periods to extract maximum nutrients and are free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and thickeners like gums.

Key Criteria for a Healthful Bone Broth

When evaluating a store-bought bone broth, consider these essential elements:

• Quality of Bones: The source of the bones is paramount. Look for terms like "pasture-raised," "grass-fed," or "organic" to ensure the animals were raised without antibiotics or hormones, which can affect the final product's quality.
• Ingredient Purity: A short, simple ingredient list is often best. The most nourishing broths contain little more than bones, water, vegetables, and herbs. Be wary of products with a long list of additives, flavor enhancers, or yeast extract.
• Low Sodium: Many commercial broths are high in sodium. For health benefits, particularly heart health, opt for low-sodium or unsalted versions, allowing you to control the seasoning yourself.
• High Protein and Gelatin Content: A sign of a high-quality, properly simmered broth is its gelatinous texture when chilled. This indicates a higher concentration of beneficial collagen and amino acids. Look for brands that list a higher protein count per serving.
• Packaging: Shelf-stable broths often use Tetra Pak cartons, while others are sold frozen. Consider eco-friendly options like glass jars (used by FOND) which also eliminate potential plastic contamination.

Comparison of Leading Store-Bought Bone Broths

Feature	Kettle & Fire	Bonafide Provisions	Gourmend Foods	Bluebird Provisions	FOND Bone Broth
Availability	Widely available (Tetra Pak)	Frozen in many stores	Online order, select stores	Online order (powder)	Online order, select stores
Sourcing	Organic, grass-fed/free-range	Organic, free-range	Certified Organic, grass-fed	Pasture-raised (powder)	Regenerative grass-fed
Product Type	Liquid (shelf-stable)	Liquid (frozen)	Liquid (frozen or shelf)	Powdered	Liquid (glass jars)
Key Benefit	Versatile, great flavor	Excellent gelation	Low FODMAP, digestive health	Low sodium, high protein	Botanical infusions, AIP
Additives	Minimal, vegetable-based	None	None, uses low-FODMAP veg	None (simple ingredients)	None (focus on herbs)
Protein/Cup	~10g	~10g	Varies	12g (reconstituted)	11-14g (varies)

In-Depth Look at Top Contenders

Bonafide Provisions Organic Chicken Bone Broth: This frozen bone broth is consistently praised for its homemade-style quality and robust gelation. The use of organic, free-range chicken bones and simple, traditional ingredients like apple cider vinegar results in a clean, flavorful, and nutrient-dense product. Since it is frozen, it retains its freshness and nutritional integrity exceptionally well. Its commitment to quality means no shortcuts, making it a reliable and healthy choice.

Bluebird Provisions Chicken Bone Broth Powder: For those prioritizing convenience and minimal sodium, Bluebird Provisions is an excellent option. This powder has a high protein content and is made with just filtered water and pasture-raised chicken bones, ensuring a clean product with no fillers or additives. Its low sodium count (130mg per serving) and high protein (12g per cup) make it an impressive contender, especially for those watching their salt intake or seeking a protein boost.

Gourmend Foods Bone Broths: A standout for individuals with digestive sensitivities, Gourmend offers low FODMAP certified bone broths. They substitute high-FODMAP ingredients like onions and garlic with gut-friendly alternatives while still delivering a rich, satisfying flavor. Made with USDA Organic, grass-fed beef and humanely raised chickens, this brand is dedicated to clean, gentle, and transparent sourcing. This is an ideal choice for anyone on a strict elimination diet.

Kettle & Fire Bone Broth: One of the most widely available brands, Kettle & Fire offers a solid shelf-stable option. Their broths are made with organic ingredients and slow-simmered for up to 20 hours. While their sodium can be higher than others, they offer a variety of flavors and are Whole30, Paleo, and Keto friendly. Their widespread availability makes them a reliable, accessible choice for many consumers. For a quality pantry-friendly broth, this brand delivers consistency and flavor.

FOND Regenerative Beef Bone Broth: FOND uses regenerative and organic practices, offering a high-quality, flavorful broth in glass jars. Their unflavored version provides a clean base with 11 grams of protein per cup. They focus on simple, clean ingredients without fillers. The glass jar packaging is an added bonus for environmental and health-conscious consumers who want to avoid plastics. It is a premium product for those willing to pay more for exceptional quality and ethical sourcing.

Making Your Final Choice

Ultimately, what constitutes the 'healthiest' option depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize freshness and a homemade feel, a frozen brand like Bonafide Provisions might be best. For low sodium and high protein on the go, Bluebird Provisions powder is a top choice. Those with sensitive stomachs will find Gourmend Foods' low FODMAP products invaluable, while Kettle & Fire offers an accessible and reliable organic product. Consumers focused on environmental impact and quality sourcing might prefer FOND in glass jars. Carefully reading the label for ingredients, protein, and sodium content is the most reliable way to ensure you are getting a truly beneficial product. Remember that the healthiest option is the one that best fits your dietary goals and lifestyle.

Conclusion

When seeking the healthiest store-bought bone broth, consumers should prioritize brands with high-quality sourcing (organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised), minimal additives, and low sodium. Based on reviews and expert analysis, brands like Bonafide Provisions, Bluebird Provisions, Gourmend Foods, and FOND consistently rank highly for quality and purity. While shelf-stable options like Kettle & Fire offer convenience, scrutinizing labels is key to ensuring you get a nutrient-rich product. By understanding your specific health goals, you can select a bone broth that provides maximum nutritional benefits without unnecessary fillers. For a more detailed comparison of ingredients and sourcing practices, reviewing product details on company websites, like Kettle & Fire's site, can be helpful.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary factor to look for when choosing the healthiest store-bought bone broth?

The most important factor is the quality of the ingredients, especially the source of the bones. Opt for broths made from organic, pasture-raised, or grass-fed bones to ensure a clean, nutrient-rich product free from unwanted additives.

Are shelf-stable bone broths as healthy as frozen ones?

Shelf-stable broths can be healthy, but frozen broths like Bonafide Provisions often maintain a fresher taste and robust gelation, indicating high nutrient retention. However, quality shelf-stable brands like Kettle & Fire offer great organic options.

Why is low sodium important in bone broth?

Many commercial broths contain high levels of sodium. Choosing a low-sodium bone broth is beneficial for heart health and gives you full control over the salt content when you use it for cooking or sipping.

How can I tell if a bone broth has a good amount of collagen?

When a high-quality bone broth is properly simmered and refrigerated, it should form a jelly-like, gelatinous consistency. While not a perfect indicator, this suggests a high concentration of beneficial collagen and gelatin has been extracted.

Which bone broth is best for people with digestive issues?

For individuals with sensitive stomachs or following a low-FODMAP diet, brands like Gourmend Foods are an excellent choice. Their broths are specifically formulated to be free from common digestive triggers like onion and garlic.

Is powdered bone broth a healthy option?

Yes, high-quality powdered bone broths, such as Bluebird Provisions, are a very healthy and convenient option. They typically offer high protein, low sodium, and are free from additives, making them great for travel or quick protein boosts.

Do I need to refrigerate store-bought bone broth?

Whether you need to refrigerate depends on the packaging. Shelf-stable cartons (like Kettle & Fire) do not require refrigeration until after they are opened. Frozen broths (like Bonafide Provisions) must be kept in the freezer.