Your Guide on How to Prepare Store-Bought Bone Broth to Drink?

According to Healthline, bone broth is a highly nutritious stock that contains collagen and minerals and can potentially aid gut health and inflammation. To get these benefits conveniently, it's easy to learn how to prepare store-bought bone broth to drink and customize it to your liking.

Quick Summary

This article outlines simple methods for heating and flavoring store-bought bone broth to enjoy as a warm beverage. It details easy seasoning additions, discusses advanced techniques for more complex flavors, and compares the convenience of store-bought options with homemade preparation.

Key Points

• Start Simple: The easiest method is to heat the bone broth gently on the stovetop or quickly in the microwave and enjoy it plain.

• Season Wisely: Taste your store-bought broth before adding salt, as many brands contain high levels of sodium.

• Use Fresh Add-ins: Enhance flavor with fresh aromatics like ginger, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, invigorating taste.

• Boost with Fat: Add a spoonful of healthy fat like ghee or coconut oil for a richer, more satisfying, and filling beverage, perfect for keto diets.

• Transform into a Meal: Turn your sippable broth into a mini-meal by adding cooked meat, vegetables, or an egg.

• Enjoy Mindfully: Sip your warmed bone broth as a calming daily ritual, perfect for the morning or evening.

For many, the prospect of simmering bones for hours is a time-consuming task, but thanks to the wide availability of store-bought bone broth, you don't have to sacrifice a nutritious, warm beverage. Pre-made bone broth provides a convenient shortcut, allowing you to enjoy the potential benefits of collagen, protein, and minerals with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a basic, comforting sip or a complex, savory infusion, a few simple steps can elevate your boxed or powdered broth into a delicious and satisfying drink.

The Easiest Method: Heat and Sip

For the quickest and most straightforward way to enjoy your broth, a simple heat-and-sip approach is all you need. This method focuses on gentle warming to bring out the natural flavors without overcooking or destroying delicate notes.

Stovetop Heating (Recommended)

Using the stovetop is generally the preferred method, as it allows for more control over the temperature and ensures the broth heats evenly.

1. Pour: Measure out your desired amount of bone broth from the carton or container into a small saucepan.
2. Heat Gently: Place the pan over medium-low heat. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil, as this can degrade some nutrients and negatively affect the flavor.
3. Stir and Taste: Stir occasionally and heat until the broth is warmed through. If adding any seasonings, add them during this process to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve: Once hot, pour into your favorite mug and enjoy. For a smooth finish, some prefer to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, though this is optional.

Microwave Heating (For Speed)

If you are short on time, the microwave offers a fast alternative, though it provides less control over the final temperature.

1. Use a Mug: Pour the bone broth into a microwave-safe mug.
2. Heat in Intervals: Heat for 60–90 seconds. To prevent overheating, heat in 30-second bursts and stir in between until the desired temperature is reached.

Beyond the Basics: Flavor Enhancements

Even the most basic store-bought broth can be transformed with a few additions. Don't be afraid to experiment to find your favorite flavor profile.

Simple Add-ins for a Flavor Boost

• Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper can make a huge difference, enhancing the broth's natural savory notes. Taste the broth first, as many store-bought options are already high in sodium.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley during heating. Remove before drinking.
• Garlic and Ginger: Mince a clove of garlic and grate a small amount of fresh ginger for a zesty, invigorating flavor.
• Acidic Notes: A small squeeze of lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor and cuts through any richness.

More Complex Flavor Customization

For a more gourmet experience, try creating a specific flavor profile by combining different ingredients.

• Umami Bomb: Stir in a teaspoon of miso paste, a splash of soy sauce, or a few rehydrated dried mushrooms for a deep, savory boost.
• Spicy Kick: For a warming effect, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some sliced chilies.
• Herbal Brew: Gently simmer the broth with a mixture of aromatics like bruised lemongrass, star anise, or cinnamon for a comforting, complex brew.

Transform Your Broth into a Hearty Mini-Meal

If you want more than just a simple beverage, you can turn your warmed bone broth into a more substantial snack or meal component.

Boost with Healthy Fats

Adding healthy fats not only adds flavor but also makes the broth more filling and satisfying, which is perfect for keto or intermittent fasting.

• Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: Adds a creamy richness.
• Coconut Oil or MCT Oil: For a quick energy boost.
• Avocado Oil: Adds a smooth, mellow flavor.
• Beef Tallow: Enhances the savory notes of beef bone broth.

Note: Use a whisk or blender to emulsify the fat into the broth for a creamy texture.

Add Protein and Vegetables

Turn your broth into a light soup by adding cooked elements.

• Shredded Chicken or Beef: Use leftover cooked meat for a quick, protein-packed addition.
• Soft Vegetables: Simmer finely diced carrots, celery, or spinach in the broth until tender.
• Egg Drop: Whisk an egg and slowly pour it into the simmering broth, stirring constantly to create silky ribbons.

Store-Bought Broth: Basic vs. Elevated

Feature	Basic Preparation	Elevated Preparation
Time	5 minutes	10-15 minutes
Equipment	Small saucepan or microwave	Small saucepan, fine-mesh sieve
Ingredients	Store-bought bone broth	Broth plus herbs, spices, fat, and acidic elements
Flavor Profile	Depends on brand; potentially bland or overly salty	Rich, customized, and balanced
Complexity	Minimal effort, fast	Requires more attention and ingredients
Best For	A quick, warm-up sip	A mindful moment, or a meal base

Conclusion

Preparing store-bought bone broth to drink is a simple and versatile way to enjoy a nutritious beverage without the time commitment of making it from scratch. Whether you prefer a quick, plain sip or a deeply flavored, fortified cup, the basic steps of gentle heating and selective seasoning allow for complete customization. By knowing how to prepare it, you can easily incorporate this soothing and beneficial liquid into your daily routine. For more information on the potential health advantages, Healthline offers a comprehensive guide to bone broth's nutrients and benefits.

How to Drink Bone Broth: Your Recipe for Success

To make a delicious and warming mug of bone broth, it's a simple process of heating, tasting, and customizing. Follow this easy recipe to enhance your store-bought broth with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups store-bought bone broth
• Pinch of high-quality salt (optional, based on the product's sodium content)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Flavor enhancers (choose one or a few):
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • Minced fresh ginger
  • Pinch of turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk or ghee
  • 1 tsp miso paste
  • Sprig of fresh rosemary

Instructions

1. Heat the Broth: Pour your bone broth into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling. If using a microwave, heat in a mug for 60-90 seconds.
2. Taste Test: Before adding salt, take a small sip to gauge the natural sodium and flavor of your specific broth brand.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in any desired flavor enhancers. If using dried spices like turmeric or ginger, add them while heating. For fresh herbs, add them near the end of heating and allow them to steep for a few minutes.
4. Emulsify Fat: If you add a fat like ghee or coconut oil, use a whisk or milk frother to thoroughly mix it into the hot liquid for a creamy consistency.
5. Season to Taste: Finish with salt and black pepper to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, so start with a small pinch.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour into a mug and sip mindfully, savoring the enhanced flavors. This warm, nourishing beverage is perfect any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to heat up store-bought bone broth?

The best way to heat store-bought bone broth is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. This allows for even heating and gives you an opportunity to add seasonings. For a faster option, use a microwave, heating in short bursts.

How can I make my store-bought bone broth taste better?

To make your bone broth taste better, add seasonings like fresh ginger, garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of black pepper. You can also boost umami with miso paste or soy sauce, or add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Should I add salt to store-bought bone broth?

Taste your broth first. Many store-bought broths are high in sodium, so adding more salt might make it too salty. If it's unsalted or low-sodium, a pinch of high-quality salt can enhance the flavor.

Can I drink store-bought bone broth cold?

While technically safe to drink cold, store-bought bone broth often has a gelatinous texture when cold, making it more pleasant to consume when warmed or hot. Heating it releases its full aroma and flavor.

How long does store-bought bone broth last after opening?

Once opened, store-bought bone broth should be refrigerated and consumed within 7 to 10 days. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.

What is the best time of day to drink bone broth?

You can drink bone broth at any time of day. Many people enjoy a mug in the morning to start their day, while others prefer it in the afternoon as a pick-me-up or in the evening to wind down.

Are there any side effects to drinking bone broth?

Most people can safely drink bone broth daily. However, some store-bought varieties can be high in sodium. Individuals with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure should consult their doctor first.